Question

How long in the microwave oven (0.7 cu ft/700w) do I need to cook from refrigerator temp (+4C/36F) two 8oz beef pattys to get to well done (180F)?

Answer 1

To calculate the approximate cooking time for the beef patties in your microwave oven, you can use the following steps:

1. Determine the temperature difference: Find the temperature difference between the desired final internal temperature (180°F) and the initial refrigerator temperature (36°F). ΔT = 180°F - 36°F = 144°F

2. Calculate the cooking time using the specific heat and mass of the beef patties: Specific heat of beef ≈ 0.8 BTU/lb°F (or 1.7 J/g°C)

3. Convert the weight of the beef patties to grams: 8 oz = 8 * 28.35 g/oz ≈ 226.8 g

4. Calculate the total energy needed to heat the beef patties to the desired temperature: Energy = mass * specific heat * ΔT ≈ 226.8 g * 1.7 J/g°C * 144°F ≈ 55183.04 J

5. Convert the microwave's power to watts: 700 watts

6. Calculate the cooking time: Cooking time = Energy / Microwave power ≈ 55183.04 J / 700 watts ≈ 78.83 seconds

Therefore, you'll need to cook the two 8 oz beef patties in the microwave for approximately 79 seconds (or 1 minute and 19 seconds) to reach the well-done temperature of 180°F. Keep in mind that microwaves can vary, so it's a good idea to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer after microwaving to ensure it reaches 180°F throughout.