What materials can be used in the microwave oven?
In the list below you can find which materials can and can not be used in the microwave oven. If in doubt, or if you can not find the material in the list below, you can test the utensil in question, following the procedure below:
- Fill a microwave-safe container with 1 cup of cold water (250 ml) along with the utensil.
- Cook on maximum power for 1 minute.
- Carefully feel the utensil. If the empty utensil is warm, do not use it for microwave cooking.CAUTION: Do not exceed the 1 minute cooking time.
Materials that can be used in the microwave oven:
- Dinnerware: microwave-safe only. Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
- Glass jars: always remove the lid. Use only to heat up food until it is just about warm. Most glass jars are not heat-resistant and may break.
- Glassware: heat-resistant oven glass ware only. Make sure there is no metallic elements or parts. Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
- Oven cooking bags: follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not close with metal tie. Make slits to allow steam to escape.
- Plastic: microwave-safe only. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Should be labeled „microwave safe“. Some plastic containers soften, as the food inside gets hot. ‚Boiling bags“ and tightly colsed plastic bags should be slit, pierced or vented.
- Plastic wrap: microwave-safe only. Use to cover food during cooking to retain moisture. Do not allow plastic wrap to touch food.
- Thermometers: microwave-safe only.
Materials to be avoided in the microwave oven
- Aluminum foil: Shielding only. Small smooth pieces can be used to cover thin parts of meat or poultry to prevent overcooking. Arcing can occur if foil is too close to the oven walls. The foil should be at least 2,5cm away from the oven walls.
- Aluminum tray: may cause arcing. Transfer food into a microwave-safe dish.
- Food carton with metal handle: may cause arcing. Transfer food into a microwave-safe dish.
- Metal or metal-trimmed utensils: metal shields the food from microwave energy. Metal trim may cause arcing.
- Metal twist ties: may cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven.
- Paper bags: may cause a fire in the oven.
- Plastic foam: plastic foam may melt or contaminate the liquid inside when exposed to high temperature.
- Wood: wood will dry out when used in the microwave oven and may split or crack.
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