8
What are microwaves?
Suitable ovenware
Microwaves are generated in the microwave oven by a magnetron and cause the water molecules in the food to
oscillate. Heat is generated by the friction which is caused, with the result that the food is thawed, heated or
cooked.
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..
Plastic & paper containers
Plastic or paper containers which are designed for
microwaves and which can withstand
heat are suitable for defrosting, heating
and cooking. Please follow
manufacturers’ instructions.
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.
Microwave cling film
This, or heat-resistant film, is very suitable for covering
or wrapping. Please follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Roasting bags
Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are not
suitable for fastening them since the roasting bag foil
might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with string and
pierce it several times with a fork. Non heat-resistant
food wraps are not recommended for use in a
microwave oven.
Browning dish
A special microwave dish made from ceramic glass with
a metal alloy base, which allows food to be browned.
When using the browning dish a suitable insulator, e.g.
a porcelain plate, must be placed between the turntable
and the browning dish. Be careful to adhere exactly to
the pre-heating time given in the manufacturer's
instructions. Excessive pre-heating can damage the
turntable and the turntable stand or can trigger the
safety-device which will switch off the oven.
Metal
Generally speaking, metal should not be used, since
microwaves do not pass through metal
and therefore cannot reach the food.
There are, however, exceptions: small
strips of aluminium foil may be used to
cover certain parts of the food, so that these do not
thaw too quickly or begin to cook (e.g. chicken wings).
Small metal skewers and aluminium containers (e.g. of
readycooked meals) can be used. They must, however,
be small in relation to the food, e.g. aluminium
containers must be at least 2/3 to 3/4
filled with food. It is recommended that
you transfer the food into a dish
suitable for use in the microwave.
When using aluminium containers or other metal
utensils there must be a gap of approx. 2 cms between
them and the walls of the cooking area, otherwise the
walls could be damaged by possible arcing.
No utensil should have a metal overlay, or metal
parts such as screws, bands or handles.
Utensil suitability test
If you are not sure whether your utensil is suitable for
use in your microwave oven, carry out
the following test: Place the utensil
into the oven. Place a glass container
filled with 150 ml of water on or next
to the utensil. Switch on the oven at 800 W power for
1 to 2 minutes. If the utensil stays cool or just warm to
the touch, it is suitable. Do not use this test on a
plastic utensil. It could melt.
1. AG-61+62D-EU English 30/03/2005 16:35 Page 8
