Microwave-Safe Utensils
Never use metal or metal-trimmed utensils
in your microwave oven. Microwaves cannot
penetrate metal. They will bounce off any
metal object in the oven and cause “arcing”,
which resembles lightning. Most heat-
resistant, nonmetallic cooking utensils are
safe for use in your microwave oven. However,
some may contain materials that render them
unsuitable for microwave cooking. If you have
any doubts about a particular utensil, there’s a
simple way to find out if it can be used in your
microwave oven.
Testing Utensils for Microwave Use: Place
the utensil in question next to a glass measure
filled with water in the microwave oven. Cook 1
minute at Power Level 10. If the water is warm
and the utensil remains cool, the utensil is
microwavable. However, if the utensil becomes
warm, microwaves are being absorbed by the
utensil and it should not be used in the micro-
wave 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.
1. Dinner Plates: Many kinds of tableware
are microwavable. This would include most
brands of oven-tempered glass cookware. Do
not, however, use delicate tumblers, wine
glasses, etc. in the oven, as they may possibly
shatter.
2. Glassware: Some glassware that is heat-
resistant is microwavable. This would include
all brands of oven-tempered glass cookware.
Do not, however, use delicate tumblers, wine
glasses, etc. in the oven, as they may possibly
shatter.
Do not use these utensils
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3. Paper: Paper plates and containers
without wax coatings are convenient and safe
to use in your microwave oven for short cook-
ing times. Paper towels are also very useful for
absorbing moisture and grease. In general,
use white paper, as some dyes may separate.
4. Plastic Storage Containers: These
can be used to hold foods that are to be quickly
reheated. However, they should not be used to
heat foods that will need considerable time in
the oven, as hot foods will eventually warp or
melt the containers.
5. Cooking Bags: Cooking bags are
microwavable. Make sure to make a slit in the
bag so that steam can escape. Substitute
string or microwavable closure for metal twist
ties.
6. Plastic Microwave Cookware: A vari-
ety of cookware is available. Certain specialty
items such as plastic ring molds, muffin pans,
etc. are convenient. Check the manufacturer’s
instructions.
7. Pottery, Stoneware, and Ceramic:
Containers made of these materials are
usually fine for use in your microwave oven.
They should be checked by using the dish test.
8. Wicker, Straw, Wood: All of these
materials are safe for brief use in your micro-
wave oven. Remove any metal fittings.
9. Metal Utensils: Metal utensils and uten-
sils with metal straps, clips, or screws should
not be placed in your microwave oven while
the oven is in operation. Use wooden skewers,
which are available at most cookware shops.
10. Browning Skillets: Browning skillets or
grills are useful to provide extra surface brown-
ing of meats such as steaks and hamburgers.
They heat to a very high temperature and
should be handled with great care. Follow the
manufacturer’s guidelines for directions and
proper use.
