EN-5
SAFE AND UNSAFE MATERIALS
Materials you can use in microwave oven
Materials to be avoided 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 (2.5cm) 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 cups
Use for short–term cooking/warming only. Do not leave oven unattended
while cooking.
Paper towels
Use to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use with supervision
for a short-term cooking only.
Parchment
paper
Use as a cover to prevent splattering or a wrap for steaming.
Plastic
Microwave-safe only. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Should be
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 instructions on 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 retain moisture.
Utensils
Remarks
Aluminum tray
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Food carton with
metal handle
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Metal or metal-
trimmed utensils
Metal shields the food from microwave energy. Metal trim may cause
arcing.
Metal twist ties
May cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven.
Paper
May cause a fire in the oven.
Plastic foam
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 or begin to smoke.
