Suitable containers for microwave ovens
Microwaves |
–are reflected by metal.
–pass through glass and china- ware, . . .
–and are absorbed by food.
Material and shape
The material and shape of containers used affect the cooking results and times. Round and oval shaped ones provide good results. Heat distribution is more even than it is in rectangular containers.
Metal
The following do not belong in an oven being used in microwave mode. Metal containers, aluminium foil and metal cutlery, or china with metallic decoration, such as gold rims or cobalt blue.
The metal reflects the microwaves, hin- dering the cooking process.
Exceptions:
–If recommended by the producer, pre- cooked meals packed in aluminium foil containers can be defrosted and re- heated in the microwave oven. Import- ant: remove the lid first. The disadvant- age is that the food is only heated from the top. It is better to remove the food from the aluminium foil container and transfer it to a dish suitable for a micro- wave oven. The heat distribution will be more even.
If sparks and arcing occur when using a metal container, stop and transfer the food to a microwave safe container.
–Small pieces of aluminium foil. For even defrosting and to avoid overcook- ing unevenly shaped cuts of meat, poultry or fish, small areas of aluminium foil may be used to mask wingtips or other thin parts for the last few minutes
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