Suitable containers for microwave ovens
– Pieces of aluminium foil
For even defrosting and to avoid overcooking unevenly shaped cuts of meat, poultry or fish, small pieces of aluminium foil may be used to mask wingtips or other thin parts for the last few minutes of the programme.
Make sure that the aluminium foil is at least 2 cm from the oven walls at all times. It must not touch the walls.
– Metal meat skewers or clamps
These should only be used if they are very small in comparison to the size of the cut of meat.
Glassware
Crystal glass contains lead which could cause the glass to crack. Glass dishes with a milled rim are also subject to this risk.
Both are unsuitable.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a suitable material.
Do not use porcelain with gold or silver edging or items with hollow knobs or handles, as insufficient ventilation may cause pressure.
Earthenware
Decorated earthenware is only suitable if the decoration is beneath an
Earthenware can get very hot, and may crack.
Glazes and colours
Some glazes and colours contain metal.
This makes them unsuitable for use in a microwave oven.
Plastics
Plastic containers must only be used for microwave mode alone.
Plastics must be
Otherwise the plastic may melt and fuse with the food.
Special plastic utensils designed for use in microwave ovens are available from good retail outlets.
Melamine is not suitable as it absorbs energy and heats up. When purchasing plasticware, make sure that it is suitable for use in a microwave oven.
Disposable containers, such as trays made from polystyrene, can only be used for very short timed warming and reheating of food.
Plastic boiling bags can be used for cooking and reheating.
They should be pierced beforehand so that steam can escape. This prevents a
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