8OPERATION
OPERATION
Cookware Guide
Microwave-Safe Cookware
Use microwavable cookware.
•Ovenproof Glass
−Ovenproof glassware that is treated for high intensity heat so it
is heat-resistant is microwave-safe.
−Use utility dishes, loaf dishes, pie plates, cake plates, liquid
measuring cups, casseroles and bowls without metal rims.
−Do not use delicate glassware, such as tumblers or wine
glasses, as these might shatter when heated.
•China: Use bowls, cups, serving plates, pottery, stoneware,
ceramic, and platters without metal rims or handles. Many
containers made of these materials are microwave-safe, but test
them before use.
•Plastic
−Plastic Storage Containers: Use plastic dishes, cups, semi-
rigid freezer containers and plastic bags only for short cooking
times. Do not use them when cooking food for long periods or
at high power levels, as the hot food will eventually warp or melt
the plastic.
−Plastic wrap (as a cover): Lay the plastic wrap loosely over
the dish and press it to the sides. Vent plastic wrap by turning
back one edge slightly to allow excess steam to escape. The
dish should be deep enough so that the plastic wrap will not
touch the food. As the food heats it may melt the plastic wrap
wherever the wrap touches the food.
−Plastic Cooking Bags: Provided they are specially made for
cooking, cooking bags are microwave safe. Remember to make
a slit in the bag so that steam can escape. Never use ordinary
plastic bags for cooking in the microwave oven, as they will melt
and rupture.
−Plastic Microwave Cookware: A variety of shapes and sizes
of microwave cookware are available. You may be able to use
items you already have on hand rather than investing in new
kitchen equipment.
•Paper
−Use paper towels, waxed paper, paper napkins, and paper
plates with no metal rims or design. Look for the manufacturer’s
label for use in the microwave oven.
−Paper plates and containers are convenient and safe to use in
the microwave oven, provided that the cooking time is short and
foods to be cooked are low in fat and moisture. Paper towels are
also very useful for wrapping foods and for lining baking trays in
which greasy foods such as bacon are cooked.
−Avoid colored paper products as the color may run. Do not
use recycled paper products in the microwave oven. They may
contain impurities which could cause arcing or fires when used
in the microwave.
•Tableware
−Many containers made of pottery, stoneware and ceramic are
also microwave-safe. If in doubt consult the manufacturer’s
literature or perform the microwave test.
−Do not put plates with painted decoration in the oven, as the
paint may contain metal and cause arcing.
Microwave-Unsafe Cookware
•Metal Containers/Metal Decoration
−Never use metal or metal-rimmed cookware in the microwave
oven.
−Microwaves cannot penetrate metal. They will bounce off
any metal object in the oven and cause arcing, an alarming
phenomenon that resembles lightning.
−Metal shields the food from microwave energy and produces
uneven cooking. Also avoid metal skewers, thermometers, foil
trays, metal-rimmed or metal-banded dinnerware, casserole
dishes, etc. The metal rim interferes with normal cooking and
may damage the oven.
•Aluminum Foil
−Avoid large sheets of aluminum foil because they hinder cooking
and may cause harmful arcing.
−Use small pieces of foil to shield poultry legs and wings.
−Keep ALL aluminum foil at least 1 inch from the side walls and
door of the oven.
•Wood
−Wood bowls and boards will dry out and may split or crack when
you use them in the microwave oven.
−Baskets react in the same way.
•Tightly Covered Cookware
−Be sure to leave openings for steam to escape from covered
containers.
−Pierce plastic pouches of vegetables or other food items before
cooking.
−Tightly closed pouches could explode.
•Brown Paper
−Avoid using brown paper bags.
−They absorb too much heat and could burn.
•Flawed or Chipped Cookware: Any container that is cracked,
flawed, or chipped may break in the oven.
•Metal Twist-Ties
−Remove metal twist-ties from plastic or paper bags.
−They become hot and could cause a fire.
Testing Cookware before Use
Most heat resistant and non-metallic cookware is safe for use in
your oven. However, some cookware may contain materials that are
not suitable for microwave use. Follow the steps below to find out if
cookware can be used in the microwave.
1 Place the container in question and a glass measuring cup filled
with water next to each other inside the oven.
2 Heat the container and glass measuring cup for 1 minute at
HIGH power.
•If the water heats up but the container remains cool to the
touch, the container is microwave-safe.
•If the temperature of the water does not change but the
container becomes warm, it is not safe for use in the
microwave oven.