15
UTENSIL TEST
MICROWAVE UTENSILS
Glass, Ceramic and China
Ovenproof glass or ceramic baking dishes are the most used microwave utensils.
Many of these items are readily available in most homes: glass measures, custard cups, mixing bowls,
covered casseroles, pie plates and round or square cake dishes. Ovenproof dinnerware is usually safe
to use in the microwave.
Do not heat or cook in glass jars or bottles.
Do not use dishes with silver, gold, platinum or other metal trim. Arcing may occur and/or the dish may
break.
Do not use delicate or stemmed glassware. Although the glass may be transparent to microwave energy,
heat from the food may cause the glassware to crack.
Plastics
Plastic dishes, cups, mugs and bowls may be used in the oven for short periods of time. None of these
should be used in the oven for prolonged periods because distortion and melting may occur.
Check manufacturer’s recommendations concerning microwave safety.
Plastic wrap can be used to cover dishes in most recipes if the dish is deep enough to avoid plastic wrap
touching the food. Always vent the wrap by folding back one corner to allow excess steam to escape.
Plastic cooking bags should be slit before cooking so excess steam can escape.
Do not use wire twist ties to close the bag. Wire twist ties can cause arcing which can damage the oven.
Paper
Paper cups, wax paper, napkins, paper towels, and plates may be used for short cooking. Prolonged time
in the oven can cause paper to burn. Do not use recycled paper products, such as brown paper bags.
They contain impurities which may cause arcing and damage the oven.
Metal
Metal utensils should not be used in the oven. Metal reflects microwave energy so foods will not cook
evenly. Metal can cause arcing and damage the oven.
Dishes that do not absorb microwave energy are best for
microwave cooking. Lock on the label to verify that particular
cups, glasses, plates are indeed suitable, especially paper goods.
If you are not sure, try this utensil test to check.
• Put the empty utensil in the microwave oven.
• Put one cup of water in a glass measure next to the empty utensil.
• Heat on HI for 1 minute.
• After 1 minute the water should be warm but the utensil should
not. If the utensil is warm, it is not suitable for microwave cooking.
