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cookware guide _49
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.
• Glass and glass-ceramic bowls and dishes — Use for heating or cooking.
• Microwavableplasticwrap— Use to cover. Leave a small opening for some steam to escape and
avoid placing it directly on the food.
• Waxpaper— Use as a cover to prevent spattering.
• Papertowelsandnapkins— 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.
• Paperplatesandcups— 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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. Press the One Minute + button once to heat them for one minute at
High power.
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.
SMK9175ST_XAA-03482J-02_EN.indd 49 2009-09-04 7:06:38