When unsure that a cooking
con tainer is suitable for use in
your microwave, check by the
follow ing test:
1. Fill a microwave safe
measur ing jug with 300ml
(
1⁄2
pt) cold water.
2. Place it on the turntable
along side the dish to be
tested. If the dish you are
testing is a large dish, then
stand the measur ing jug on
top of the empty dish.
3. Heat on HIGH power for
1 minute.
Result
If the dish is suitable for micro -
waving, it will remain cool,
whilst the water in the jug will
begin to feel warm. If the
testing dish feels warm, do not
use as it is obvious ly
absorbing microwave energy.
N.B. This test does not apply
to plastic or metal based
con tainers e.g. Le Creuset
®
style dishes, which should not
be used as they are cast iron
covered with enamel.
Containers to use
OVEN GLASS
Glass that is heat
resistant e.g. Pyrex
®
,
is ideal.
Do not use delicate
glass which may crack
due to the heat from
the food. Do not use
lead crystal which may
crack or arc.
CHINA AND CERAMIC
Glazed china plates,
saucers, bowls, mugs
and cups can be used
if they are heat
resistant. Porcelain
and ceramic are also
ideal. Fine bone china
should only be used
for reheating for short
periods, otherwise the change in tempera ture
may crack the dish or craze the finish. Do not
use dishes with a metal rim or pattern. Do not
use jugs or mugs with glued handles, since the
glue can melt in a microwave.
POTTERY, EARTHENWARE,
STONEWARE
Only use if completely
glazed. Do not use if
partially glazed or
unglazed, as they are
able to absorb water
which will absorb
microwave energy,
making the container
very hot and slowing
food.
FOIL/METAL CONTAINERS
NEVER ATTEMPT TO
COOK IN FOIL OR
METAL con tai ners –
the microwaves cannot
pass through and the
food will not heat
evenly – this may also
damage your oven.
Use wooden kebab
sticks instead of metal skewers.
Quick Check Guide to Cooking Utensils
Choosing the correct container is a very important factor in deciding the success or failure of your
cooking.
Testing Dishes for Suitability
13
PLASTIC
Many plastic containers are designed for
microwave use. Only use Tupperware
®
containers if they are designed for microwave
use. Do not use Melamine as it will scorch. Do
not use plastic for cooking foods high in sugar or
fat or foods that require long cooking times e.g.
brown rice. Never cook in margarine containers
or yogurt pots, as these will melt with the heat
from the food.
PAPER
Plain white kitchen paper (kitchen towel) can
be used for covering blind pastry cases and for
cover ing bacon to prevent splattering ONLY
USE FOR SHORT COOKING TIMES. NEVER
RE-USE A PIECE OF KITCHEN TOWEL. Avoid
kitchen paper containing manmade fibres.
Check that branded re-cycled kitchen towel is
recommended for microwave use. Do not use
waxed or plastic coated cups as the finish may
melt in the oven. Greaseproof paper can be
used to line the base of dishes and to cover
fatty foods. White paper plates can be used for
SHORT RE HEATING TIMES.
WICKER, WOOD, STRAW BASKETS
Do not use these items in your microwave.
With continued use and with prolonged
exposure they will crack and could ignite. Do
not use wooden dishes in your microwave.
CLING FILM
Use microwave cling film to cover food that is
to be reheated, or cooked, taking care to avoid
the film being in direct contact with the food.
ALUMINIUM FOIL
Small amounts of smooth aluminium foil can be
used to SHIELD joints of meat during
defrosting and cooking. As the microwaves
cannot pass through the foil this prevents the
shielded parts from overcooking or
overdefrosting. The foil must not touch the
sides or roof of the oven, as this may cause
arching and damage your oven.
ROASTING BAGS
These are useful when slit up one side to tent a
joint of meat when roasting by power and time.
Do not use the metal twists supplied.
Containers to use
Containers to use
11
