13Microwave cooking advice

Microwave safe cookware
Paper - plates cups Only use for warming or to absorb moisture. Care must be taken as
and kitchen paper overheating may cause fire.
Straw and wooden Always attend the oven when using these materials as overheating
containers may cause fire.
Recycled paper May contain extracts of metal which will cause ‘arcing’ and may lead
and newspaper to fire.
Cookware Microwave Comments
safe
Aluminium foil / //Small pieces of aluminium foil can be used to shield food from
foil containers overheating. Keep foil at least 2 cm from the oven walls, as arcing
may occur. Foil containers are not recommended unless specified by
the manufacturer, e.g. Microfoil ®, follow instructions carefully.
Browning dishes Always follow the manufacturers instructions. Do not exceed
heating times given. Be very careful as these dishes become very hot.
China and ceramics //Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware and bone china are usually
suitable, except for those with metallic decoration.
Glassware e.g. Pyrex ® Care should be taken if using fine glassware as it can break or crack if
heated suddenly.
Metal It is not recommended to use metal cookware when using micro-
wave power as it will arc, which can lead to fire.
Plastic / polystyrene Care must be taken as some containers warp, melt or discolour at
e.g. fast food containers high temperatures.
Cling film Should not touch the food and must be pierced to let the steam
escape.
Freezer / roasting bags Must be pierced to let steam escape. Ensure bags are suitable for
microwave use. Do not use plastic or metal ties, as they may melt or
catch fire due to the metal arcing.