Microwaves allow you to set cooking times for up to 99 minutes primarily for convenience and flexibility. The ability to set longer cooking times is useful for various reasons:
Slow-cooking: Some recipes require longer cooking times at lower power levels to achieve the desired results. For example, slow-cooking certain dishes can enhance flavor and tenderness. Allowing extended cooking times accommodates these types of culinary techniques.
Large quantities: When preparing large quantities of food, such as for parties or events, longer cooking times may be necessary to ensure thorough heating or cooking of the entire batch.
Defrosting: Defrosting frozen foods can take longer than typical cooking times. Allowing for extended cooking time enables you to defrost larger or thicker items thoroughly.
Customization: Longer cooking times offer flexibility to customize cooking processes based on personal preferences and specific recipes. Different foods may require more time to reach the desired level of doneness or texture.
Convenience: Longer cooking times allow you to start cooking and forget about it until the timer is up. This convenience is particularly helpful when you have other tasks to attend to during the cooking process.
However, it's important to note that not all microwave ovens have a maximum cooking time of 99 minutes. The maximum cooking time can vary depending on the microwave model and brand. Some microwaves may have a shorter maximum cooking time, such as 30 or 60 minutes. Always refer to your microwave's user manual for specific guidelines and limitations.