Almost every kitchen has a microwave or microwave oven. Someone uses it exclusively for defrosting food and heating dishes, while others even get the hang of cooking in it – many modern ovens have the convection and grill function added. Today we will deal with dishes that are suitable for modern microwaves and electric ovens.
Prohibited Dishes for the Microwave
Do not put metal utensils, plastic or polymer (unless they are marked with a special icon), and all types of disposable utensils in the microwave. Also, do not use dishes with chips, cracks, or an embossed pattern on the glass: the plate may burst.
If your cookware is made from any of the materials listed below, never put it in the microwave to heat food:
- Any kind of metal;
- Faience and glass with gilding, silver, or other metallic shiny prints and patterns;
- Porcelain without painting and with painting;
- Crystal, as it contains lead, silver, and impurities of other metals;
- Plastic without marking;
- Containers for storing cereals;
- Plastic disposable tableware;
- Food paper and cardboard, including waxed or with a special polymer coating;
- Wood, bamboo;
- Food foil and film without special permit signs.
Unfired, fired and glazed clay dishes are only suitable for short-term heating of food.
Large rectangular dishes will not be able to rotate around the axis, and this is a prerequisite for operation in microwave radiation mode.
Approved utensils for the microwave oven with the “Grill” function
If the microwave oven is used in the “Defrost”, “Reheat” or “Cook” modes, then you should use the:
- Containers that have markings – an image of a microwave oven or the inscription micro;
- Silicone molds ;
- Plates, glasses, and bowls made of glass;
- Pans, square and round shapes made of borosilicate heat-resistant glass.
Rectangular cooking utensils made of borosilicate glass and heat-resistant ceramics can be used in the “Grill” and “Convection” modes, in which eggs and meat are cooked without problems.
Remember that containers that close tightly or even hermetically must be slightly opened before cooking, otherwise they will explode. This can be very dangerous! If you want to put a box that you just got out of the freezer into the microwave, we strongly recommend that you do not rush. Leave the container to stand at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
Silicone molds on a metal base with a non-stick coating are designed exclusively for gas or electric ovens. And only if you use the “Convection” or “Grill” mode, then the use of such dishes in the microwave is acceptable.
The same rules apply to carbon steel pizza pans. When putting them in the microwave with a grill, you need to ensure that you do not accidentally turn on the microwave mode. Not only pizza will be spoiled, but also the microwave.
Alternatives and Safety Tips
To make sure a plate or other dish is microwave-safe, look for specific labels. It can be an image of a small stove or a tiny 5 triangle with arrows (you can see this image on a plastic container).
If you have cookware that has lost its markings from time and frequent washing and you are not sure if it is suitable, you can test it. To do this, pour half the volume of water into it and put it in the microwave oven in heating mode for 1 minute.
If you hear clicks and sparks, turn off the microwave immediately – the dish is not suitable for use. But if after 60 seconds the liquid warms up, and the protruding sides remain at room temperature or a little warmer, then you have found what you were looking for and you can safely reheat your favorite dishes. If the temperature of the dishes has become higher than the temperature of the poured water, then it is better not to heat such a product in a microwave oven.
Microwave ovens have significantly accelerated our morning preparations for work and allow us to be lazy a little longer because we know that breakfast will warm up in a few minutes. And electric ovens are easy to control, allowing you to choose the cooking temperature to the nearest degree and cook truly gourmet dishes. But when using a microwave or electric oven, take only suitable dishes. So you will protect your assistants from breakdowns, preserve the wonderful taste of dishes and save time.
Visit: Metric Conversions Made Easy: Discover How Many Cups are in 1.5 Liters
FAQs
Can I use metal utensils in the microwave?
No, metal utensils should not be used in the microwave because they can cause sparks and start a fire. It’s safer to use utensils made of glass, ceramic, or special microwave-safe plastics.
Is it okay to use aluminum foil in the microwave?
No, you should never use aluminum foil in the microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the microwave. It’s better to transfer your food to a microwave-safe dish before heating it.
Are all plastic containers safe for the microwave?
No, not all plastic containers are safe for the microwave. You should look for containers that have a label saying “microwave-safe.” These containers are made to handle the heat without releasing harmful chemicals.
Can I put eggs in the microwave with their shells?
No, it’s not safe to microwave eggs in their shells. The heat builds up inside the egg and can make it explode. Remember to crack the egg and put it in a microwave-safe dish if you want to cook it in the microwave.
What should I do if I want to microwave foods with thin skins, like grapes?
If you want to microwave foods with thin skins, such as grapes or cherry tomatoes, it’s a good idea to cut or poke them before putting them in the microwave. This helps the steam escape and prevents them from exploding.
Are all plastic containers safe for the electric oven?
No, you should not use plastic containers in the electric oven. They can melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat. It’s better to use glass or ceramic dishes that are labeled as oven-safe.
Can I use paper towels or plates in the electric oven?
No, you should not use paper towels, paper plates, or cardboard in the electric oven. They can catch fire easily. It’s best to use materials that are safe for the oven, like glass or ceramic dishes.
Is it safe to use glassware with labels in the electric oven?
No, it’s not safe to use glassware with labels in the electric oven. The labels can catch fire or release toxic fumes when they get hot. Make sure to remove any labels before using the glassware in the oven.
What can I use instead of the prohibited dishes in the microwave and electric oven?
Instead of prohibited dishes, you can use microwave-safe utensils, glass or ceramic containers, and oven-safe glass or ceramic dishes. These will help you cook your food safely without any problems.
Do you have any tips to stay safe when using the microwave or electric oven?
Yes! Always follow the instructions that come with your microwave and electric oven. Make sure there is enough space for the heat to circulate, and don’t put too many things in at once. And remember to use oven mitts when taking hot dishes out of the oven to protect your hands.
