11
Microwave Utensil Guide
Item
Use
Comments
Aluminum foil
For shielding
Small amounts or foil prevent overcooking of thin areas, edges and
corners. Arcing may occur if too much foil is used or if it is less than
1 inch from oven walls.
Browning dish
Yes
Check manufacturer's instructions for use and care. Do not preheat for
more than 4 minutes.
Ceramic, porcelain,
stoneware
Limited
Dinnerware with metal trim or designs may cause arcing. Older
dinnerware may not withstand the temperatures transferred from
cooked foods. Check for microwave-safe labeling, or perform the
"Microwave Utensil Test".
Glass-ceramic,
Oven-glass
Yes
Excellent for cooking and heating. Most items are labeled
"microwave-safe". Look for this when purchasing utensils.
Glass jars, dishes
No
Most items can not withstand the temperature transferred from cooked
foods and can break.
Paper bags
No
Do not use in microwave oven. May cause fire.
Paper plates, cups
Yes
For short-term heating at low temperatures. Do not use recycled paper
products; they may cause arcing or a fire. Do not use wax coated
paper products not intended for cooking; coating may melt.
Paper towels, napkins
Yes
Use for short-term heating and covering, to absorb moisture and
prevent spattering. Do not use recycled paper products; they may
cause arcing or fire.
Plastic cookware
Yes
Use only sturdy plastic products labeled "microwave-safe". Check
manufacturer's directions for microwave uses.
Plastic storage and
food containers
Limited
Check manufacturer's directions for microwave use of storage
containers. Food containers such as margarine tubs are not designed
to withstand the temperatures transferred from cooked foods, and may
melt.
Plastic wrap
Yes
Use only wrap labeled "microwave-safe". Use as a cover to hold in
steam. Cover dish loosely, turning back one corner to vent steam.
Avoid direct contact of wrap with food.
Straw, wicker, wood
Limited
Use for short-term heating at low temperatures, such as for serving
breads or rolls.
Foam plates, cups
Limited
Use for short-term heating at low temperatures. Using at high
temperatures or with foods high in fat will cause melting.
Thermometers
Yes
Candy and meat thermometers labeled "microwave-safe" may be used
in the microwave oven. Conventional candy and meat thermometers
may be used to check temperatures after removing food from oven.
Always check temperatures in several places in food.
Waxed paper
Yes
Use as a cover to prevent splattering.