16
METAL
1) Frozen Precooked Foods in Foil Containers
When cooking foods in foil containers, the container should be no more than 1/2" (1.3 cm) deep. The
best method to use is, after removing the foil cover, return the metal container to the paper box or
package it came in and place this entire unit in the microwave oven. There must be more food than
metal, and the metal container must not touch the oven walls.
2) Metal Skewers
Small metal skewers may be used if there is a large proportion of food to the amount of metal. If arcing
does begin, stop the oven, remove the food and change to a wooden skewer.
Whenever using metal foil, foil containers or metal skewers, be sure that the metal does not touch the
sides of the oven.
GLASS, GLASS-CERAMIC, CERAMIC AND CHINA UTENSILS
Most glass, glass ceramic, ceramic and china utensils are excellent for use in microwave ovens. Heat-
resistant glassware, unless it has metallic trim or metal portions, can almost always be used in the
microwave oven, no matter whether it is clear or opaque. However, you must be careful not to use delicate
glassware since it might crack from the heat of the food but not from the microwaves.
Most dinner plates, unless they have metallic trim, are acceptable for heating foods.
Utensils with metallic trim or metal parts, such as screws, bands, handles, etc. must be avoided. Cracked
or crazed glazes or chips are also indications that a dish should not be used. Ceramic mugs or cups with
glued on handles are also not recommended for use in a microwave oven.
PAPER GOODS
For low heat cooking, such as reheating or very short cooking times and for foods with low fat, sugar or
water content, paper is a good utensil for microwave oven use. Napkins, towels, plates, cups, cartons,
paper freezer wrap and the paper pulp board that some meats come packed in are also convenient utensils
for use in the microwave oven. Cardboard can also be used. Paper is used in the microwave oven as a
moisture insulator. Wax coated paper plates and cups should be avoided since the high temperatures that
the foods reach may cause the wax to melt. Plastic coated dishes, however, are fine for use in the
microwave oven.
Wax paper and paper towels provide an excellent loose cover for foods and help prevent spatters. Do not
use paper towels, plates or other utensils made from recycled paper. Recycled paper products may
contain certain impurities which could cause the paper to ignite during microwave heating. Some paper
products may contain harmful substances.
PLASTIC AND FOAM UTENSILS
Plastic and foam dishes and containers should not be used for cooking foods with high fat or high sugar
content since the heat of the food is too hot for the plastic and may cause it to melt or lose its shape. Cooking
pouches designed to withstand boiling and freezing for conventional cooking, work well in the microwave
oven. Do not close plastic cooking pouches with the metal tie wraps provided, since they get very hot and
will melt the plastic wrap. Any closed pouch or cooking container should be pierced so that steam is
allowed to escape. Do not attempt to cook in plastic storage bags as they will not withstand the heat of
the food. Plastic wrap may be used to cover foods during cooking. Stretch-type plastic wraps are not
suitable for use in the microwave oven because they form too tight a seal. Whenever removing plastic wrap
that has been tightly formed around the utensil, just lift the plastic away from you so that the steam can
vent and there will be no danger of scalding.
Melamine is not recommended for use in the microwave oven.
WICKER, WOOD AND STRAW
Wicker, wood and straw may be used in the oven for short periods of time; however, they should not be
used for high fat or high sugar content foods since the heat of the food could possibly char the utensil.
Wooden handle scrapers, spatulas and spoons may be left in the microwave oven during the cooking
process.
Utensils
COOKING GUIDE
