Materials you can use 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 overcook- |
| ing. Arcing can occur if foil is too close to oven walls. The |
| foil should be at least 1 inch away from oven walls. |
Browning dish | Follow manufacturer's instructions. The bottom of |
| browning dish must be at least 3/16 inch above the turnta- |
| ble. Incorrect usage may cause the turntable to break. |
Dinnerware | |
| tions. 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 | |
| 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 | Use for |
cups | oven unattended while cooking. |
Paper towels | Use to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use |
| with supervision for |
Parchment paper | Use as a cover to prevent spattering or a wrap for |
| steaming. |
Plastic | |
| instructions. Should be labeled “Microwave Safe.” |
| Some plastic containers soften as the food inside gets |
| hot. If this happens, discard the food. “Boiling bags” |
| and tightly closed plastic bags should be slit, pierced or |
| vented as directed by package. |
Plastic wrap | |
| to retain moisture. Do not allow plastic wrap to touch |
| food. |
Thermometers | |
Wax paper | Use as a cover to prevent spattering and to retain |
| moisture. |
Materials to be avoided in microwave oven
Utensils | Remarks |
Aluminum tray | May cause arcing. Transfer food into |
| dish. |
Food carton with | May cause arcing. Transfer food into |
metal handle | dish. |
Metal or metal- | Metal shields the food from microwave energy. Metal |
trimmed utensils | trim may cause arcing. |
Metal twist ties | May cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven. |
Paper bags | May cause a fire in the oven. |
Plastic foam cups | 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. |
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