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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 High
. 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 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
High
power. 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 dis
fi
guration 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
fi
rst. 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 re
fl
ected 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
fi
nished. 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
fi
lled 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.
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