7
SAFETY
Materials you can use in microwave oven
Materials to be avoided in microwave oven
Utensils
Remarks
Aluminum foil
Shielding only. Small smooth pieces can be used to cover
thin parts of meat or poultry to prevent overcooking.
Arcing
can occur if foil is too close to oven walls.
The foil should
be at least 1 inch away from oven walls.
Browning dish
Follow manufacturer's instructions. The bottom of
browning dish must be at least
3
/
16
inch above the turntable.
Incorrect usage may cause the turntable to break.
Dinnerware
Microwave-safe only. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
Glass jars
Always remove lid. Use only to heat food until just warm.
Most glass jars are not heat resistant and may break.
Glassware
Heat-resistant oven glassware only. Make sure there is no
metallic trim. Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
Oven cooking bags
Follow manufacturer's instructions. Do not close with metal
tie. Make slits to allow steam to escape.
Paper plates and
cups
Use for short-term cooking/warming only. Do not leave
oven unattended while cooking.
Paper towels
Use to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use with
supervision for short-term cooking/warming only.
Parchment paper
Use as a cover to prevent spattering or a wrap for
steaming.
Plastic
Microwave-safe only. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions. Should be labeled “Microwave Safe.” Some
plastic containers soften as the food inside gets hot.
“Boiling bags” and tightly closed plastic bags should be
slit, pierced or vented as directed by package.
Plastic wrap
Microwave-safe only. Use to cover food during cooking to
retain moisture. Do not allow plastic wrap to touch food.
Thermometers
Microwave-safe only (meat and candy thermometers).
Wax paper
Use as a cover to prevent splattering and to retain
moisture.
Utensils
Remarks
Aluminum tray
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Food carton with
metal handle
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Metal or metal-
trimmed utensils
Metal shields the food from microwave energy. Metal trim
may cause arcing.
Metal twist ties
May cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven.
Paper bags
May cause a fire in the oven.
Plastic foam cups
Plastic foam may melt or contaminate the liquid inside
when exposed to high temperature.
Wood
Wood will dry out when used in the microwave oven and
may split or crack.
safety.fm Page 7 Tuesday, February 19, 2002 1:07 PM
