Suitable containers for microwave ovens

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 process.

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 should only be used if they are very small in comparison to the size of the cut of meat.

Glassware

Heat-resistant glass or ceramic glass are ideal for use in the microwave oven.

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 (chinaware)

Porcelain (chinaware) is a suitable ma- terial.

Do not use porcelain with gold or sil- ver edging or items with hollow knobs or handles, as insufficient ventilation may cause pressure.

Earthenware

Decorated earthenware is only suit- able if the decoration is beneath an all-over glaze.

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 heat-resistant to a minimum of 110 °C.

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.

Disposable containers, such as trays made from polystyrene, can only be used for very short timed warming and reheating of food.

When purchasing new containers, make sure that they are suitable for use in a microwave oven.

Plastic boiling bags can be used for cooking and reheating.

They should be pierced beforehand so that steam can escape. This prevents a build-up of pressure and reduces the risk of the bag bursting.

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Miele M 635 EG manual Glassware, Porcelain chinaware, Earthenware, Glazes and colours, Plastics