Microwave Oven Basics
Below are answers to just a few of the questions that you might have about using your microwave to cook your favorite foods.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is another great resource to learn more about how microwaves cook and safety tips you should keep in mind. You can learn more by downloading their brochure, “Microwave Ovens and Food Safety.”
Q: What are the advantages to microwave cooking?
A. Naturally, the number one advantage to preparing foods in the microwave is speed. Using the microwave oven is one of the fastest ways to prepare and heat foods.
Of course, like a fast car, this speed must be managed carefully. For example, with the electronic keypad on most microwave ovens, it may be easy to add extra zeros and drastically extend the cooking time. If cooked in a microwave for too long, foods with a high fat or sugar content may heat to the point where they can catch fire. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as potatoes, may become dried to the point where the center is scorched, but appears normal from the outside.
Q: What is a microwave-safe plate or container?
A: You only should use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. These may include containers made of glass, ceramic or plastic. If they’re safe to use in the microwave, they usually will be labeled that way.
Examples of items safe to use in the microwave oven*:
- Any utensil or container specifically labeled for microwave use.
- Heatproof glass.
- Glass-ceramic.
- Oven cooking bags.
- Baskets (straw and wood) for quick warm-ups of rolls or bread. Line the basket with napkins to absorb moisture from food.
- Most paper plates, towels, napkins and bags. For optimal safety use white, unprinted materials.
- Wax paper, parchment paper and heavy plastic wrap. Plastic wrap should not touch the food; and you should cut a small slit in it to allow steam to escape.
- Heat-susceptor packaging, which is used in many packaged, microwaveable meals, including some made by ConAgra Foods.
Items that are not safe to use in the microwave oven:
- Cold storage containers: margarine tubs, cottage cheese and yogurt cartons, etc.
- Brown paper bags and newspapers.
- Metal pans.
- Foam-insulated cups, bowls, plates or trays.
- China with metallic paint or trim.
- Chinese “take-out” containers with metal handles.
- Metal “twist ties” on package wrapping.
- Food wrapped in aluminum foil.
- Food cooked in any container or packaging that has warped or melted during heating.
*Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Q: If metal shouldn’t be used, why do I sometimes see instructions that use foil?
A: Under certain circumstances, it can be safe to use small amounts of aluminum foil in a microwave oven. However, always consult the owner’s manual of your particular microwave oven and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for aluminum foil.
You can find more details about how you should and should not use aluminum foil on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Web site.
Learn more about other microwave food safety topics:
FAQ Introduction & Food Safety Fundamentals
Microwave Oven Basics
Handling, Storing and Preparing Frozen Microwaveable Foods
Preparing Popcorn in a Microwave
