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Cookware and Utensils Guide
It is important to use the correct container when
cooking in a microwave oven. The following will help
you make the right selection.
How to Test a Container for Safe
Microwave Oven Use
TO TEST A CONTAINER FOR SAFE MICROWAVE
OVEN USE
: Fill a 1-cup glass measure with cool water
and place it in the microwave oven alongside the empty
container to be tested;
heat one (1) minute at 1000 W
.
If the container is microwave ovensafe )transparent
to microwave energy(, the container should remain
comfortably cool, the water in glass measure should
be hot. If the container is hot, it has absorbed some
microwave energy and should NOT be used. This test
cannot be used for plastic containers.
Paper Products and Freezer Wrap
Waxed paper, paper plates, cups and napkins should
not be used for heating or cooking food. Freezer wrap
should not be used as it is not heat resistant and
may melt. Paper towel, greaseproof paper and bake
paper may be safely used for short periods of time for
covering or lining.
Glass, Ceramic and China
Heat-Resistant glass cookware
is invaluable in
microwave cooking. Many of these items are readily
available in most homes: glass jugs, mixing bowls, loaf
dishes, covered casseroles, oblong baking dishes, pie
plates and round or square cake dishes. Examples of
this type of cookware are Pyrex
®
and Corningware
®
.
Dinnerware
can be used for microwave heating.
Many brands of dinnerware are microwave safe.
Check the care information for reference to microwave
use for dinnerware and serving pieces. If dinnerware
is marked ovenproof, it frequently is safe to use in
the microwave oven. However, to be sure, check by
conducting microwave dish test previously mentioned.
Several types of glassware and dinnerware
are not
recommended for use in the microwave oven. Do not
use dishes with metallic trim or containers with metal
parts. Do not use cups or mugs with glued on handles,
as they may fall off with continued heating. Do not use
delicate glassware. Although the glassware may be
transparent to microwave energy the heat from the
food may cause the glassware to crack.
Plastic
Plastic dishes, cups and some freezer containers
should be used with care in a microwave oven.
Choose plastic containers carefully, as some plastic
containers may become soft, melt and may scorch.
The majority of plastic dishes, even those designed
for use in the microwave oven, are not suitable for
cooking foods with high fat or sugar content, or for
lengthy cooking times. Most microwave plastic dishes
should not be used for longer than 3 to 5 minutes
on
1000 W
. These dishes, although not suitable for
extended cooking, may be used successfully for
defrosting or for use on lower power levels.
Cooking Bags
designed to withstand boiling,
freezing, or conventional heating are microwave safe.
Prepare bags according to manufacturer’s directions.
When cooking by microwave, DO NOT use wire twist-
ties to close bag. They can act as an antenna and
cause arcing )sparks(.
DO NOT COOK IN PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE BAGS.
Plastic Wrap
such as GLAD WRAP
®
can be used
to cover dishes in most recipes. Over an extended
heating time, some disfiguration of the wrap may
occur. When removing plastic wrap “covers”, as well
as any glass lid, be careful to remove it away from you
to avoid steam burns.
Loosen plastic but let dish stand, covered.
Jars and Bottles
Jars and bottles can be used to warm food to serving
temperature, if the lid is removed first. Cooking should
not be done in these containers since most are not
heat resistant and during extended heating times,
heat from food would cause cracking or breaking.
Metal
Metal cookware or utensils, or those with metallic
trim, should NOT be used in the microwave. Since
microwave energy is reflected by metal, foods in
metal containers will not cook evenly. There is also a
possibility of “arcing”.
Although metal utensils should be avoided in microwave
cooking, some metal can be helpful when used correctly.
Aluminum foil can be used safely, if certain guidelines
are followed, to prevent overcooking. Small pieces of
foil are used to shield areas such as chicken wings,
tips of roasts, or other thin parts that cook before
the rest of the recipe is finished. Make sure foil is
attached securely and doesn’t touch sides of oven,
otherwise arcing may occur. Foil lined containers,
either cardboard or plastic, should NOT be used in the
microwave oven as arcing could occur.
Metal twist-ties, either paper or plastic coated, should
NOT be used in the microwave oven. Frozen dinner
trays can be used in the microwave, if the container
is no deeper than 2 cm and is filled with food. Metal
skewers can not be used in microwave ovens as
arcing may occur. Wooden skewers are readily
available and give the same result.
Shells
: Scalloped baking shells are best used during
reheating and for short periods of cooking time only.
Thermometers
are available for use in microwave
ovens. DO NOT USE CONVENTIONAL MERCURY
TYPE CANDY OR MEAT THERMOMETERS in food
while cooking in the microwave oven.
Straw, Wicker and Wood
Straw and wicker baskets may be used in the
microwave oven for short periods of time to warm
rolls or bread. Large wooden utensils, such as bowls
or cutting boards should NOT be used for prolonged
heating as the microwave energy may cause the
wood to become dry and brittle.
