Materials you can use in microwave oven
Utensils Remarks
Browning dish
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. The bottom of browning
dish must be at least 3/16 inch (5mm) above the turntable.
Incorrect usage may cause the turntable to break.
Dinnerware
Microwave-safe only. Follow manufacturer's instructions. Do
not use cracked or chipped dishes.
Glass jars
Always remove lid. Use only to heat food until just warm.
Most glass jars are not heat resistant and may break.
Glassware
Heat-resistant oven glassware only. Make sure there is no
metallic trim. Do not use cracked or chipped dishes.
Oven cooking bags
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not close with metal
tie. Make slits to allow steam to escape.
Paper plates and cups
Use for short–term cooking/warming only. Do not leave
oven unattended while cooking.
Paper towels
Use to cover food for reheating and absorbing fat. Use with
supervision for a short-term cooking only.
Parchment paper
Use as a cover to prevent splattering or a wrap for
steaming.
Plastic
Microwave-safe only. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Should be labeled "Microwave Safe". Some plastic
containers soften, as the food inside gets hot. "Boiling
bags" and tightly closed plastic bags should be slit, pierced
or vented as directed by package.
Plastic wrap
Microwave-safe only. Use to cover food during cooking
to
retain moisture. Do not allow plastic wrap to touch food.
Thermometers Microwave-safe only (meat and candy thermometers).
Wax paper Use as a cover to prevent splattering and retain moisture.
Materials to be avoided in microwave oven
Utensils Remarks
Aluminum tray May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Food carton with metal
handle
May cause arcing. Transfer food into microwave-safe dish.
Metal or metal-trimmed
utensils
Metal shields the food from microwave energy. Metal trim
may cause arcing.
Metal twist ties May cause arcing and could cause a fire in the oven.
Paper bags May cause a fire in the oven.
Plastic foam
Plastic foam may melt or contaminate the liquid inside
when exposed to high temperature.
Wood
Wood will dry out when used in the microwave oven and
may split or crack.