The first time using your HOTLOGIC® can be is as simple as placing a frozen dinner still in its box directly on the plate, plugging it in, zipping the bag shut and waiting 1½ to 2 hours. The second most simple way to use it, is to put leftovers in a heat-safe container, place them in the bag and plug in to heat for about 1½ hours. The amount of time is takes to heat depends on the density of the food and its starting temperature: room temperature, 40ºF or frozen.
Adapting to How Your HOTLOGIC® Works
It does require a learning curve to adapt to cooking with this appliance. The HOTLOGIC® does not get hot enough to cook some grains and vegetables, such as rice, pasta and potatoes. Using pre-cooked versions is how to adapt to this limitation.
The heating/cooking time is long since the temperature is low, and the heating is done by conduction. The HOTLOGIC® site says, “It generally takes less than 1 hour to heat refrigerated food and 2 hours for frozen food.” You may find that it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour longer to heat fully. It is okay to leave the food in for hours.
In spite of the humidity within the HOTLOGIC®, is will warm pizza, bread, rolls and tortillas well. You may need to do a bit of trial-and-error experimenting to find the method that works best for you. Place pizzas on parchment paper, a paper towel or a grilling mat directly on the heating plate. Place rolls on top of the container or wrapped in foil or a paper towel.
Also, you need to be aware that it generally, cannot brown food. Browning food is called the Maillard reaction. Although, the reaction can occur at lower temperatures, the delicious taste we associate with the Maillard reaction usually starts above 300ºF. Since the HOTLOGIC® does not get that hot, it can never achieve the delicious caramelization of food. You can use a chef torch to brown your food before or after using the HOTLOGIC® to cook your food.
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First Time Using Your Hot Logic