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What are microwaves?
Suitable ovenware
Plastic utensils
Heat resistant plastic utensils which
are suitable for use in the
microwave can be used to thaw,
heat and cook food. Follow the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Paper utensils
Heat resistant paper made for use in a microwave oven
is also suitable. Follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Kitchen paper
can be used to absorb any moisture
which occurs in short heating
methods, e.g. of bread or products
in bread crumbs. Insert the paper
between the food and the revolving
plate. The surface of the food will
stay crispy and dry. Covering greasy food with kitchen
paper will catch splashes.
What are microwaves?
Like radio and television waves, microwaves are
electromagnetic waves.
Microwaves are produced by a magnetron inside the
microwave oven, and these vibrate the molecules of
water present in the food. The friction this causes
produces heat, which ensures that the food is
defrosted, heated or cooked through.
The secret of the reduced cooking times is the fact that
the microwaves penetrate the food from every
direction. Energy is used to the full. In comparison, the
energy from a conventional hob passes from the
burner through the pan and so to the food.
This method wastes a great deal of energy.
The characteristics of microwaves
Microwaves penetrate all non-metal objects made of
glass, china, earthenware, plastic, wood or paper. This is
why the microwaves never make these materials hot.
Dishes become hot only because the food inside them
is hot.
The food absorbs the microwaves and is heated.
Microwaves cannot pass through objects made of
metal and so they are deflected. For this reason metal
objects are not normally suitable for microwave
cookery. There are exceptions where you can actually
make use of the fact that the microwaves cannot pass
through metal. If you cover food with aluminium foil
at specific points while it is defrosting or cooking, you
can prevent those parts from getting too warm, too
hot, or overcooked. Please check out the advice given
in the guide.
Glass & ceramic glass
Heat-resistant glass utensils are very suitable. The
cooking process can be observed
from all sides. They must not,
however, contain any metal (e.g.
lead crystal), nor have a metallic
overlay (e.g. gold edge, cobalt blue
finish).
Ceramics
Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed, since
with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into the
ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat up and
may make it shatter. If you are not certain whether
your utensil is suitable for the microwave, carry out
the utensil suitability test. (See page 9).
Porcelain
Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have a
gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain any
metal.
1. AG-71+72D-EU English 22/11/2005 15:05 Page 8
