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ENGLISH
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Cookware guide
To cook food in the microwave oven, the microwaves must be able to
penetrate the food, without being reflected or absorbed by the dish used.
Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the
cookware is marked microwave-safe, you do not need to worry.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether
and how they should be used in a microwave oven.
cookware
microwave-
Safe
comments
aluminium foil
✓ ✗
Can be used in small quantities to
protect areas against overcooking.
Arcing can occur if the foil is too
close to the oven wall or if too
much foil is used
browning plate
✓
Do not preheat for more than
eight minutes.
china and
earthenware
✓
Porcelain, pottery, glazed
earthenware and bone china are
usually suitable, unless decorated
with a metal trim.
disposable polyester
cardboard dishes
✓
Some frozen foods are packaged
in these dishes.
fast-food packaging
• Polystyrene cups
containers
✓
Can be used to warm food.
Overheating may cause the
polystyrene to melt.
• Paper bags or
newspaperr
✗
May catch fire.
• Recycled paper or
metal trims
✗
May cause arcing.
cookware
microwave-
Safe
comments
Glassware
• Oven-to-table ware
✓
Can be used, unless decorated
with a metal trim.
• Fine glassware
✓
Can be used to warm foods or
liquids. Delicate glass may break
or crack if heated suddenly.
• Glass jars
✓
Must remove the lid. Suitable for
warming only.
metal
• Dishes
✗
May cause arcing or fire.
• Freezer bag twist
ties
✗
Paper
• Plates, cups,
napkins and
Kitchen paper
✓
For short cooking times and
warming. Also to absorb excess
moisture.
• Recycled paper
✗
May cause arcing.
Plastic
• Containers
✓
Particularly if heat-resistant
thermoplastic. Some other
plastics may warp or discolour at
high temperatures.
Do not use Melamine plastic.
• Cling film
✓
Can be used to retain moisture.
Should not touch the food. Take
care when removing the film as
hot steam will escape.
• Freezer bags
✓ ✗
Only if boilable or oven-proof.
Should not be airtight. Prick with a
fork, if necessary.
wax or grease-proof
paper
✓
Can be used to retain moisture
and prevent spattering.
✓
: recommended
✓✗
: use caution
✗
: unsafe
Cooking guide
MICROWAVES
Microwave energy actually penetrates food, attracted and absorbed by its
water, fat and sugar content.
The microwaves cause the molecules in the food to move rapidly. The rapid
movement of these molecules creates friction and the resulting heat cooks
the food.
COOKING
Cookware for microwave cooking:
Cookware must allow microwave energy to pass through it for maximum
efficiency. Microwaves are reflected by metal, such as stainless steel,
aluminium and copper, but they can penetrate through ceramic, glass,
porcelain and plastic as well as paper and wood. So food must never be
cooked in metal containers.
Food suitable for microwave cooking:
Many kinds of food are suitable for microwave cooking, including fresh or
frozen vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, grains, beans, fish, and meat. Sauces,
custard, soups, steamed puddings, preserves, and chutneys can also be
cooked in a microwave oven. Generally speaking, microwave cooking is
ideal for any food that would normally be prepared on a hob. Melting butter
or chocolate, for example (see the chapter with tips, techniques and hints).
Covering during cooking
To cover the food during cooking is very important, as the evaporated water
rises as steam and contributes to cooking process.
Food can be covered in different ways: e.g. with a ceramic plate, plastic
cover or microwave suitable cling film.
Standing times
After cooking is over food the standing time is important to allow the
temperature to even out within the food.
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