Microwave ovenware: what can you use

The microwave oven has long become a familiar household appliance, and today it is found in almost every home. It can be used to reheat food, defrost food and even prepare a complete meal. But before using the microwave, you need to find out what kind of utensils you need for the microwave. You can buy a special set of utensils for the microwave, but this is not necessary, as there are containers in every home that are suitable for use.

What utensils should not be used

The use of unsuitable containers can damage them and damage the device. You cannot use such containers:

• Metallic. Using metal utensils can provoke an electrical discharge. Because of this, there will be a large load on the circuits of the electrical circuit, which will lead to a breakdown of the microwave. Pans with a metal border are also not suitable. You can only use dishes made of thin aluminum with semi-finished products, if they are marked.
• With rim or pattern. Almost every housewife has plates with silver or gold rims, or patterns. If you cook or reheat food in a microwave oven in such a plate, you will notice sparks. They are caused by electrical discharge and can also damage the microwave oven. Despite the fact that this is all just a drawing, the paint with which it is applied contains metal.
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• Crystal. Crystal glassware should not be used because it contains lead or silver. In addition, the walls of such a container have different thicknesses, which leads to uneven heating. The container itself will heat up quickly, but the food in it will remain cold. Rapid heating of the walls of the crystal will lead to the fact that it will simply split into small fragments.

Microwave-safe utensils

Several types of containers are suitable for microwave ovens, so there will be no problems with purchasing suitable containers. In order to check if the dishes are suitable for the microwave oven, you need to place a glass of water in it and put it in the microwave. You need to set the maximum heating, the time is 1 minute. If, after the expiration of time, the water has warmed up, but the container is not, then the container is suitable. If the container is also heated, then it is better not to use it for this purpose.

Many people are wondering if pottery can be used in the microwave, and one can no doubt answer - yes. The main thing is that it should be ordinary clay utensils without varnish and drawings.

Glassware

Heat-resistant glass utensils are excellent for use in a microwave oven. Microwaves pass through the glass perfectly, and food heats up quickly. In addition, such a container has an attractive appearance and allows you to control the cooking process. Heat-resistant glass will withstand any temperature in the microwave, but it will not heat up.

Do not use containers made of thin glass, it may crack. It is also unacceptable to use dishes with cracks, even small ones.

Silicone containers

Recently, silicone cookware has been very popular. Such containers are flexible, which is an undoubted advantage. Moreover, they are quite durable and can withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees. Nothing sticks to the smooth surface of the silicone, and its elasticity allows you to effortlessly get the dish out of the container.

Porcelain, ceramic, and earthenware dishes

Containers made of porcelain, ceramics and faience are also convenient and safe to use. They do not heat up when reheating food, but they do heat up while cooking, so an oven mitt will be required. A porcelain or earthenware microwave pot should be open and free from patterns and edging. Otherwise, it will crack when heated. The same result is possible if you use cracked pottery.

Plastic dishes

Plastic microwave ovenware can also be used, but only with the appropriate labeling. Plastic containers are suitable for heating dishes, but the plastic can deform if exposed to high temperatures for a long time. Also, it is undesirable to use plastic containers for cooking, because at high temperatures toxic substances are released from it. Food, accordingly, absorbs them, and such food can no longer be called useful. You can buy plastic dishes in Moscow at different prices, but you shouldn't save money and choose the cheapest containers. Cheap plastic can be inadequate and hazardous to health.

Paper, polyethylene, cling film

Many products are sold in paper packages, and the microwave allows you to heat them right in the package. But for cooking, you can only use cardboard dishes with markings. It is impossible to place plastic bags in the microwave, they emit harmful substances when heated. The same can be said about cling film, although some use it together with lids, not realizing its dangers.

Secrets of marking

Before heading to the store, you need to learn how to choose your microwave ovenware. In the photo you can see by what markings you can understand that the container is suitable for use in microwave ovens. It is identified by the image of a microwave oven and the word “Microwave safe”. This sign means that the container is suitable for heating and microwave cooking. If the symbol is shown crossed out, then it is not suitable for this purpose. On plastic containers you can see the inscription PP or PS. The PP labeled container can be used for microwave ovens, while PS is generally not suitable for hot food and drinks.

With the right choice of microwave ovenware, it can last for years. At the same time, suitable containers guarantee not only high-quality and long-term operation of the device, but also fast and safe heating of food. Therefore, before placing any container in the oven, it is worth checking the markings on it and make sure that it is suitable for this application.

Video: answers to the most common questions about microwave ovens