8
Materials You Can Use 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 shall be at least 1 inch (2.5cm) away from oven walls.
Browning Dish
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. The bottom of browning dish must be at
least 3/16 inch (5mm) 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
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not close with metal tie.
Bags
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
a short-term cooking only.
Parchment Paper
Use as a cover to prevent splattering or a wrap for steaming.
Plastic
Microwave-safe only. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Shall be la
-
beled “Microwave Safe”. Some plastic containers soften, as the food inside
gets hot.“Boiling bags” and tightly closed plastic bags shall 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 retain moisture.
Materials to Be Avoided in Microwave Oven
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-
trim 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
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.
