6
Cookware Guide
This section answers the question, “Can I use in the Microwave?”
Aluminum Foil
It is not recommended
to use. Arcing can occur
if foil is too close to oven
wall or door and cause
damage to your oven.
Browning Dish
Yes. Only use browning dishes that are designed
for microwave cooking. Check browning dish
information for instructions/heating chart. Do
not preheat for more than six minutes.
Brown Paper Bags
No. They may cause a fire in
the oven.
Microwave Safe
Yes. If labeled Microwave Safe, check
manufacturers’ directions for use in
microwave heating.
Some dinnerware
may state on the back
of the dish, “Oven-
Microwave Safe”.
Dinnerware
If unlabeled, use
CONTAINER TEST
below.
Disposable Polyester Paperboard Dishes
Yes. Some frozen foods
are packaged in these
dishes. Also can be
purchased in some
grocery stores.
Fast Food Cartons with
Metal Handle
No. Metal handle may cause
arcing.
Frozen Dinner Trays
If made for the microwave,
then yes. If it contains metal,
then no.
Glass Jars
No. Most glass jars are not
heat resistant.
Heat Resistant Oven
Glassware/Ceramic
Yes, but only ones for
microwave cooking
and browning.
(See
CONTAINER
TEST
below.)
Metal Bakeware
No. Metal can cause
arcing and damage to
your oven.
Metal Twist-Ties
No. May cause arcing
which could cause a fire in
the oven.
Oven Cooking Bag
Yes. Follow manufacturers’ directions. Close bag
with the nylon tie provided, a strip cut from the
end of the bag, or a piece of cotton string. Do
not close with metal twist-tie. Make six
1
⁄
2
-inch
slits near the closure.
Paper Plates/Cups
Yes. Use to warm cooked
foods, and to cook foods that
require short cooking time,
such as hot dogs.
Do not
microwave paper cups; they
may overheat and ignite.
Towels & Napkins
Yes, only paper napkins/towels. Use
to warm rolls and sandwiches, only
if labeled safe for microwave use.
Do NOT use recycled paper towels.
Parchment Paper
Yes. Use as a cover to prevent splattering.
Plastic Cookware
Yes, with caution.
Should be labeled,
“Suitable for
Microwave Heating.”
Check Microwave Safe manufacturers’ directions
for recommended uses. Some microwave safe
plastic containers are not suitable for cooking
foods with high fat or sugar content. The heat
from hot food may cause warping.
Plastic, Melamine
No. This material absorbs microwave energy.
Dishes get HOT!
Plastic Foam Cups
Yes, with caution. Plastic foam
will melt if foods reach a high
temperature. Use short term
only to reheat foods to a low
serving temperature.
Do not
microwave paper cups; they
may overheat and ignite.
Plastic Wrap
Yes. Use to cover
food during cooking
to retain moisture
and prevent
splattering.
Should be labeled “Suitable for Microwave
Heating”. Check package directions.
Straw, Wicker, Wood
Yes, short term only.
Use only for short term
reheating and to bring
food to a low serving
temperature. Wood may dry out, split or crack.
Thermometers
Only microwave safe
thermometers can be
used, NOT conventional
thermometers.
Wax Paper
Yes. Use as a cover to
prevent splattering
and to retain moisture.
CONTAINER TEST
TO TEST A CONTAINER FOR SAFE MICROWAVE OVEN USE:
Fill a microwave safe cup with cool water and place it in
the microwave oven along side the empty container to be tested;
heat one (1) minute at P10 (HIGH)
. If the container is
microwave oven safe (transparent to microwave energy), the empty container should remain comfortably cool and the
water should be hot. If the container is hot, it has absorbed some microwave energy and should NOT be used. This test
cannot be used for plastic containers.
