Reheating Your Meal

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Reheating Your Meal

The Art of the Perfect Plate

While we’ve mastered the science of the "Fresh-Frozen" process, the final magic happens in your kitchen. Every element of our dishes—from the way a sauce reduces to how a vegetable retains its snap—is precisely calibrated to peak the moment you sit down to eat.

A Guided Experience, Not a Rigid Rule The instructions on our packaging are the result of rigorous testing in the Proper Plates kitchen. However, we know that every home appliance has its own unique "personality." Think of our timings as a professional guideline rather than a strict rule.

Finding Your "Proper" Setting Depending on your specific oven or microwave, you may find that a slightly shorter rest or a subtle adjustment in temperature brings out the best in your favorite dish. We encourage a little culinary curiosity—whether that's leaving the lid off for a crispier finish or using a lower wattage for a more delicate heat.

Because at the end of the day, it isn't just a meal; it’s your dinner.

  • Mastering the Microwave You have the biggest impact on your dinner's quality through wattage control. For the best results, avoid the highest settings. A lower wattage gives our hand-prepared ingredients time to heat thoroughly without losing their natural moisture.

    The 80% Rule: Many modern microwaves use power levels (P-levels). Setting your 900W microwave to P80 ensures a steady 720W flow—ideal for our Shepherd’s Pie or Linguine.

    Double Plating: Unlike an oven, a microwave divides its power. If you are heating two Proper Plates at once, remember to add the individual heating times together (e.g., 5 mins + 5 mins = 10 mins).

  • Elevating the Experience: Oven & Air Fryer Finishing

    While the microwave offers speed, the oven is the secret to a true "Bistro" finish. All Proper Plates can be prepared directly from the freezer—it simply requires a little more time to unlock the full depth of flavor.

    The Golden Rule for Oven Heating For a standard 450g portion, we recommend 50 to 60 minutes at 150°C. Our trays are fully oven-safe up to 180°C.

    • Small Oven/Air Fryer Tip: If your heating element is very close to the tray (common in smaller air fryers), lower the temperature to 100°C to prevent the packaging from overheating.

    To Lid or Not to Lid? The choice depends on the "soul" of the dish:

    • For the Crisp & Golden: If you’re enjoying a dish that benefits from a crust (like our Lasagna or Shepherd’s Pie), remove the lid entirely to let the top brown beautifully.

    • For the Creamy & Velvety: For dishes like Risotto or Pasta, keep the lid on. This allows the meal to "steam-cook" in its own juices, keeping it moist. No need to pierce the film—just give it a gentle stir halfway through to ensure the center is perfectly heated.

    The "Chef’s Shortcut" (Hybrid Method) If you want that oven-browned finish without the hour-long wait, you can combine methods. Defrost your meal in the microwave for a few minutes to break the chill, then finish it in a hot oven or air fryer for 10–15 minutes to achieve that signature golden crust.

Mastering the Heat: Pro-Tips & Common Queries

Achieving that "fresh-from-the-bistro" quality is simple, but a few small adjustments can make a world of difference. Here is how to avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your Proper Plate.

The "Proper" Pro-Tips

  • The Rest Period: Once the timer goes off, let your meal sit for 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the heat to redistribute and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring the perfect consistency.

  • Stirring for Success: For pasta or risotto, give it a gentle stir halfway through heating. This breaks up any "cold spots" and ensures every bite is as hot as the last.

  • Plate it Up: While our trays are convenient, transferring your meal to a warm ceramic plate instantly elevates the dining experience. We eat with our eyes first!

Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

  • The "High-Heat" Trap: Don't be tempted to use the "Max" setting on your microwave to save time. This often toughens the protein and dries out the edges while leaving the center cold. Patience (and a lower wattage) is the secret ingredient.

  • Ignoring the Lid: If the instructions suggest keeping the lid on, it’s to preserve moisture. Removing it too early can lead to a dry meal, unless you are deliberately aiming for a crispy oven-baked crust.

  • Overcrowding the Microwave: Heating two meals at once without adjusting the time is the most common reason for lukewarm results. Always remember: Double the meals, double the minutes.

Did You Know?

Our flash-freezing process locks in nutrients at their peak. By following the "low and slow" heating method, you are effectively "re-activating" those flavors without damaging the nutritional integrity (Nutri-Score A/B) of the ingredients.