COOkwarE GUIDE
To cook food in the microwave oven, the microwaves must be able to
penetrate the food, without being reflected or absorbed by the dish used.
Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the
cookware is marked microwave-safe, you do not need to worry.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether
and how they should be used in a microwave oven.
Cookware
Microwave-
safe
aluminum foil
browning plate
China and
earthenware
Disposable polyester
cardboard dishes
fast-food packaging
• Polystyrene cups
containers
• Paper bags or
newspaper
• Recycled paper or
metal trims
Glassware
• Oven-to-table ware
ME86V_XSG_03936F-EN.indd 16
Comments
Can be used in small quantities to
✓ ✗
protect areas against overcooking.
Arcing can occur if the foil is too
close to the oven wall or if too
much foil is used.
Do not preheat for more than
✓
eight minutes.
Porcelain, pottery, glazed
✓
earthenware and bone china are
usually suitable, unless decorated
with a metal trim.
Some frozen foods are packaged
✓
in these dishes.
Can be used to warm food.
✓
Overheating may cause the
polystyrene to melt.
May catch fire.
✗
May cause arcing.
✗
Can be used, unless decorated
✓
with a metal trim.
Cookware
Microwave-
safe
• Fine glassware
• Glass jars
Metal
• Dishes
• Freezer bag twist
ties
paper
• Plates, cups,
napkins and kitchen
paper
• Recycled paper
plastic
• Containers
• Cling film
• Freezer bags
✓ ✗
wax or grease-proof
paper
: recommended
✓
: Use caution
✓✗
: Unsafe
✗
16
Comments
Can be used to warm foods or
✓
liquids. Delicate glass may break
or crack if heated suddenly.
Must remove the lid. Suitable for
✓
warming only.
May cause arcing or fire.
✗
✗
For short cooking times and
✓
warming. Also to absorb excess
moisture.
May cause arcing.
✗
Particularly if heat-resistant
✓
thermoplastic. Some other
plastics may warp or discolour
at high temperatures. Do not use
melamine plastic.
Can be used to retain moisture.
✓
Should not touch the food. Take
care when removing the film as
hot steam will escape.
Only if boilable or oven-proof.
Should not be airtight. Prick with a
fork, if necessary.
Can be used to retain moisture
✓
and prevent spattering.
2011-06-24
9:05:38