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CAUTION
To avoid burns, use protective gloves or pads when
removing dishes from oven. Some utensils become
hot while cooking.
Microwave Utensils
Cooking Hints
Never use cooking containers or covers with any metal
content. This includes all metal and enameled metalcore
ware, foil, and metal-trimmed containers. Suitable heating
containers include those made of paper products, glass,
china, cloth, and wicker baskets.
Recommended
Glass/ceramic
Natural fiber cloth
Non-recycled paper
Plastic
Wood
Not Recommended
Aluminum foil
Grocery bags
Recycled paper
Lead crystal
Newspapers
Metal
Metallic trimmed china
Utensil Check Test
Use the following test to check utensils for microwave
safeness.
1. Place glass measuring cup of water next to
empty dish to be tested in microwave oven.
2. Heat on full power for one minute.
3. Check temperature of dish and water.
• If dish remains cool and water is hot, dish is
microwave safe.
• If dish is slightly warm, use for short term cooking.
• If dish is hot and water is cool, do not use. Dish
remains cool if not absorbing microwaves and
microwaves are being absorbed by water. Dish
becomes hot if absorbing microwaves.
Cover foods for faster, more even heating. Glass lids,
plastic wrap, plate covers or other paper products may be
used. Do not seal. Instead, allow for steam-venting at all
times.
Pierce pouches, plastic wrap covers and all foods
with a thin skin or membrane, such as potatoes, squash,
tomatoes, eggs, etc. This prevents an eruption in the
oven and allows for expansion and/or the escape of
steam.
Foods should be carefully arranged. For best results,
arrange food such as vegetables or casserole-type items
evenly around the edge of the plate with slightly less
depth in the center. The edges of food items should not
overlap or overhang the rim of the container. Cover
meats with gravy or au jus and moisten all dry foods
other than bread or pastry items.
Do not stack food or plated dishes in your oven.
Instead, when heating more than one serving or platters,
all plates should be placed at the same level in the oven,
with space between all containers.
