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Cookware guide
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
Aluminum 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 8 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
newspaper
✗
May catch fire.
• Recycled paper
or metal trims
✗
May cause arcing.
Glassware
• Oven-to-
tableware
✓
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.
Cookware
Microwave-
safe
Comments
• 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
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