19
COOKING UTENSILS
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 you browning dish.
• Microwaveable 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, paper plates, napkins and cups - Use for short term heating and covering; they absorb
excess moisture and prevent spattering. Always attend the oven closely. Only use to absorb fat and
moisture when warming food. Pay special attention as over-heating may cause a fire in your oven. Do not
use re-cycled paper products, e.g. kitchen roll unless they say they are specifically designed for use in a
microwave oven. These products contain impurities which may cause sparks and/or fires when used.
• 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.
• Microwave cling film, microwave roasting bags - Microwave cling film and bags must be vented
for steam to escape, pierce in 4~5 places. Do not use plastic or metal ties as they may melt or catch
fire due to electrical ‘arcing’.
Limited Use
• Aluminum foil - Use narrow strips of foil to prevent overcooking of exposed areas. Using too much
toil 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 metalic trim.
• Plastic - Use only if labeled “Microwave Safe.” Other plastics can melt.
• Thin plastic, paper, straw and wooden containers - Always attend the oven closely. Look at the oven from
time to time when cooking or reheating food in disposable containers of plastic, paper or other combustible
material. Only use for warming food. Pay special attention as over-heating may cause a fire in your oven.
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.
Only use utensils that are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
UTENSILS TEST
Place the utensil in question next to a glass measure filled with water, in the microwave oven.
Microwave at high power for 1-2 minutes. If the water heats up, but the utensil remains cool, the
utensil is microwave-safe. However if the utensil becomes warm, microwaves are being absorbed by
the utensil and it should not be in the microwave oven. You probably have many items on hand in your
kitchen right now that can be used as cooking equipment in your microwave oven. Read through the
following checklist.
