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cookware
microwave-
safe
comments
glassware
•
Oven-to-tableware
✓
Can be used, unless decorated with a metal
trim.
•
Fine glassware
✓
Can be used to warm foods or liquids.
Delicate glass may break or crack if heated
suddenly.
•
Glass jars
✓
Must remove the lid. Suitable for warming
only.
metal
•
Dishes
✗
May cause arcing or fire.
•
Freezer bag twist
ties
✗
paper
•
Plates, cups,
napkins and
kitchen paper
✓
For short cooking times and warming. Also
to absorb excess moisture.
•
Recycled paper
✗
May cause arcing.
plastic
•
Containers
✓
Particularly if heat-resistant thermoplastic.
Some other plastics may warp or discolour
at high temperatures. Do not use Melamine
plastic.
•
Cling film
✓
Can be used to retain moisture. Should not
touch the food. Take care when removing
the film as hot steam will escape.
•
Freezer bags
✓ ✗
Only if boilable or oven-proof. Should not be
airtight. Prick with a fork, if necessary.
Wax or grease-
proof paper
✓
Can be used to retain moisture and prevent
spattering.
✓
: recommended
✓✗
: Use caution
✗
: Unsafe
cooking guide
microWavEs
Microwave energy actually penetrates food, attracted and absorbed by its water, fat and
sugar content.
The microwaves cause the molecules in the food to move rapidly. The rapid movement of
these molecules creates friction and the resulting heat cooks the food.
cooking
Cookware for microwave cooking:
Cookware must allow microwave energy to pass through it for maximum efficiency.
Microwaves are reflected by metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium and copper, but
they can penetrate through ceramic, glass, porcelain and plastic as well as paper and
wood. So food must never be cooked in metal containers.
food suitable for microwave cooking:
Many kinds of food are suitable for microwave cooking, including fresh or frozen
vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, grains, beans, fish, and meat. Sauces, custard, soups,
steamed puddings, preserves, and chutneys can also be cooked in a microwave oven.
Generally speaking, microwave cooking is ideal for any food that would normally be
prepared on a hob. Melting butter or chocolate, for example (see the chapter with tips,
techniques and hints).
Covering during cooking
To cover the food during cooking is very important, as the evaporated water rises as
steam and contributes to cooking process. Food can be covered in different ways: e.g.
with a ceramic plate, plastic cover or microwave suitable cling film.
standing times
After cooking is over food the standing time is important to allow the temperature to even
out within the food.
cookware guide
To cook food in the microwave oven, the microwaves must be able to penetrate the food,
without being reflected or absorbed by the dish used.
Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the cookware is marked
microwave-safe, you do not need to worry.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether and how they
should be used in a microwave oven.
cookware
microwave-
safe
comments
aluminum foil
✓ ✗
Can be used in small quantities to protect
areas against overcooking. Arcing can occur
if the foil is too close to the oven wall or if too
much foil is used.
browning plate
✓
Do not preheat for more than eight minutes.
china and
earthenware
✓
Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware
and bone china are usually suitable, unless
decorated with a metal trim.
disposable
polyester
cardboard dishes
✓
Some frozen foods are packaged in these
dishes.
fast-food
packaging
•
Polystyrene cups
containers
✓
Can be used to warm food. Overheating may
cause the polystyrene to melt.
•
Paper bags or
newspaper
✗
May catch fire.
•
Recycled paper or
metal trims
✗
May cause arcing.
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