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UTENSILS IN THE MICROWAVE
MATERIALS TO BE AVOIDED IN THE MICROWAVE OVEN
Utensils
Remarks
Aluminum 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. Metal trim may
cause arcing.
Metal twist ties
May cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven.
Paper bags
May 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 when used in the microwave oven and may
split or crack.
Utensil Test
1. Fill a microwave-safe container with 1 cup of cold water (250ml) along with the utensil in question.
2. Cook on maximum power for 1 minute.
3. Carefully feel the utensil. If the empty utensil is warm, do not use it for microwave cooking.
4. Do not exceed 1 minute cooking time.
MATERIALS YOU CAN USE IN THE MICROWAVE OVEN
Utensils
Remarks
Aluminium foil
Shielding only. Small smooth pieces can be used to cover thin parts of meat or
poultry to prevent overcooking. Arcing can occur if foil is too close to oven walls.
The foil should be at least 1 inch (2.5cm) away from oven walls.
Browning dish
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. The bottom of browning dish must be at least
3/16 inch (5mm) above the turntable. Incorrect usage may cause the turntable to
break.
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 and cups
Use for short–term cooking/warming only. Do not leave oven unattended while
cooking.
Paper towels
Use to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use with supervision for a short-
term cooking only.
Parchment paper
Use as a cover to prevent splattering or a wrap for steaming.
Plastic
Microwave-safe only. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Should be labeled
"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.
Thermometers
Microwave-safe only (meat and candy thermometers).
Wax paper
Use as a cover to prevent splattering and retain moisture.
