English
6
7
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.
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.
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.
Plastics
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
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.
