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Microwave-safe
Utensils
Never use metal or metal trimmed utensils in using microwave function
Microwaves cannot penetrate metal. They will bounce off any metal object in
the oven and cause arcing, an alarming phenomenon that resembles
lightning. Most heat resistant non metallic cooking utensils are safe for use in
your oven. However, some may contain materials that render them unsuitable
as microwave cookware. If you have any doubts about a particular utensil,
there’s a simple way to find out if it can be used in the microwave.
Place the utensil in question next to a glass bowl filled with water in using
microwave function. Microwave at power HIGH for 1 minute. If the water
heats up but the utensil remains cool to the touch, the utensil is
microwave~safe. However, if the water does not change temperature but the
utensil becomes warm, microwaves are being absorbed by the utensil and it is
not safe for use in using microwave function. You probably have many items
on hand in your kitchen right now that can be used as cooking equipment in
the microwave. Just read through the following checklist.
Dinner plates
Many kinds of dinnerware are microwave-safe. If in doubt consult the
manufacturer’s literature or perform the microwave test.
Glassware
Glassware that is heat-resistant is microwave-safe. This would include all
brands of oven tempered glass cookware. However, do not use delicate
glassware, such as tumblers or wine glasses, as these might shatter as the food
warms.
Plastic storage containers
These can be used to hold foods that are to be quickly reheated. However,
they should not be used to hold foods that will need considerable time in the
oven as hot foods will eventually warp or melt plastic containers.
Paper
Paper plates and containers are convenient and safe to use in using
microwave function, provided that the cooking time is short and foods to be
cooked are low in fat and moisture. Paper towels are also very useful for
wrapping foods and for lining baking trays in which greasy foods such as
bacon are cooked. In general, avoid coloured paper products as the
colour may run. Some recycled paper products may contain impurities
which could cause arcing or fires when used in the microwave.
Plastic cooking bags
Provided they are made specially for cooking, cooking bags are
microwave safe. However, be sure to make a slit in the bag so that steam
can escape. Never use ordinary plastic bags for cooking in using
microwave function, as they will melt and rupture.
Plastic microwave cookware
A variety of shapes and sizes of microwave cookware are available. For
the most part, you can probably use items you already have on hand
rather than investing in new kitchen equipment.
Pottery, stoneware and ceramic
Containers made of these materials are usually fine for use in using
microwave function, but they should be tested to be sure.
CAUTION
Some items with high lead or iron content are not suitable as cooking
utensils.
Utensils should be checked to ensure that they are suitable for use in the
microwave.
