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When unsure that a cooking
con tainer is suitable for use in
your microwave, check by the
follow ing test:
1. Fill a microwave safe
measur ing jug with 300ml
(
1
⁄
2
pt) cold water.
2. Place it on the turntable
along side the dish to be
tested. If the dish you are
testing is a large dish, then
stand the measur ing jug on
top of the empty dish.
3. Heat on HIGH power for
1 minute.
Result
If the dish is suitable for
micro waving, it will remain
cool, whilst the water in the
jug will begin to feel warm. If
the testing dish feels warm, do
not use as it is obvious ly
absorbing microwave energy.
N.B. This test does not apply
to plastic or metal based
con tainers e.g. Le Creuset
®
style dishes, which should not
be used as they are cast iron
covered with enamel.
Containers to use
OVEN GLASS
Glass that is heat
resistant e.g. Pyrex
®
,
is ideal.
Do not use delicate
glass which may
crack due to the heat
from the food. Do not
use lead crystal which
may crack or arc.
CHINA AND
CERAMIC
Glazed china plates,
saucers, bowls,
mugs and cups can
be used if they are
heat resis tant.
Porcelain and
ceramic are also ideal. Fine bone china should
only be used for reheating for short periods,
otherwise the change in tempera ture may
crack the dish or craze the finish. Do not use
dishes with a metal rim or pattern. Do not use
jugs or mugs with glued handles, since the
glue can melt in a microwave.
POTTERY,
EARTHENWARE,
STONEWARE
Only use if completely
glazed. Do not use if
partially glazed or
unglazed, as they are
able to absorb water
which will absorb
microwave energy, making the container very
hot and slowing down the cooking of food.
FOIL/METAL CONTAINERS
NEVER ATTEMPT TO
COOK IN FOIL OR
METAL con tai ners –
the microwaves
cannot pass through
and the food will not
heat evenly – this may
also damage your
oven. Use wooden
kebab sticks instead of metal skewers.
QUICK CHECK GUIDE TO COOKING UTENSILS
Choosing the correct container is a very important factor in deciding the success or
failure of your cooking.
Testing Dishes for Suitability
