Cookware Guide
To cook food in the microwave oven, the microwaves must be able to penetrate the food, without being reflected or absorbed by the dish
used. Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the cookware is marked microwave-safe, you do not need to worry. You
can test if the cookware is suitable for microwave oven in this way. Put the intended cookware together with a glass of water (300 ml) inside
the oven cavity, and then set the oven at the maximum stage for one minute.
A safe microwave cookware will be as cool as ever, while the water will absorb the energy and become warmer.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether and how they should be used in a microwave oven.
Materials You Can Use in a Microwave Oven
Cooking Accessories
Remarks
Aluminium foil
Shielding only. To prevent overcooking, use small, smooth pieces to cover the thin areas of meat or poultry.
Arcing can occur if the foil is too close to the oven walls. The foil should be at least 1 inch away from oven
walls.
China and earthenware
Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware and bone china are usually suitable, unless decorated with a metal trim.
Dinnerware
Microwave-safe only. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
Glass jars
Always remove lid. Use only to heat food until just warm. Most glass jars are not heat resistant and may break.
Glassware
Heat-resistant oven glassware only. Make sure there is no metallic trim. Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
Oven cooking bags
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not close with metal tie. Make slits to allow steam to escape.
Paper plates
Use microwave-safe plates only for short-term cooking/warming only. Do not leave oven unattended while
cooking.
Paper towels
Use microwave-safe paper towels only to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use with supervision for
short-term cooking only.
Parchment
Use as a cover to prevent spattering or a wrap paper for steaming.
Plastic containers
Use microwave-safe containers only. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Containers should be labelled
“Microwave-Safe.” Some plastic containers soften as the food inside gets hot. “Boiling bags” and tightly closed
plastic bags should be slit, pierced, or vented as directed by package.
Plastic wrap
Microwave-safe only. Use to cover food during cooking to retain moisture. Do not allow plastic wrap to touch
food.
Wax paper
Use a cover to prevent splattering and to help retain moisture.
Materials to Avoid in a Microwave Oven
Cooking Accessories
Remarks
Aluminium pan or tray
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Food carton with metal handle
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Metal or metal-trimmed utensils
Metal shields the food from microwave energy and may cause arcing.
Metal twist ties
May cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven.
Plastic foam
Plastic foam may melt or contaminate the liquid inside when exposed to high temperature.
Wood
Wood will dry out and may split. Avoid using wooden containers or utensils in the oven.
