Cookware Guide, Can be used to retain moisture

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.

Metal		✗
•	Dishes	✗	May cause arcing or fire.
• Freezer bag twist ties		✗

Paper
•	Plates, cups, napkins	✓	For short cooking times and warming.
	and Kitchen paper		Also to absorb excess moisture.
•	Recycled paper	✗	May cause arcing.

Cookware	Microwave-	Comments
	Safe

Aluminium 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.

Browning plate	✓	Do not preheat for more than eight
		minutes.

China and earthenware	✓	Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware
		and bone china are usually suitable,
		unless decorated with a metal trim.

Particularly if heat-resistant thermoplastic. Some other plastics may warp or discolour at high temperatures. Do not use Melamine plastic.

Can be used to retain moisture. Should not touch the food. Take care when removing the film as hot steam will escape.

Only if boilable or oven-proof. Should not be airtight. Prick with a fork, if necessary.

Disposable polyester		✓	Some frozen foods are packaged in
cardboard dishes			these dishes.

Fast-food packaging
•	Polystyrene cups	✓	Can be used to warm food.
	containers		Overheating may cause the
			polystyrene to melt.
•	Paper bags or	✗	May catch fire.
	newspaper
•	Recycled paper or	✗	May cause arcing.
	metal trims

Glassware
•	Oven-to-table ware	✓	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.

Wax or grease-proof paper ✓	Can be used to retain moisture and
	prevent spattering.