Cookware and Dinnerware
Cookware and dinnerware must fit on the turntable. Always
use oven mitts or pot holders when handling because any dish
may become hot from heat transferred from the food. Do not
use cookware and dinnerware with gold or silver trim. Use the
following chart as a guide, then test before using.
Material
Recommendations
Aluminum Foil,
See the "Aluminum Foil and
Metal
Metal" section.
Browning Dish
Bottom must be at least 3/16" (5 mm)
above the turntable. Follow
manufacturer's recommendations.
Ceramic Glass,
Acceptable for use
Glass
China,
Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Earthenware
Melamine
Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Paper: Towels,
Use nonrecycled and those approved by
Dinnerware,
the manufacturer for microwave oven use.
Napkins
Plastic: Wraps,
Use those approved by the manufacturer
Bags, Covers,
for microwave oven use.
Dinnerware,
Containers
Pottery and Clay
Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Silicone
Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Bakeware
Straw, Wicker,
Do not use in microwave oven.
Wooden
Containers
Wax Paper
Acceptable for use
To Test Cookware or Dinnerware for Microwave Use:
1. Place cookware or dinnerware in microwave oven with 1 cup
of water beside it. Each cup equals 8 oz (250 mL).
2. Cook at 100% cooking power for 1 minute.
Do not use cookware or dinnerware if it becomes hot and the
water stays cool.
8
Aluminum Foil and Metal
Always use oven mitts or pot holders when removing dishes
from the microwave oven.
Aluminum foil and some metal can be used in the microwave
oven. If not used properly, arcing (a blue flash of light) can
occur and cause damage to the microwave oven.
OK for Use
Racks and bakeware supplied with the microwave oven (on
some models), aluminum foil for shielding, and approved meat
thermometers may be used with the following guidelines:
To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not allow
■
aluminum foil or metal to touch the inside cavity walls,
ceiling, or floor.
Always use the turntable.
■
To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not allow
■
contact with another metal object during microwave cooking.
Do Not Use
Metal cookware and bakeware, gold, silver, pewter, non-approved
meat thermometers, skewers, twist ties, foil liners such as
sandwich wrappers, staples, and objects with gold or silver trim
or a metallic glaze should not be used in the microwave oven.
Microwave Cooking Power
Many recipes for microwave cooking specify which cooking
power to use by percent or name. For example, PL7 = 70%
= Medium-High.
Use the following chart as a general guide for the suggested
cooking power of specific foods.
Percent/Name
Use
100%, High
Quick heating convenience foods and
(default setting)
foods with high water content, such as
soups, beverages, and most vegetables
90%
Cooking small, tender pieces of
meat, ground meat, poultry pieces,
and fish fillets
Heating cream soups
80%
Heating rice, pasta or stirrable
casseroles
Cooking and heating foods that need
a cook power lower than high, for
example, whole fish and meat loaf
70%, Medium-High
Reheating a single serving of food
60%
Cooking sensitive foods such as cheese
and egg dishes, pudding, and custards
Cooking non-stirrable casseroles such
as lasagna
50%, Medium
Cooking ham, whole poultry, and
pot roasts
Simmering stews
40%
Melting chocolate
Heating bread, rolls, and pastries
30%, Medium-Low,
Defrosting bread, fish, meats, poultry,
Defrost
and precooked foods
20%
Softening butter, cheese, and ice cream
10%, Low
Taking chill out of fruit