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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 used.
Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the cookware is marked
microwave-safe, you do not need to worry.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether and how they
should be used in a microwave oven.
Cookware
Microwave-
safe
Comments
Aluminum foil
✓ ✗
Can be used in small quantities to protect
areas against overcooking. Arcing can occur
if the foil is too close to the oven wall or if
too much foil is used.
Crust plate
✓
Do not preheat for more than 8 minutes.
China and
earthenware
✓
Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware
and bone china are usually suitable, unless
decorated with a metal trim.
Disposable
polyester
cardboard dishes
✓
Some frozen foods are packaged in these
dishes.
Fast-food
packaging
• Polystyrene cups
containers
✓
Can be used to warm food. Overheating
may cause the polystyrene to melt.
• Paper bags or
newspaper
✗
May catch fire.
• Recycled paper
or metal trims
✗
May cause arcing.
Cookware
Microwave-
safe
Comments
Glassware
• Oven-to-
tableware
✓
Can be used, unless decorated with a metal
trim.
• Fine glassware
✓
Can be used to warm foods or liquids.
Delicate glass may break or crack if heated
suddenly.
• Glass jars
✓
Must remove the lid. Suitable for warming
only.
Metal
• Dishes
✗
May cause arcing or fire.
• Freezer bag twist
ties
✗
Paper
• Plates, cups,
napkins and
kitchen paper
✓
For short cooking times and warming. Also
to absorb excess moisture.
• Recycled paper
✗
May cause arcing.
Plastic
• Containers
✓
Particularly if heat-resistant thermoplastic.
Some other plastics may warp or discolour
at high temperatures. Do not use Melamine
plastic.
• Cling film
✓
Can be used to retain moisture. Should not
touch the food. Take care when removing
the film as hot steam will escape.
• Freezer bags
✓ ✗
Only if boilable or oven-proof. Should not be
airtight. Prick with a fork, if necessary.
Wax or grease-
proof paper
✓
Can be used to retain moisture and prevent
spattering.
✓
: Recommended
✓✗
: Use caution
✗
: Unsafe
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2014-09-13 6:12:47
