12 MICROWAVE COOKING TIPS
MICROWAVE COOkING TIPS
Microwave Cookware Guide
Use
OVENPROOF GLASS
(treated for high intensity heat):
utility dishes, loaf dishes, pie plates, cake
plates, liquid measuring cups, casseroles
and bowls without metallic trim.
CHINA:
bowls, cups, serving plates, and platters
without metallic rim.
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.
Use plastic dishes, cups, semi-rigid freezer
containers and plastic bags only for short
cooking times. Use these with care
because the plastic may soften from
the heat of the food.
PAPER:
Paper towels, waxed paper, paper
napkins, and paper plates with no metallic
trim or design. Look for the manufacturer's
label for use in the microwave oven.
Note:
Do not use recycled paper products in the
microwave oven. They sometimes contain
impurities that cause arcing and sparking.
Do Not Use
METAL CONTAINERS:
Metal shields the food from microwave energy and produces
uneven cooking. Also avoid metal skewers, thermometers, or
foil trays. Metal containers can cause arcing, which can damage
the microwave oven.
METAL DECORATION:
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:
Wooden 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.