Cookware and Utensil Guide (continued)
Plastics
Plastic dishes, cups and some freezer containers should be used with care in a microwave oven. Choose plastic containers carefully, as some plastic containers may become soft, melt and may scorch. The majority of plastic dishes, even those designed for use in the microwave oven, are not suitable for cooking foods with high fat or sugar content, or for lengthy cooking times. Most microwave plastic dishes should not be used for longer than 3 to 5 minutes on P10 power. These dishes, although not suitable for extended cooking, may be used successfully for defrosting or for use on lower power levels.
Cooking Bags designed to withstand boiling, freezing, or conventional heating are microwave safe. Prepare bags according to manufacturer’s directions. When cooking by microwave, DO NOT use wire
DO NOT COOK IN PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE BAGS.
Plastic Wrap such as GLAD WRAP® can be used to cover dishes in most recipes. Over an extended heating time, some disfiguration of the wrap may occur. When removing plastic wrap “covers”, as well as any glass lid, be careful to remove it away from you to avoid steam burns.
Loosen plastic but let dish stand, covered.
Jars and Bottles
Jars and bottles can be used to warm food to serving temperature, if the lid is removed first. Cooking should not be done in these containers since most are not heat resistant and during extended heating times, heat from food would cause cracking or breaking.
Metal
Metal cookware or utensils, or those with metallic trim, should NOT be used in the microwave. Since microwave energy is reflected by metal, foods in metal containers will not cook evenly. There is also a possibility of “arcing.”
Although metal utensils should be avoided in microwave cooking, some metal can be helpful when used correctly.
Aluminum foil can be used safely, if certain guidelines are followed, to prevent overcooking. Small pieces of foil are used to shield areas such as chicken wings, tips of roasts, or other thin parts that cook before the rest of the recipe is finished. Make sure foil is attached securely and doesn’t touch sides of oven, otherwise arcing may occur. Foil lined containers, either cardboard or plastic, should NOT be used in the microwave oven as arcing could occur.
Metal
Shells: Scalloped baking shells are best used during reheating and for short periods of cooking time only.
Thermometers are available for use in microwave ovens. DO NOT USE CONVENTIONAL MERCURY TYPE CANDY OR MEAT THERMOMETERS in food while cooking in the microwave oven.
Straw, Wicker and Wood
Straw and wicker baskets may be used in the microwave oven for short periods of time to warm rolls or bread. Large wooden utensils, such as bowls or cutting boards should NOT be used for prolonged heating as the microwave energy may cause the wood to become dry and brittle.
