GB
12
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.
✓
: Recommended
✓✗
: Use Caution
✗
: Unsafe
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.
China and earthenware
✓
Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware
and bone china are usually suitable,
unless deco-rated with a metal trim.
Disposable polyester
cardboard dishes
✓
Some frozen foods are packaged in
these dishes.
Fast-food packaging
•
Polystyrene cups
containers
•
Paper bags or
newspaper
•
Recycled paper or
metal trims
✓
✗
✗
Can be used to warm food.
Overheating may cause the
polystyrene to melt.
May catch fire.
May cause arcing.
Glassware
•
Oven-to-table
ware
•
Fine glassware
•
Glass jars
✓
✓
✓
Can be used, unless decorated with a
metal trim.
Can be used to warm foods or liquids.
Delicate glass may break or crack if
heated suddenly.
Must remove the lid. Suitable for
warming only.
Metal
•
Dishes
•
Freezer bag twist
ties
✗
✗
May cause arcing or fire.
Paper
•
Plates, cups,
napkins and
Kitchen paper
•
Recycled paper
✓
✗
For short cooking times and warming.
Also to absorb excess moisture.
May cause arcing.
Plastic
•
Containers
•
Cling film
•
Freezer bags
✓
✓
✓ ✗
Particularly if heat-resistant
thermoplastic. Some other plastics may
warp or discolour at high temperatures.
Do not use Melamine plastic.
Can be used to retain moisture. Should
not touch the food. Take care when
removing the film as hot steam will
escape.
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.
