It is difficult to imagine life without the convenience that a microwave oven provides. Take at least heating up any dish in a couple of minutes. More experienced users have mastered cooking and are also satisfied. Baking, boiling, heating, stewing or steaming, grilling, defrosting - it is very difficult to list all the possibilities that this reliable assistant provides.

There are very few restrictions when using a microwave oven. The main one concerns the material from which the container that can be irradiated can be made. Sometimes a microwave icon on a dish can serve as a clue, and if there isn’t one, how do you know if it can be used? After all, using the wrong material will damage the equipment or adversely affect people’s health.

Protective plastic cover to protect against splashes and moisture loss

What dishes can be used in the microwave?

Examples of labeling for microwave ovens

The general prohibition for everything that is prohibited for a microwave oven is “No metal!” Metal or metallized coating, reinforcing mesh, handles, funnels, prints or micro-inclusions of metal will cause sparks to jump inside the chamber, the magnetron will start to spark, and the equipment will fail.

The following types of containers are suitable for all microwave oven modes:

Types of dishes for microwave ovens

• Glass. Almost all types of glass trays, pans, salad bowls or heat-resistant glass forms are suitable for any microwave oven mode. Thin-walled glass is suitable only for short-term heating of liquid. They transmit radiation, food looks aesthetically pleasing, you can monitor the cooking process, it’s easy to care for, plus it’s durable (if you don’t throw it or put it hot on a cold table). Manufacturers of household appliances recommend using round or oval glassware; heating plus cooking proceeds faster and more evenly.
• Silicone. Silicone products for the kitchen, which are quickly conquering the market, have reached microwave ovens. Now on the market you can find a huge range of baking dishes made of multi-colored food grade silicone. It allows you to cook without oil, it is easy to clean, it is not afraid of the dishwasher or high temperatures, it has a non-stick property and is quite durable. It is important to buy products from trusted manufacturers, only food grade silicone.

Sample of silicone product

Plastic. Trays, containers, pallets or cups made of polymers are often used by housewives. But a microwave oven requires special plastic - heat-resistant plus suitable for microwave exposure. Otherwise, the output will be a deformed piece of plastic. There are types of plastic that can only be heated in, that is, exposed to heat for a short time, but cooking, especially with fat, is not recommended. You can find out which type of polymer is suitable for a microwave oven by the markings on the walls or bottom.

Reception of plastic containers

• Clay. This includes ceramic, earthenware, porcelain or earthenware dishes - any that contain clay, without inclusions or metal decoration. Food heats up and cooks a little worse in it, since it does not transmit microwaves well. First, the walls warm up, and only then does the food, so you need to follow all safety rules when removing it from the oven. You need to carefully ensure that there are no cracks on the surface - due to the temperature difference, such a cracked cup or plate will simply burst during heating.
• Paper. Food packaged in paper bags, envelopes, plus plastic or film - all this is suitable for use in the microwave only for heating, but not for long, a couple of minutes. Otherwise, the film will begin to melt or even catch fire.

Food in packaging that can be heated in a microwave oven

• Fabric. It is convenient to heat flour and bakery products in linen or cotton napkins.

Containers that can be used in microwave ovens have special markings that allow you to understand their purpose.

Samples of symbols on dishes

Marking of dishes for microwave ovens

These symbols mean that the dishes can be irradiated by microwaves without difficulty:

Icons related to microwave ovens

If such icons are crossed out, then use in microwave ovens is strictly prohibited.

Plastic that can be used in microwave ovens

Plastic marking

If it can be frozen or exposed to low temperatures, then there will be an image of snowflakes. The more snowflakes, the lower the temperature the material can withstand.

Marking on plastic

Plastic, its types and designations

If plastic products have a triangle of arrows with the number 6 inside and the abbreviation PS, this means that the polymer is polystyrene, which means it cannot be heated, poured hot, or used in a microwave oven!

If the designation is the number 5 plus PP, then this is the mass of polypropylene. Such containers can be used in a microwave oven, but without the use of alcohol, which as a result of a chemical reaction will release formaldehyde and phenol, which, if ingested, can lead to blindness.

The pictogram on the plastic in the form of a glass and fork means that the product tolerates high temperatures well and is intended for food products. It allows you to heat or hold food products. If such a sign is crossed out, then this indicates the opposite - non-food plastic.

Special dishes for a microwave oven have a symbol on them in the form of a microwave oven and a plate inside it.

All other types of plastics release toxic substances when heated and can be hazardous to health, especially if they are exposed to heat or microwaves.

Ban theme or metal utensils

You need to be very careful that no knife or fork gets into the microwave, that there is no pattern on the plates with metal additives, otherwise an electric charge will accumulate, then the oven will fail - the magnetron will deteriorate, without which there will be no microwave waves, and the replacement of which costs half the cost device.

Prohibited utensils for microwave oven:

• Any types of metal utensils. All metals do not allow microwaves to pass through, they accumulate an electric charge, that is, the food does not heat up, but the metal walls heat up, sparks occur, and the equipment fails.
• Containers made of any material with designs using paints that include metal. This is clearly noticeable when it heats up and sparks. It’s tedious to immediately turn off the stove and take out the metal threat.
• Natural crystal. Uneven walls and inclusions of metal microparticles will lead to the fact that under the influence of microwaves, crystal products turn into small fragments.
• Dishes made of foil. It would seem that everyone understands that metal foil is strictly forbidden to be used in microwave ovens, but people mistakenly heat grilled chicken in foil, breakfast or semi-finished products, baked foods, which causes irreversible damage to the magnetron.
• Waxed paper containers, packaging. Semi-finished products, various ready-made industrially produced dishes, all of this can be heated if the packaging contains such recommendations from the manufacturer, but only once.
• Pottery without glaze. Thick clay walls heat up unevenly and may crack in the microwave. And they also keep the food cold, even if the plate itself is too hot to touch.
• Thin-walled glass. Such products cannot withstand heat and most often burst when heated for too long.
• Containers of any type with microcracks. When the container plus its contents heats up, uneven expansion occurs, so most likely the item that bursts will break into pieces.
• Wooden crafts. Usually they either dry out or are charred in microwave ovens.
• Plastic, film. It is permissible to use only those types of polymer materials that have the appropriate markings, otherwise the products will become deformed or will release toxic substances into the food. Of the huge amount of food and non-food plastic, only polypropylene can be irradiated with microwaves without harm to health; it is also marked with the number 5 or PP.

In order for the purchased utensils to be suitable for any microwave cooking modes, it is better to immediately take a universal one or not get confused when choosing such modes as convection, grill or combined when there is exposure to high temperatures.

Tips for choosing cookware:

1. It is better to take heat-resistant products (it should withstand more than 220°C, optimally up to 300°C).
2. The walls of the products must transmit microwaves without interference - that is, not be too thick, not have any inclusions or coating with metal.
3. It must be intact; air bubbles inside the material or defects are also not allowed.
4. Heating test - the selected container is filled with water, heated for a minute until it boils. The ideal dish will be moderately hot with boiled nutria water.

A microwave oven opens up endless possibilities for an imaginative housewife. Many modes, a programming function, and at the finish - almost any dish with the preservation of nutrients in a minimum time.

Don't want to throw away cracked plates or damaged containers? Then before cooking, find out what you can’t heat in the microwave.

The technical characteristics of microwave ovens do not allow the use of any utensils indiscriminately, so you need to be careful before placing them in the chamber. In this article we will look at which dishes are suitable for the microwave, and which ones are best kept away.

What not to heat food in a microwave oven

If, then for some kitchen utensils it is the worst enemy. Without worrying about the “compatibility” of new equipment and your favorite saucepans, you can ruin food, set fire to the stove, or cause an explosion. There are some materials that should never be placed in the chamber, and there are exceptions for others. How to distinguish them?

Plastic

When a plastic container is labeled with an approval sticker, it is best to ignore (or check) the manufacturer's permission. According to the law, he is not required to test his products during production.

When heated, plastic releases special toxic substances that easily penetrate food. Warming up your lunch for a long time in a low-quality plastic lunch box will cause it to come out of the oven melted. Heating using cling film has a similar effect: carcinogens from polymer materials get inside the food.

Gold plated plates

The “saucer with the golden edge” can sparkle if you put it in the microwave. The immediate danger is fire. Spare the electrical appliance, yourself and your home. Beautiful plates and dishes with gold patterns are not designed to be exposed to waves.

Why you can’t put gold plating in the microwave

The electrical appliance is made of metal, and there is a mesh on the door - have you noticed? There are no exceptions in any model! The design features prevent microwaves from leaving the housing; the metal serves as protection. A spark, an electric arc, or a fire will appear inside a microwave oven that contains an iron bowl by mistake or for fun.

But there are also specialized dishes created for the needs of microwave oven users. This includes the Aqua Cook Samsung set - the steaming set has a metal cap that protects food from exposure to microwaves.

Combination ovens

If you get an appliance equipped with a grill or heater, there are loopholes. Often a heating element or grill can be used independently, without radiation. Then cook in pots, pans, iron trays, salad bowls - the list goes on, but do not forget to turn off the microwave mode.

Porcelain

Porcelain utensils produced in the post-Soviet space contain lead. Heavy metals were mixed into raw materials for durability, excellent performance and elegance of products. Porcelain cups, glasses, bowls, salad bowls, tureens containing lead are very dangerous for microwaves.

Hardware

“Can I put iron cookware in the microwave?” - you ask. "No!" - experts and manufacturers will answer.

Metal reflects waves that can lead to an explosion - at best, you will throw out the stove, at worst, you can easily get injured. Do not assemble such a “bomb” with your own hands. Iron, aluminum, enameled and other metal utensils cannot be placed in the chamber, because they begin to spark. As with gold plating, this poses a risk of fire.

On a note! Avoid heating paper boxes, foil from fast foods or sushi bars. The best material for heating sandwiches and other similar foods is parchment baking paper.

Crystal

If the crystal is not fake, it contains lead, and expensive crystal contains silver. In faceted products, the wall thickness is not the same, so the heating process will not be uniform. Metal impurities lead to a rapid increase in temperature - your favorite salad bowl or vase bursts. If crystal objects are dear to you, do without experimenting.

How does the tree react?

We don't often use wooden utensils: at most it's a cutting board, a hot tray, or a container for storing cereals. Few people cook in wooden bowls, but there will always be enthusiasts.

Manufacturers (not all) warn against using wooden utensils, otherwise they may overheat and become charred. But you can try using it on short cycles - when heating or preparing quick dishes. The type of food also matters: avoid fatty and sugary foods.

Remember that wood may contain moisture, it is a living material, and the waves of the device do not affect objects, but water molecules. So products made from “fresh” wood are deformed by moisture.

Paper items

There is no prohibition on using disposable paper or cardboard utensils in a microwave oven. But it is not suitable for long-term cooking (especially fatty foods). Packaging containers coated with plastic or wax will definitely “leak” - products that receive the melted coating will deteriorate.

You can use ordinary paper towels for the kitchen, and cover the baking sheets with tracing paper, as when baking in the oven. When baking cupcakes, you can use corrugated paper molds. Avoid recycled paper, which may contain toxins and metals.

Let's summarize: what should not be put in the oven

So, you should not put the following in the microwave for cooking or heating food:

• Thin-walled glass glasses, wine glasses, shot glasses, etc.
• Products with metal decor (gilding, silver plated items).
• Crystal.
• Stainless steel, cast iron.
• Aluminum, nickel-plated or enameled items.
• Items and utensils with gold and silver handles/elements.
• Porcelain, earthenware, ceramic objects with metal decor.
• Wooden and straw objects.
• Disposable tableware (for long-term processing).
• Recycled paper supplies.
• Newspapers, dyed paper.
• Silicone molds on a metal frame.
• Temperature-resistant plastic.

How to check that the plate fits

The best part is that most of your kitchen utensils can be safely placed in the microwave. To understand whether a container is suitable for microwave use, check it using a simple test (you will find it in the instructions for the device). If the user manual is lost, follow our recommendations:

• Take a glass and fill it with water.
• Place the glass in the chamber along with the container being tested.
• Start the device at full power, set the timer for 1 minute.
• Check: if after a minute the water from the glass warms up, but not everything else, the test results are excellent. You can use the tested plate. But if the water remains cold, but the cup you are testing has warmed up, it means that radiation is being absorbed. It is better to put such a thing away from the oven.

The instructions for equipment of some brands also provide simpler test schemes: just put the dishes in the chamber for 0.5-1 minutes, turn on the maximum power and check the degree of heating at the end of the work. The temperature will remain the same, or rise, or even sparks will fly.

Which alternative to use

“What to cook with if there are so many restrictions?” - housewives will ask, going through in their memory all the frying pans, baking sheets, pots, ladles, etc. available at home. The most ideal material is glass. Waves pass through it without problems, their effect is not diminished, cleaning and washing are not difficult. In addition to the fact that you can cook in such containers, a nice bonus is that you can immediately serve it on the table without spoiling the serving.

Today, the choice of glass items, including glass ceramics, is so large that there will be no problems with selection: these are frying pans of various depths, pots with or without lids and handles, baking sheets, dishes, pots, etc. They are made from special heat-resistant glass. Permissible temperature values: from -40 to +1000 degrees Celsius.

For conventional stoves and ovens, in addition to induction, glass and glass-ceramic options are also suitable. Combo modes in the microwave with grill or convection are also well tolerated.

Important! Glass is not resistant to sudden temperature changes. Do not place a hot baking sheet on a wet towel or do not heat the dish directly from the refrigerator in the microwave - cracks or even complete deformation of the product are guaranteed.

Is it possible to cook in pots

Ceramics, porcelain and earthenware (different types of clay are used) are in principle suitable for microwaves, but with some caution. To reassure yourself, it is better to conduct a test - today clay may contain a lot of impurities that do not have a good effect on the throughput of materials.

If you notice a crack, chip or other defect on the pot, set it aside: the pot may crack due to the boiling of moisture that has accumulated in them during washing.

In addition to pots, housewives place stewpans, terrines, tagines and other items in the chamber. Serving utensils (after the test) can also be used - it is only desirable that their shapes are simple.

Silicone: yes or no

There is no prohibition on the use of silicone mats or molds. Muffins, rolls, casseroles, pies and other delicacies can be easily prepared in the microwave using silicone, without fear or risk. The only exceptions are options with a sticker prohibiting exposure to radiation.

Special dishes

We have already written about a special set from Samsung. Other brands are keeping up with their Korean counterpart - Panasonic, LG, Whirlpool, Teka, Sharp and Rolsen offer special stir-fry dishes of their own design. The material is glass ceramics with a special coating that can absorb wave energy. Such containers can be supplemented with a non-stick coating. As a result, heating occurs quickly.

For LG ovens, a combination cookware called “Talented Dish” is created. This is a set for cooking in different modes to fully utilize the functionality. One of the Moulinex models is equipped with a bread machine, in which you can bake a traditional brick according to your own or a suggested recipe from simple ingredients. As in a conventional bread oven, kneading, infusing and baking occur automatically.

You can never have enough dishes, right? But you need to carefully choose what is suitable for the microwave and what should not be brought anywhere near it. Your attentiveness will protect your equipment from breakdowns, and you from other negative consequences.

A microwave appeared in the kitchen. Now there are hot sandwiches for breakfast, and ready-made meals are heated up in a few minutes. There is no need to remove meat from the freezer in the morning so that it melts in the evening. To get the benefits, you need to choose the right dishes for microwaves. In addition to the material, you should also look at the markings.

The basic rule: absence of metal in the material and finish. Plates, pots, baking containers and saucers should allow short waves to pass through freely and not heat up. When light passes through the window glass, it remains cold, and the window sill and other objects in the house heat up from the sun's rays.

Before use, test and check that the cookware is suitable for your microwave oven:

• Pour water into a thick glass glass.
• Place it inside the container being tested.
• Turn on maximum power for 1 minute.
• Check the temperature of the water and dishes.

The water must be hot. The glass may heat up from it and be warm. The container being tested must remain cold. If it gets hot, it is not suitable for the microwave.

Fireproof glassware can be used in any microwave. In addition to this, you can heat in a microwave oven:

• faience,
• porcelain,
• ceramics,
• bamboo,
• parchment.

A linen napkin is suitable for warming up the bun and sandwich. Bamboo and paper are used for small dishes with short cooking cycles.

Porcelain transmits waves well and can be used in any oven. The main material for making faience and ceramics is clay. When annealed, it acquires strength and heat resistance.

What materials are best not to use?

Short electromagnetic waves are emitted inside the microwave: they penetrate the entire thickness of the food, quickly warming it up and cooking it. The heating rate depends on the electrical conductivity of the material. Metal conducts waves and instantly heats up to temperatures of several hundred degrees, which can damage equipment. If you put your hand with a wedding ring into the chamber of a working microwave, a burn will appear underneath it.

Dishes made from the following materials cannot be used:

• copper;
• aluminum;
• iron coated with enamel;
• stainless steel;
• ordinary plastic;
• cobalt porcelain;
• crystal;
• painted with paints.

You should not use food foil in the microwave oven - these are thin sheets of aluminum alloys. If you really want to bake something in it, you need to carefully read the instructions for the oven and use special foil for microwave ovens, setting the mode recommended in the technical documentation and leaving holes.

Plastic utensils are only allowed to be used if they have special markings.

You cannot place ordinary disposable plates from:

• polyvinyl chloride,
• polyamide,
• polypropylene.

In microwave ovens with a grill function, you cannot use silicone molds or use polypropylene and polyamide plastic. This type of cookware is not suitable for preparing dishes containing a lot of fat and sugar.

Even a thin golden stripe on a ceramic plate will crackle and sparkle when the dishes are cold. Cobalt plates and cups are made of clay with a high metal content; cobalt porcelain is not suitable for microwave ovens. Usually these are expensive thin-walled sets.

Crystal acquires its qualities by adding lead, zinc and silver to the glass. Its entire surface is indented with a pattern. It can break into many small fragments when exposed to high frequency waves.

Not only does gold plating contain metal, but paints of different colors also contain additives. The red tint is given to the dyes by iron oxide, and the yellowness by chromium. You cannot put dishes decorated with pictures in the oven.

Requirements for cookware when using different modes

There are many fireproof and heat-resistant glassware for microwave ovens. Suitable for microwave use with thick smooth walls. On the bottom, on the outside, the manufacturer, next to the brand name, indicates the possibility of using the dishes in microwaves and grill ovens. Various dishes are prepared in pans and the lid is used as a plate for cooking dishes with a minimum amount of liquid.

For grilling, special glass ceramic pans are sold: the coating on the bottom reflects heat, warming the chicken and meat from below.

A mold made of cheap plastic releases toxic substances when heated strongly. You can only heat food in it in wave mode. The grill cannot be used.

Liquid dishes cannot be prepared in any plastic container. A container marked with all the signs will begin to melt if it is inserted into the oven and the grill is turned on or liquid is poured. The plastic components react with sugar. The material decomposes, chlorine, ammonia, dixogen and other toxic substances enter the food.

Ceramic dishes coated with glaze can be placed in the oven after first checking their integrity. Constant exposure to waves promotes the formation of microcracks. Together with porcelain, it is suitable for all cooking modes.

You should not save money by buying Chinese utensils - they are of low quality. A similar problem occurs with cheap plastic.

The silicone mold is suitable for baking cookies, cakes and other small confectionery products in wave mode.

Decoding signs on dishes

Manufacturers of microwave oven utensils put different icons on the bottom:

• A rectangle with rounded edges, inside is an image of the front panel of the microwave. Means that pots and salad bowls can be used to heat and defrost food.
• A similar rectangle with an open stove door and waves in place of the glass; hand places the cup inside the oven. The dishes can be used for cooking.
• In the rectangle are waves or flames and the inscription Micro. This means that the containers are suitable for microwave ovens.
• The multifunctional utensils are additionally marked with the letters gr - grill. Suitable for all cooking and baking modes.

Similar markings are available on plastic plates and containers. The dishes can be reused in wave mode; the use of a grill is excluded.

The disposable container has a different marking:

• A colored triangle formed by arrows with a number inside - the type of material, the letters below it indicate the degree of safety. Food grade material is used with two labels.
• The triangle on the bottom of the container and the 5 inside and the letters PP below mean food packaging. The container can be used once to heat the products packed in it. With strong prolonged heating and repeated wave treatment, formaldehyde may be released.
• A similar sign with the number 6 and the letters PS is placed on disposable plastic containers with products. It cannot be used to heat food in the microwave. Used once and discarded. When decomposed, it releases styrene.

The presence of marks does not guarantee quality. You need to choose utensils from well-known and trusted manufacturers, check them before use.

Utensils for microwaves should be higher than those for conventional ovens and stoves. It should not be covered tightly. Liquid food should be prepared under a special lid with a valve or not topped up to a third of the container’s height and left open.

For baking, it is better to use round and oval shapes. In rectangular containers, the dough heats up unevenly and dries out in the corners. The size of plates and salad bowls for preparing vegetables should correspond to the volume of food. Baking requires high sides; it rises during the manufacturing process.

The utensils are selected according to size. Low plates and baking dishes should not be large. Glass and porcelain will transmit the rays intended for the products.
The material should be fire-resistant. It is suitable for all cooking modes, including grill and combination. Preference is given to glass, ceramics, porcelain.

Microwave dishes should not have cracks, chips or other defects. It is better to buy high-quality, expensive, trusted manufacturers. The costs will be justified during operation.

Choosing the right utensils for the microwave is a guarantee of safety. Nowadays, a microwave oven is an essential household appliance and a reliable assistant in the kitchen. With its help, cooking, defrosting, and heating food is significantly faster and saves time.

Although even today some concerns are still expressed about whether a specific stove is harmful to human health.

Experts are confident that if smart technology is used correctly, it will not have a negative impact on humans. But only if the “right” dishes are chosen.

The requirements for it are simple: for safe and long-term use of the microwave and harmless cooking you need utensils designed specifically for the microwave.

REFERENCE! American scientist P. Spencer, inventor of radar equipment, conducted experiments with a magnetron back in 1946 and discovered that the device melted a chocolate bar packed in foil in his pocket.

Thus, chance determined the discovery, which to this day pleases housewives.

What happens to dishes in the microwave?

Main function ovens - fast heating food. However, in some cases it happens unexpected: loaded containers become hot.

Let's figure it out together Why does the microwave heat the dishes and not the food??

If we remember our school physics lessons, we can easily explain everything.

In the oven, a process occurs that is different from the usual heating of food over an open fire. They play a warming role here microwave, which act exclusively on water molecules. They move along a waveguide with metal walls that reflect magnetic radiation.

Moving inside the device, the waves chaotically accelerate the movement of the liquid. The process of temperature generation begins. This heat is transferred to the container. A bowl that is not microwave safe becomes warm.

IMPORTANT. If you find a hot plate instead of heated food in your microwave oven, it means that it is not suitable for the device.

Utensils that can be used in the microwave

Having created a furnace with high-speed heating capabilities, scientists determined what kind of dishes should be for the unit.

The main advantage of suitable containers- heat resistance, the ability to maintain its qualities and not emit harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.

Such containers can be safely loaded into the oven for cooking, heating, and defrosting food.

The microwave brings food to the boiling temperature of water (100°C). Heat-resistant cookware can withstand up to 140°C.

Taking into account the specified data, you can also use fireproof containers, since they can easily withstand heating up to 300°C.

Suitable is utensils made from such materials:

• glass;
• clay (faience, ceramics, porcelain);
• plastic that is specially marked “for cooking”;
• silicone.

Glass

This material - best option use in a microwave oven. Glass walls do not warm up as they allow microwaves to pass through. To heat food, you can use ordinary glassware. One condition is that it must be durable, without drawings or patterns, otherwise the product will be heated unevenly.

It was an excellent option heat resistant glass.

Due to its qualities, it has a wide range of applications:

• grill;
• convection;
• defrosting;
• cooking in microwave mode.

Advantages of glass containers:

• Easy to care for: the container is easy to wash.
• Resistant to the absorption of odors that do not permeate the structure.
• Ease of use (you can see the cooking process) and serving. A beautiful bowl with a hot dish can be immediately brought to the festive table.

IMPORTANT! This material does not tolerate temperature changes well. Cold glassware should not be immediately set to heating mode.

pay attention to LUMINARC.

This is a well-known manufacturer of quality cookware. It is famous for its impact-resistant glass, which is created using special melting technologies. As a result, the products are able to withstand greater loads than ordinary glass.

Tempered cookware can easily withstand temperatures up to 130°C, which allows it to be used in a microwave oven.

When purchasing Luminarc, pay attention to the labeling or check with the seller whether a particular container is suitable for the microwave.

IMPORTANT! Crystal glassware, although glass, is not suitable for microwave use.

The reason is the composition of crystal, which contains metals: silver and lead. Such material heats up much faster and unevenly, so there is a high probability of splitting.

Clay

Clay containers are fireproof so they microwave safe. Important condition: choose pots without drawings or varnish layer. During operation, they may catch fire.

Ordinary handmade items are ideal.
Another condition - no chips.
There is also one drawback: the surface of such products heats up more than special containers designed specifically for microwaves.

Faience

The basis of this material is also clay; the properties of earthenware are similar to the dishes described above. The difference lies in the processing and production technology.
Such products can be used for heating. Items without painted designs are desirable, as it may contain metals that will harm the operation of the microwave.

Ceramics

Another type of clay products. Perfect for crispy crust lovers. There are special ones for microwave ovens. glass ceramic containers. They have bottoms with a special layer that is heated by microwaves.

ADVICE. When using ceramic items, you must first heat the container without food, then make a bookmark and start cooking.

In this case, the food will acquire a golden crust. After which the dish is covered and brought to readiness.

Porcelain

Another material that can be used in microwaves is porcelain. It should be borne in mind that this type of thin ceramic absorbs microwaves well, which makes may become very hot.

You should be very careful with these items when loading them into the microwave!
Be sure to pay attention to the glaze coating. It should be uniform. The quality of heating the food will depend on this. Just like glass, porcelain does not like sudden changes in temperature.

Plastic

Very easy to use: The containers are lightweight, unbreakable and equipped with suitable lids.

However, you need to be careful. Plastic is different from plastic. Not everyone is suitable for use in the oven, and indeed for eating from them.

Note!

In the microwave can not use plastic marked:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride);
• PS (polystyrene).

Can reheat and cook in containers marked:

• P (polyamide);
• PP (polypropylene);
• Thermoplastic;
• Duroplast.

The container, which has the last two names, does not deform when heated and can withstand temperatures of more than 100°C. And another big plus of these things is that they are not afraid of temperature changes, unlike glass products.

IMPORTANT. In addition to indicating the type of plastic, microwave-safe items may have additional special markings.

Microwave approved images:

• Firstly, there must be a sign " fork spoon».

• Secondly, the icon with schematic drawing of a microwave.

Plastic film

Very comfortable modern material. Can be used as a lid for any container, as well as for quickly heating small foods: sandwiches, pieces of meat, etc.

• Do not use containers for grilling or long-term cooking.
• Trust famous brands. Buy dishes from trusted stores. And don’t hesitate to ask for certificates of conformity and quality.
• Poor quality plastic releases harmful chemicals into food. Don't go for cheap. This cookware may be counterfeit and therefore hazardous to health.

Disposable items

Another sign of today is a large number of products for one use. In modern microwave ovens allowed to bet objects made from different materials.

Thin plastic or aluminum containers and plates And.

An irreplaceable thing in some cases. They are very convenient to take home-made food to work, to nature, or on the road. They are universal and do not require washing.

REFERENCE. The very thin aluminum sheet used for heating is safe and approved for microwave use.

After heating, they are used as plates from which to eat. After which all that remains is to dispose of them.

Paper and cardboard dishes.

Covered with a wax film, which provides additional protection against leakage. However, as the temperature increases, this layer melts. Therefore, such a container is only suitable for heating; you cannot cook in it. Additional requirement: food should be low in fat and sugar.

Why you shouldn't put metal utensils in the microwave

For microwave not suitable and even prohibited the following items:

• containers with any iron content;
• container with a gold rim.

Causes incompatibility of metals with microwave ovens

• There is a possibility of static discharge, which will damage the device.
• The paint may contain metal particles that can cause electrical discharge.
• Microwaves do not pass through metal; it acts as a reflective screen. Food will not heat up in such a cup. This dish conducts electricity, but is not permeable to waves.
• A cup containing metal may spark. This will cause an explosion inside the microwave oven!
• Improper use of a microwave device can cause a fire, and subsequently a fire.

However, there are exceptions to the rules

• Aluminum foil sheets. Allowed for use to protect products from burning.
• Factory foil packaging. Such dishes should have a depth of no more than 2 centimeters. When using it, do not forget to remove the cover!

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

The microwave oven has long become an indispensable assistant for housewives. Thanks to technical innovations, microwave ovens are equipped with a variety of functions: from defrosting and convection to cooking. Not all utensils present in the kitchen are allowed to be used in the oven; there are strict selection criteria. Choose containers responsibly. Everything is important here, from the material from which the utensil is made to its size.

What dishes should not be put in the microwave?

Products suitable for use in microwave ovens vary in variants and shapes. It is strictly forbidden to use containers made of certain materials, as this can not only damage the equipment, but also lead to a short circuit and cause a fire. Do not heat an empty appliance. The absence of an object inside that absorbs microwaves can damage the equipment.

Made of metal

Iron cups and bowls are not suitable for use in microwave ovens; microwaves do not pass through metal, it reflects them. Do not leave metal spoons or forks, or items containing staples or bolts in the microwave. Metal objects can cause sparks and electrical discharges, so such containers or their elements are dangerous.

With drawings

You should avoid using kitchen utensils with a metal pattern or coating, as well as gold-plated edging and patterns. Such images are often painted with paints containing metal. Unfortunately, the presence of this material cannot be seen with the naked eye, so containers with a pattern are not recommended for use in the oven.

From crystal

Crystal contains silver, lead, and sometimes other metals that can affect the operation of a microwave oven. Crystal products are distinguished by the thickness of the faceted surface, and the influence of microwaves on their walls leads to damage and splitting of the container. For this reason, it is better to avoid using crystal dishes in the microwave oven.

What dishes can be put in the microwave?

The optimal dishes for the microwave oven are porcelain and ceramic, heat-resistant glass products, special plastic and silicone containers. If necessary, you can replace it with cut glasses, thick glass cups, and ceramic plates. Suitable containers for heating food in a microwave oven are wooden bowls that are not varnished.

Glass, porcelain, ceramics

Glass is a universal material, so containers made from it are convenient to use in an oven with a grill or when cooking in the oven. It is necessary to choose products made of fireproof, thick, transparent glass that are safe at high temperatures. It is important to avoid containers with chips and cracks, as this will lead to deformation of the vessel when heated.

Porcelain bowls with low sides make it convenient to heat food. Ceramic microwave oven containers get very hot, so you need to be careful when removing such containers. Do not use homemade ceramic or clay bowls, as this may damage the vessel. Before heating, check the container for cracks. When washing, water often gets into them, which leads to the cracking of the ceramic product.

Paper, plastic, foam

The range of kitchen utensils is wide, so it is difficult to determine which utensils can be used in the microwave. Paper cups or bags are convenient for heating small portions of food; a napkin will do to warm up the sandwich. If you use disposable paper containers, do so only once to avoid deformation of the container.

Popcorn manufacturers package their products in paper bags that can be heated in the microwave. Using special paper molds with embossed inner walls, you can bake muffins in a microwave oven. Cardboard milk cartons should not be heated. The bottom layer of such packages often contains foil, which can damage the device.

There are many options for heat-resistant plastic dishes for microwave ovens; special containers are equipped with lids with an outlet hole and are marked with an icon and inscriptions allowing the use of products in the oven. These containers will help you reheat, defrost and store prepared food. Disposable foam containers are used at low temperatures because the material may melt.

Fabric, cling film

When cooking in a microwave oven, it is allowed to use cling film and cloth napkins. Baking bags help keep your food moist. The heated bowl is often covered with cling film to prevent food from splashing on the inside of the appliance. Cloth napkins made of cotton or linen help restore a fresh look to dry baked goods.

Microwave cookware sign

Microwave dishes are equipped with markings and pictures that allow you to distinguish special containers from others. Identification marks are placed on the walls or bottom of containers; sometimes they contain the recommended temperature for use. As a rule, such products do not emit harmful substances, but it is better to purchase dishes from trusted manufacturers.

Rules for using microwave cookware

Cooking in the microwave is simple, safe and convenient. Remember a few points that will make using a stove significantly simplify your life:

• Learn which kitchen utensils can be used in the microwave.
• The container must be thoroughly dried.
• The utensils should be placed in the center of the oven to ensure even heating on all sides.
• To keep the inside of the microwave clean, use a special lid when preparing food.