Table of Contents
Advertisement
Suitable cooking utensils for microwave ovens
To cook or defrost food in a microwave oven, the microwave energy must be able to pass through the cooking
utensils to penetrate the food.
The material and shape of containers affect cooking results and durations. Heat distribution is more even in
round/oval shaped containers than in square/oblong containers as the food in the corners tend to overcook.
Below is a general guide to selecting suitable utensil:
Utensil
Heat–Resistant Glass
Non Heat–Resistant Glass
Heat–Resistant Ceramics
Microwave–Safe Plastic Dish
Kitchen Paper
Metal Tray
Metal Rack
Aluminum Foil & Foil Container
Note: Always check manufacturer's instructions on utensils/cookware before using them.
Microwave cooking tips
Place the thickest parts of food towards the outside of the dish.
Use a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe cling wrap to cover the food during cooking. Covering the food
speeds up the cooking process and prevents food from drying out. Note: Do not use a cover if cooking food
coated with breadcrumbs, or cooking food with a crisp finish.
It is advisable to turn, rearrange or stir food during cooking to ensure even heating. Always stir or turn food
from the outside towards the middle, as food heats more quickly from the outside.
Food with thick peel or skin must be pierced before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent the food
from bursting.
Standing time is necessary after cooking to enable the heat to disperse evenly throughout the food.
Chilled food will take longer to cook than food at room temperature. Always ensure that food is sufficiently
cooked or reheated. If in doubt that a sufficiently high temperature has been reached, continue reheating for a
little longer.
The cooking time must be increased with increased amount of food placed. Example, four sausages will take
longer to cook than two.
Defrosting
Remove the food from its packaging and place in a microwave-safe utensil/dish. Do not cover the food.
To defrost meat, unpack the frozen food and place it on an upturned utensil/dish so that the meat juice can
run off and be collected. Turn halfway through defrosting.
Fish does not need to be fully defrosted before cooking. Defrost so that the surface is sufficiently soft to take
herbs and seasoning.
Microwave
Grill
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
5
Convection
Combination
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Advertisement
Table of Contents
