Panasonic NN-3456 - Containers for Microwave Cooking; Testing Container Suitability; Utensil Suitability Guide

Containers to Use on Microwave
Apart from measuring
ingredients and selecting
the correct cooking power and
time, the container you choose
to microwave your food in is
the most important factor that
decides success or failure.
ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT
SIZED CONTAINER RECOM¬
MENDED IN THE RECIPE.
Although new microwave acces¬
sories are constantly being intro¬
duced, many dishes already in
your kitchen cupboard are ideal
for cooking and reheating by
microwave.
The golden rule is NEVER use
a di^ made of metal or that
has a metal pattern or trim - if
you do so, you might damage
your oven or ruin your dish,
since the metal p^^ns will
lift off during cooking.
Testing Dishes for Suitability
When unsure that a cooking
container is suitable for use in
your microwave, check by the
following test;
1. Fill a microwave safe measur¬
ing jug with 300ml (Mpt) cold
water.
2. Place it on the turntable along¬
side the dish to be tested. If the
dish you are testing is a large
dish, then stand the measuring
jug on top of the empty dish.
3. Heat on HIGH power for
1 minute.
RESULT
If the dish is suitable for micro-
waving, it will remain cool, whilst
the water in the jug will begin to
feel warm, tf the testing dish feels
warm, do rx)f use as ft is obvious¬
ly absorbing microwave energy.
N.B. This test does not apply to
plastic or metal based containers
e.g. Le Creuset® style dishes,
which should not be used as they
are cast iron covered with enamel.
Quick Check Guide to Cooking Utensils
OVEftf GLASS
Everyday glass that is heat resistant e.g. Pyrex®, is ideal.
Do not use delicate glass which may crack due to the
heat from the food. Do not use lead crystal which may
crack or arc.
CHfNA AN D CEMMIC
Everyday glazed china plates, saucers, bowls, mugs
and cups can be used if they are heat resistant.
Porcelain and ceramic are also ideal.
Fine bone china should only be used for reheating for
short periods, otherwise the cfwige in temperature
may crack the dish or craze the finish.
Do not use dishes with a metal rim or pattern.
Do not use jugs or mugs with glued handles, since the
glue can melt in a microwave.
POTTERY, EARTHENWARE. STONEWARE
If completely glazed, these dishes are suitable. Do not
use if partially glazed or unglazed, since they are able
to absorb water which in turn absorbs microwave
energy, making the container very hot and slows down
the cooking of food.
FOIL/METAL CONTAINERS
NEVER ATTEMPT TO COOK IN FOIL OR METAL contai¬
ners - the microwaves cannot pass through and the food
will not heat evenly - this may also damage your oven.
Small items in shallow foil containers can be RE¬
HEATED in the microwave, but take care that contai¬
ners do not touch the oven walls or door.
Use wooden kebab sticks instead of metal skewers.
DO NOT RE-USE FOIL CONTAINERS AS THEY MAY
BECOME DENTED OR DAMAGED AND ARCING
MAY OCCUR.
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