Microwave-Safe Utensils

Ovenproof Glass: Glassware that is heat-resistant is microwave-safe. This would include all brands of oven tempered glass utensils. However, do not use delicate glassware, such as tumblers or wine glasses, as these might shatter as the food warms.Pottery Stoneware Ceramic: Use bowls, cups, serving plates, pottery, stoneware, ceramic, and platters without metallic rim. Many containers made of these materials are microwave-safe, but test them before use.PlasticPlastic Storage Containers: These can be used to hold foods that are to be quickly reheated. However, they should not be used to hold foods that will need considerable time in the oven as hot foods will eventually warp or melt plastic containers.Plastic Cooking Bags: Provided they are specially made for cooking, cooking bags are microwave safe. Remember to make a slit in the bag so that steam can escape. Never use ordinary plastic bags for cooking in the microwave oven, as they will melt and rupture. Plastic Microwave Utensils: A variety of shapes and sizes of microwave utensils are available. You may be able to use items you already have on hand rather than investing in new kitchen equipment.Paper: Use paper towels, waxed paper, paper napkins, and paper plates with no metallic rim or design. Paper plates and containers are convenient and safe to use in the microwave oven, provided that the cooking time is short and foods to be cooked are low in fat and moisture. Paper towels are also very useful for wrapping foods and for lining baking trays in which greasy foods such as bacon are cooked. In general, avoid coloured paper products as the color may run. Some recycled paper products may contain impurities which could cause arcing or fires when used in the microwave.Tableware: Many containers made of pottery, stoneware and ceramic are also microwave-safe. If in doubt consult the manufacturer’s literature or perform the microwave test. Do not put plates with painted decoration in the oven, as the paint may contain metal and cause arcing.

Microwave-Unsafe Utensils

Metal Containers and Metal DecorationNever use metal or metal-rimmed utensils in the microwave oven. Microwaves cannot penetrate metal. They will bounce off any metal object in the oven and cause arcing, an alarming phenomenon that resembles lightning. Metal shields the food from microwave energy and produces uneven cooking. Also avoid metal skewers, thermometers, foil trays, metal-rimmed or metal-banded dinnerware, casserole dishes, etc. The metal rim interferes with normal cooking and may damage the oven.

Testing Utensils before Use

Most heat resistant and non-metallic utensils is safe for use in your oven. However, some utensils may contain materials that are not suitable for microwave use. Follow the steps below to find out if utensils can be used in the microwave.Place the container in question and a glass measuring cup filled with water next to each other inside the oven. Heat the container and glass measuring cup for 1 minute at HIGH power.If the water heats up but the container remains cool to the press, the container is microwave-safe.If the temperature of the water does not change but the container becomes warm, it is not safe for use in the microwave oven.Some items with high lead or iron content are not suitable for microwave cooking.Utensils should be checked to ensure that it is suitable for use in the microwave.Always be careful when taking utensils out of the oven. Some dishes absorb heat from the cooked food and may be hot.