7
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
should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from oven walls.
Browning dish
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. The bottom of browning
dish must be at least 3/16 inch (5 mm) 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 bags Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not close with
metal tie. Make slits to allow steam to escape.
Paper plates and Use for short-term cooking/warming only. Do not leave
cups
oven unattended while cooking.
Paper towels
Use to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use with
supervision for short-term cooking only. Do not use recycled
paper towels, they may contain metal and could ignite.
Parchment paper Use as a cover to prevent splattering or a wrap for steaming.
Plastic
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Only use items
labeled “Microwave Safe”. Some plastic containers soften
as the food inside gets hot. “Boiling bags” and tightly
closed plastic bags should 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 to 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 May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
metal handle
Metal or metal-
Metal shields the food from microwave energy. Metal trim
trimmed utensils 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 cups 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.
SAFETY
