ITEM
MICROWAVE
COMMENTS
Aluminum Foil
Yes, for
Shielding only
Small strips of foil can be moulded around thin parts of meat or poultry to
prevent overcooking. Arcing can occur if foil is too close to oven wall or if
too much foil is used.
Browning Dish
Yes
Browning dishes are designed for microwave cooking only. Check
browning dish information for instructions and heating chart. Do not
preheat for more than 6 minutes.
Brown paper bags
No
May cause a fire in the oven.
Dinnerware
Labeled "Microwave-Safe"
Yes
Check manufacturers' use and care directions for use in microwave heating.
Some dinnerware may state on the back of the dish, "Oven-Microwave Safe".
Other Dinnerware
?
Use CONTAINER TEST below.
Disposable polyester
Paperboard Dishes
Yes
Some frozen foods are packaged in these dishes. Can be
purchased in grocery stores.
Fast Food Carton
with Metal Handle
No
Metal handle may cause arcing.
Frozen Dinner Tray
Metal
Microwave-safe
Yes
Yes
Frozen dinners may be heated in foil tray, if tray is less than 3/<-inch (2 cm)
high. Place foil tray in center of oven. Leave at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) space
between foil tray and oven walls. Heat only 1 foil tray in the oven at a time.
For containers more than 3A-inch (2 cm) deep, remove food and place in a
similar size microwave-safe container.
Glass Jars
Yes,
use caution
Remove lid. Heat food until just warm, not HOT. Most glass jars are not
heat resistant. Do not use for cooking.
Glassware
Heat Resistant
Oven Glassware &
Ceramics
Yes
Ideal for microwave cooking and browning.
(See CONTAINER TEST below).
Metal Bakeware
No
Not recommended for use in microwave ovens.
Metal Twist-Ties
No
May cause arcing which could cause a fire in the oven.
Oven Cooking Bag
Yes
Follow manufacturers' directions. Close bag with the nylon tie provided, a strip
cut from the end of the bag or a piece of cotton string. Do not close with
metal twist-tie. Make six Vz-inch (1 cm) slits near the closure.
Paper Plates & Cups
Yes
Use to warm cooked foods and to cook foods that require short cooking
times such as hot dogs.
Paper Towels & Napkins
Yes
Use to warm rolls and sandwiches by microwave.
Parchment Paper
Yes
Use as a cover to prevent spattering. Safe for use in microwave,
microwave/convection and conventional ovens.
Plastic
Microwave-Safe Cookware
Yes
Should be labeled, "Suitable for Microwave Heating." Check
manufacturers' directions for recommended uses.
Reheat & Storage
Yes,
use caution
Some microwave-safe plastic dishes are not suitable for cooking foods with high
fat or sugar content. The heat from hot food may cause the plastic to warp.
Melamine
No
This material absorbs microwave energy. Dishes get HOT!
Plastic Foam Cups
Yes,
use caution
Plastic foam will melt if foods reach a high temperature. Use to bring foods to
a low serving temperature.
Plastic Wrap
Yes
Use to cover food during cooking to retain moisture and prevent spattering.
Should be labeled "Suitable for Microwave Heating". Check package directions.
Straw, Wicker, Wood
Yes
Use only for short term reheating and to bring food to a low serving
temperature.
Thermometers
Microwave-safe, only
Conventional
Yes
No
Use only microwave-safe meat and candy thermometers.
Not suitable for use in microwave oven, will cause sparks and get hot.
Wax paper
Yes
Use as a cover to prevent spattering and to retain moisture.
CONTAINER TEST
TO TEST A CONTAINER FOR SAFE MICROWAVE OVEN USE: Fill a 1-cup glass measure with water and place it in the
microwave oven along with the container to be tested; heat one (1) minute at P10 (HIGH). If the container is microwave oven-safe
(transparent to microwave energy), the container should remain comfortably cool and the water should be hot. If the container is
hot, it has absorbed some microwave energy and should NOT be used. This test cannot be used for plastic containers.
5