9
Cookware and Dinnerware
Cookware and dinnerware must fit on the turntable. Always use
oven mitts or pot holders when handling because any dish may
become hot from heat transferred from the food. Do not use
cookware and dinnerware with gold or silver trim. Use the
following chart as a guide, then test before using.
To Test Cookware or Dinnerware for Microwave Use:
1. Place cookware or dinnerware in microwave oven with
1 cup (250 mL) of water beside it.
2. Cook at 100% cooking power for 1 minute.
Do not use cookware or dinnerware if it becomes hot and the
water stays cool.
Aluminum Foil and Metal
Always use oven mitts or pot holders when removing dishes from
the microwave oven.
Aluminum foil and some metal can be used in the microwave
oven. If not used properly, arcing (a blue flash of light) can occur
and cause damage to the microwave oven.
OK for Use
Racks and bakeware supplied with the microwave oven (on some
models), aluminum foil for shielding, and approved meat
thermometers may be used with the following guidelines:
■
To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not allow
aluminum foil or metal to touch the inside cavity walls,
ceiling or floor.
■
Always use the turntable.
■
To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not allow
contact with another metal object during microwave cooking.
Do Not Use
Metal cookware and bakeware, gold, silver, pewter, non-
approved meat thermometers, skewers, twist ties, foil liners
such as sandwich wrappers, staples and objects with gold or
silver trim or a metallic glaze should not be used in the
microwave oven.
Microwave Cooking Power
Many recipes for microwave cooking specify which cooking
power to use by percent or name. For example, PL7=70%=
Medium-High.
One of the power icons (see “Function Icons” in the “Display”
section) will flash during manual cooking, depending on the
power level of the cycle. To see the exact power level during a
cooking cycle, touch POWER LEVEL. The display will briefly
show the current power level, then will return to the cooking
countdown.
Use the following chart as a general guide for the suggested
cooking power of specific foods.
MATERIAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
Aluminum Foil,
Metal
See “Aluminum Foil and Metal” section.
Browning Dish
Bottom must be at least 3/16" (5 mm)
above the turntable. Follow manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Ceramic Glass,
Glass
Acceptable for use.
China,
Earthenware
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Melamine
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Paper: Towels,
Dinnerware,
Napkins
Use nonrecycled and those approved by
the manufacturer for microwave oven use.
Plastic: Wraps,
Bags, Covers,
Dinnerware,
Containers
Use those approved by the manufacturer
for microwave oven use.
Pottery and Clay
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Silicone
Bakeware
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Straw, Wicker,
Wooden
Containers
Do not use in microwave oven.
Wax Paper
Acceptable for use.
PERCENT/NAME
USE
100%, High, PL10
(default setting)
Quick heating convenience foods and
foods with high water content, such as
soups, beverages and most vegetables.
90%, PL9
Cooking small, tender pieces of meat,
ground meat, poultry pieces and fish fillets.
Heating cream soups.
80%, PL8
Heating rice, pasta or stirrable casseroles.
Cooking and heating foods that need a
cook power lower than high. For example,
whole fish and meat loaf.
70%, Medium-
High, PL7
Reheating a single serving of food.
60%, PL6
Cooking sensitive foods such as cheese
and egg dishes, pudding and custards.
Cooking non-stirrable casseroles, such as
lasagna.
50%, Medium,
PL5
Cooking ham, whole poultry and pot
roasts.
Simmering stews.
40%, PL4
Melting chocolate.
Heating bread, rolls and pastries.
30%, Medium-
Low, Defrost, PL3
Defrosting bread, fish, meats, poultry and
precooked foods.
20%, PL2
Softening butter, cheese, and ice cream.
10%, Low, PL1
Taking chill out of fruit.
