Cookware guide
To cook food in the microwave oven, the microwaves must be able to penetrate
the food, without being reflected or absorbed by the dish used.
Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the cookware is
marked microwave-safe, you do not need to worry.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether and how
they should be used in a microwave oven.
Microwave-
Cookware
safe
Alunimium foil
✓✗
Crust plate
✓
China and
✓
earthenware
Disposable polyester
✓
cardboard dishes
Fast-food packaging
•
Polystyrene cups
✓
containers
•
Paper bags or
✗
newspaper
•
Recycled paper
✗
or metal trims
Glassware
•
Oven-to-
✓
tableware
•
Fine glassware
✓
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English
Comments
Can be used in small quantities to protect
areas against overcooking. Arcing
can occur if the foil is too close to the
microwave oven wall or if too much foil
is used.
Do not preheat for more than 8 minutes.
Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware
and bone china are usually suitable, unless
decorated with a metal trim.
Some frozen foods are packaged in these
dishes.
Can be used to warm food. Overheating
may cause the polystyrene to melt.
May catch fire.
May cause arcing.
Can be used, unless decorated with a
metal trim.
Can be used to warm foods or liquids.
Delicate glass may break or crack if
heated suddenly.
Microwave-
Cookware
safe
•
Glass jars
✓
Metal
•
Dishes
✗
•
Freezer bag twist
✗
ties
Paper
•
Plates, cups,
✓
napkins and
kitchen paper
•
Recycled paper
✗
Plastic
•
Containers
✓
•
Cling film
✓
•
Freezer bags
✓✗
Wax or grease-proof
✓
paper
✓ : Recommended
✓✗ : Use caution
Comments
Must remove the lid. Suitable for warming
only.
May cause arcing or fire.
For short cooking times and warming. Also
to absorb excess moisture.
May cause arcing.
Particularly if heat-resistant thermoplastic.
Some other plastics may warp or discolour
at high temperatures.
Do not use Melamine plastic.
Can be used to retain moisture. Should not
touch the food. Take care when removing
the film as hot steam will escape.
Only if boilable or oven-proof. Should not
be airtight. Prick with a fork, if necessary.
Can be used to retain moisture and
prevent spattering.
✗ : Unsafe