It is not necessary to purchase a new set of dishes or ovenware to use in microwave oven - most kitchens are stocked with glass dishes, earthenware crocks, firm plastic bowl, paper and cardboard or basket ware that can be used in the microwave oven.
Glass dishes with metallic gold or silver trims are unsuitable as they may spark when placed in the oven. Metal dishes, pans, thermometers, metal skewers or foil trays may not be used in any oven. Plastic that is labeled 'dishwasher safe' is often also microwave safe. Canned food should never be heated in the can and when foil is used, it should not touch the bottom, top or sides of a microwave oven.
What's Safe?
Clear, heatproof glass and ceramic bowls are oven safe and ideal microwave cooking containers. So is heavy pottery or chinaware, subject to the restrictions mentioned earlier. Corningware or Pyrex and similar brands are commonly used as microwave cookware.
Heavy-duty plastic 'speciality' microwave cookware are excellent for microwave cooking and roasting. Check outlets for other brands. Heavy-duty Tupperware is suitable, but not the softer plastics. Melamine contains metal and should not be used.
Plastic freezer bags are ideal containers for vegetable cooking, eg. spinach (ready-cut) or peas in their freezer bag containers. Metal ties should not be used in microwave oven.
Paper towels may be used in variety of ways. Use the towel to prevent rice or meat splatters, and in between bacon slices to absorb liquid or crisp it and steamed food can be resteamed using a damp dishcloth wrapped over the food to provide the required moisture.
Styrofoam cups may be used once but not re-used. The high temperatures of liquids may melt these cups.
Browning dishes are trays or casserole dishes specially coated with tin oxide bases. These bases do not allow microwaves to pass through the dish, but absorb the waves and act as a heat surface, thereby enabling food to be browned in a little oil or sauteed, as in onion and garlic sauteing in Asian cookery.
For a browning dish to work effectively, it has to be preheated (without a lid on) on High (100%) for 7 minutes. Some oil may be added after or during preheating. Browning dishes have been known to crack at high temperatures. Check individual recipes using browning dishes and heat only for prescribed heating times. A browning dish should not be heated for longer than 8 minutes or it may get too hot and crack the oven shelf which is made of glass.
Test for Microwave Suitability
Place the empty dish and a glass of water in the microwave oven. Cook on High for 1 minute.
If the water becomes hot and the dish is cool to the touch, it is safe for microwaving. If the dish is warm, it may be used for microwaving or reheating foods. If the dish is hot, it is unsafe for microwaving.
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