Cooking Utensils
25
MICROWAVE UTENSIL GUIDE
Recommended Use
•
Glass and glass-ceramic bowls and dishes
— Use
for heating or cooking.
•
Microwave Browning dish
— Use to brown the
exterior of small items such as steaks, chops, or
pancakes. Follow the directions provided with your
Browning dish.
•
Microwavable plastic wrap
— Use to retain steam.
Leave a small opening for some steam to escape and
avoid placing it directly on the food.
•
Wax paper
— Use as a cover to prevent spattering.
•
Paper towels and napkins
— Use for short-term
heating and covering; they absorb excess moisture and
prevent spattering. Do not use recycled paper towels,
which may contain metal and can catch fire.
•
Paper plates and cups
— Use for short-term heating
at low temperatures. Do not use recycled paper, which
may contain metal and can catch fire.
•
Thermometers
— Use only those labeled “Microwave
Safe.” and follow all directions. Check the food in several
places. Conventional thermometers may be used once
the food has been removed from the oven.
Limited Use
•
Aluminum foil
— Use narrow strips of foil to prevent
overcooking of exposed areas. Keep the foil no more
than 1-2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Using too much
foil can damage your oven, so be careful.
•
Ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware
— Use these if
they are labeled “Microwave Safe.” If they are not
labeled, test them to make sure they can be used safely.
Never use dishes with metallic trim.
•
Plastic
— Use only if labeled “Microwave Safe.” Other
plastics can melt.
•
Straw, wicker, and wood
— Use only for short-term
heating, as they can be flammable.
Not Recommended
•
Glass jars and bottles
— Regular glass is too thin to
be used in a microwave, and can shatter.
•
Paper bags
— These are a fire hazard, except for
popcorn bags that are designed for microwave use.
•
Styrofoam plates and cups
— These can melt and
leave an unhealthy residue on food.
•
Plastic storage and food containers
— Containers
such as margarine tubs can melt in the microwave.
•
Metal utensils
— These can damage your oven.
Remove all metal before cooking.
Testing Utensils
If you are not sure whether a dish is microwave-safe or
not, you can perform this test:
1 . Fill a glass measuring cup with water and put it
inside your oven, next to the dish you want to test.
2 . Touch the
Add 30sec
. button once to heat them for
30 seconds at High power.
The water should be warm and the dish you are testing
should be cool. If the dish is warm, then it is absorbing
microwave energy and is not acceptable for use in the
microwave.
