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Cookware and Utensil Guide (continued)
– 4 –
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
P10 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.