Cookware and Utensils Guide
It is important to use the correct container when
cooking in a microwave oven. The following will
help you make the right selection.
How to Test a Container for Safe
Microwave Oven Use
TO TEST A CONTAINER FOR SAFE
MICROWAVE OVEN USE: Fill a 1-cup glass
measure with cool water and place it in the
microwave oven alongside the empty container to
be tested;
heat one (1) minute at High. If the
container is microwave ovensafe (transparent to
microwave energy), the container should remain
comfortably cool, the water in glass measure 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.
Paper Products and Freezer Wrap
Waxed paper, paper plates, cups and napkins
should not be used for heating or cooking food.
Freezer wrap should not be used as it is not heat
resistant and may melt. Paper towel, greaseproof
paper and bake paper may be safely used for
short periods of time for covering or lining.
Glass, Ceramic and China
Heat-Resistant glass cookware is invaluable in
microwave cooking. Many of these items are readily
available in most homes: glass jugs, mixing bowls, loaf
dishes, covered casseroles, oblong baking dishes, pie
plates and round or square cake dishes. Examples of
this type of cookware are Pyrex
®
and Corningware
®
.
Dinnerware can be used for microwave heating.
Many brands of dinnerware are microwave safe.
Check the care information for reference to
microwave use for dinnerware and serving
pieces. If dinnerware is marked ovenproof, it
frequently is safe to use in the microwave oven.
However, to be sure, check by conducting
microwave dish test previously mentioned.
Several types of glassware and dinnerware are not
recommended for use in the microwave oven. Do not
use dishes with metallic trim or containers with metal
parts. Do not use cups or mugs with glued on handles,
as they may fall off with continued heating. Do not use
delicate glassware. Although the glassware may be
transparent to microwave energy the heat from the
food may cause the glassware to crack.
Plastics
Plastic dishes, cups and some freezer
containers should be used with care in a
microwave oven. Choose plastic containers
carefully, as some plastic containers may become
soft, melt and may scorch. The majority of plastic
dishes, even those designed for use in the
microwave oven, are not suitable for cooking foods
with high fat or sugar content, or for lengthy cooking
times. Most microwave plastic dishes should not be
used for longer than 3 to 5 minutes on
High power.
These dishes, although not suitable for extended
cooking, may be used successfully for defrosting or
for use on lower power levels.
Cooking Bags designed to withstand boiling,
freezing, or conventional heating are microwave
safe. Prepare bags according to manufacturer’s
directions. When cooking by microwave, DO
NOT use wire twist-ties to close bag. They can
act as an antenna and cause arcing (sparks).
DO NOT COOK IN PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE BAGS.
Plastic Wrap such as GLAD WRAP
®
can be
used to cover dishes in most recipes. Over an
extended heating time, some disfiguration of the
wrap may occur. When removing plastic wrap
“covers”, as well as any glass lid, be careful to
remove it away from you to avoid steam burns.
Loosen plastic but let dish stand, covered.
Jars and Bottles
Jars and bottles can be used to warm food to
serving temperature, if the lid is removed first.
Cooking should not be done in these containers
since most are not heat resistant and during
extended heating times, heat from food would
cause cracking or breaking.
Metal
Metal cookware or utensils, or those with
metallic trim, should NOT be used in the
microwave. Since microwave energy is reflected
by metal, foods in metal containers will not cook
evenly. There is also a possibility of “arcing”.
Although metal utensils should be avoided in
microwave cooking, some metal can be helpful
when used correctly.
Aluminum foil can be used safely, if certain
guidelines are followed, to prevent overcooking.
Small pieces of foil are used to shield areas
such as chicken wings, tips of roasts, or other
thin parts that cook before the rest of the recipe
is finished. Make sure foil is attached securely
and doesn’t touch sides of oven, otherwise
arcing may occur. Foil lined containers, either
cardboard or plastic, should NOT be used in the
microwave oven as arcing could occur.
Metal twist-ties, either paper or plastic coated,
should NOT be used in the microwave oven. Frozen
dinner trays can be used in the microwave, if the
container is no deeper than 2 cm and is filled with
food. Metal skewers can not be used in microwave
ovens as arcing may occur. Wooden skewers are
readily available and give the same result.
Shells: Scalloped baking shells are best used
during reheating and for short periods of
cooking time only.
Thermometers are available for use in
microwave ovens. DO NOT USE
CONVENTIONAL MERCURY TYPE CANDY
OR MEAT THERMOMETERS in food while
cooking in the microwave oven.
Straw, Wicker and Wood
Straw and wicker baskets may be used in the
microwave oven for short periods of time to warm
rolls or bread. Large wooden utensils, such as
bowls or cutting boards should NOT be used for
prolonged heating as the microwave energy may
cause the wood to become dry and brittle.
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