17
COOKING UTENSILS
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Only use the utensils that are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
UTENSILS TEST
Place the utensil in question next to a glass measure filled with water, in the microwave oven. Microwave at
high power for 1-2 minutes. If the water heats up, but the utensil remains cool, the utensil is microwave-safe.
However if the utensil becomes warm, microwaves are being absorbed by the utensil and it should not be in the
microwave oven. You probably have many items on hand in your kitchen right now that can be used as cooking
equipment in your microwave oven. Read through the following checklist.
Microwave function only
Utensils and cooking containers used in a microwave
oven should be of a material that does not act as a barrier
to microwave energy. Generally this means that you
should cook in either (paper), plastic, glass or ceramic.
Metal pans reflect microwave energy and inhibit cooking,
and should not be used. In addition to material, the shape
of the container should also be considered. Round oval
shapes give the most even cooking. Square or
rectangular containers may over-cook foods in the corners
because more energy is absorbed there.
Shallow containers give more even cooking results.
Utensils made of china and ceramic excellent to use in
your microwave oven. Most types of glass are also very
good. Lead crystal glass can crack and should therefore,
not be used. Plastics and paper can also be used,
provided they can withstand the temperature of the
heated food. For cooking only use plastics, which will
withstand a temperature of over 120˚C, e.g. polypropene
and polyamide. Some plastic materials, e.g. melamine,
will be heated by the microwave, and be damaged. To
find out if a certain container is suitable, the following
simple test can be made:
Place the empty container and a glass of water inside the
microwave oven. The water is needed because the oven
must not be operated empty or with empty containers
only. Let the oven work on full power for one minute. A
suitable container will only be lukewarm.
Metal containers, e.g. saucepans or frying pans should
not be used in microwave ovens. Nor should plates or
vessels with decorations be used since metal e.g. gold,
might be part of the decoration and such decorations will
be damaged. Small pieces of aluminiuum foil can be
used, but only to shield the areas that would over-cook
(e.g. for covering chicken wings, leg
tips and fish tails) but the foil must not
touch the side of the oven as damage
may occur.
Glass (general) No Yes (1) No
Glass (heat resistant) Yes Yes Yes
Glass-ceramic and
ceramic (heat resistant) Yes Yes (1) Yes (1)
Earthenware Yes Yes Yes
China (heat resistant) Yes Yes Yes
Plastic (general) No Yes (2) No
Plastic (heat resistant) Yes (2) Yes (2) Yes (2)
Aluminium foil containers
/aluminium foil Yes Yes (3) Yes
Metal baking tins Yes (4) No Yes (4)
Metal (pots.pans, etc) Yes No No
Paper No Yes (5) No
1. Without metal parts or metal trims.
2. Some plastics are heat-proof only to certain
temperatures. Check carefully!
3. It is possible to use aluminium foil to shield deliate
areas of food (this prevents over-cooking).
4. Metal tins can be used in the combination methods,
however if these are very deep, they will greatly
reduce the efficiency, as metal shields the
microwave energy from the food.
5. Use for short term heating and covering ; they
absorb excess misture when warming food. Pay
special attention as over-heating may cause a fire in
your oven. Do not use re-cycled paper products, e.g.
kitchen rool unless they say they are specifically
designed for use in a microwave oven.
These products contain impuities which may cause
sparks and/or fires when use.
Caution:
• There are a number of accessories available on the
market. Before you buy, make sure they are suitable for
microwave use.
• When you put food in the microwave oven, make sure
that food, food supports or covering do not come in
direct contact with any of the internal walls or the ceiling
of the cavity since discolouration may take place.
Before use, the user should check that utensils are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
Material
Grill
cooking
Microwave
cooking
Combined
cooking
