cookware guide _37
COOKWARE GUIDE
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.
It is important to choose the correct cookware, therefore look for cookware that is
marked microwave-safe.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates if and how they
should be used in a microwave oven.
RECOMMENDED COOKING UTENSILS
• Glass and glass-ceramic bowls and dishes — Use for heating or cooking.
• Microwavable plastic wrap — Use to cover. Leave a small opening for some steam to escape and
avoid placing it directly on the food.
• Wax paper — Use as a cover to prevent spattering.
• Paper towels and napkins — Use for short-term heating and covering. They absorb excess moisture
and prevent spattering. Do not use recycled paper towels, which may contain metal and can catch fire.
• Paper plates and cups — Use for short-term heating at low temperatures. Do not use recycled paper,
which may contain metal and can catch fire.
• Thermometers — Use only those labeled “Microwave Safe” and follow all directions. Check the food
in several places. Conventional thermometers may be used once the food has been removed from the
oven.
LIMITED USE ITEMS
• Aluminum foil — Use narrow strips of foil to prevent overcooking of exposed areas. Using too much
foil can damage your oven, so be careful.
• Ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware — Use these if they are labeled “Microwave Safe”. If they are not
labeled, test them to make sure they can be used safely. Never use dishes with metallic trim.
• Plastic — Use only if labeled “Microwave Safe”. Other plastics can melt.
• Straw, wicker, and wood — Use only for short-term heating, as they can be flammable.
NOT RECOMMENDED
• Glass jars and bottles — Regular glass is too thin to be used in a microwave and can shatter.
• Paper bags — These are a fire hazard, except for popcorn bags that are designed for microwave use.
• Styrofoam plates and cups — These can melt and leave an unhealthy residue on food.
• Plastic storage and food containers — Containers such as margarine tubs can melt in the
microwave.
TESTING UTENSILS
If you are not sure whether a dish is microwave-safe or not, you can
perform this test:
1. Fill a 1 cup glass measuring cup with water and put it inside your
oven, next to the dish you want to test.
2. Dial in the Microwave +30 Sec. direction (clockwise) and set to 1
minute to heat the glass and dish for one minute at High power.
Press the Start button to begin.
When the micorwave stops, the water should be warm and the dish you are testing should be cool.
If the dish is warm, then it is absorbing microwave energy and is not acceptable for use in the microwave.
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