What dishes can be used in the microwave, useful tips

What kind of cookware is suitable?

The main criterion for choosing a container that will be used for a furnace with ultrahigh frequencies is the thermal stability of the material. And if the cookware includes fire-resistant qualities, then it will be ideal for cooking.

A microwave can heat the contents inside to 100 degrees - this is the boiling point of the liquid. Heat-resistant dishes can be maintained up to 140 degrees. As for containers with fire-resistant properties, the heating temperature here can reach 300 degrees.

What dishes can be used in the microwave:

1. Made from heat-resistant glass. It is not just a hardened material, it has fire-resistant qualities, making it ideal for use in UHF oven cooking. The walls of such dishes are made strong and thick, so during the cooking process the material is not subjected to excessive heating. Glassware for the microwave should not be chosen with thin walls. It will crack after the first or second use. Can glassware be placed in the microwave? Yes, but only products with thick walls.
2. Made from porcelain. Almost every second piece of porcelain-based cookware can be used in the microwave. An exception may be dishes that are gilded.
3. Made of ceramic coated with glaze. The dishes are used for quick heating and for preparing various foods. Ceramic microwave dishes can be used to fry eggs without oil, the result will be excellent. The only drawback will be the strong heating of the material, so do not forget to use oven mitts.
4. Made from glass ceramics. This material is one of the most common. It combines the temperature resistance of glass with the beauty of ceramic cookware. All this combined gives excellent performance. This type of cookware can be used for heating and cooking food.
5. From paper. Of course, such containers cannot be reused. Disposable dishes placed in the microwave are great for heating store-bought products.
6. Cotton based napkins. Flour products are often wrapped in this material. Napkins help preserve the aroma of baked goods, and after heating the cake or pie will not become dry.
7. Made of plastic. Contrary to frequent doubts, it is possible to heat food in plastic containers. This applies to containers. Today they are available in a wide variety - this is not the only positive side. But you can put plastic dishes in the microwave if you only need to heat up food. During the heating process, the plastic may begin to release substances that will negatively affect the products. As a result, ready-made food cannot be called healthy. The containers are ideal for microwave ovens and freezers, as they will not deform under the influence of temperature. An additional positive side of such dishes is that they are not afraid of sudden temperature changes.
8. Made from heat-resistant film. This material does not melt or deteriorate under the influence of microwaves. Plastic film and transparent foil are especially popular today. They have small holes that allow steam to escape during the cooking process, and thus create a sauna effect inside the container. The materials can be used instead of a lid, and after cooking, the material will help maintain the temperature of the finished food for a long time.
9. Made from silicone. This material is used for molds that are useful for baking. You can use them to make muffins, cakes and cupcakes.

Paper

Ceramic

Glass

Porcelain

Plastic
All these materials belong to the class of heat-resistant and can be heated in microwave ovens. Containers with semi-finished products deserve special attention. You can often see a mark on the packaging that the product is ready to be placed in the microwave without additional packaging.

If the food does not contain fat, water or sugar, wax paper packages can be used for heating. These wrappers are used solely for heating purposes. Paper containers are covered with a layer of wax on top, but when exposed to high temperatures, it will begin to melt and get on the food.

You will learn about additional containers made of other materials for microwaves from the table below.

Silicone dishes

Can silicone dishes be used in the microwave?

• Of course you can, because this cookware is very strong and can withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees.
• Silicone cookware is very popular. It is elastic and this is its big plus.
• Also, nothing sticks to it or burns due to its smooth surface.
• It is a pleasure to use such dishes in everyday life, and food is heated in it perfectly.

Special marking

In addition to tableware, you can separately purchase special ovens designed for ultra-high frequencies. When selecting cooking equipment, do not forget to pay attention to the presence of special marks (markings). Responsible manufacturers who care about their reputation and product quality make marks, inscriptions or pictures that indicate the suitability of the dishes for use in a microwave oven. This does not apply to plastic; it is enough to have a mark on it that it is heat-resistant.

Utensils for microwave ovens are marked with the following markings:

1. Microwave safe. This mark on the cookware means it is suitable for heating and cooking. If such a mark is crossed out, this indicates that the container cannot be used in microwave ovens.
2. Not recommended microwave. Microwave cookware is marked to indicate that it is not recommended for use in the microwave. And vice versa, if it says recommended microwave, then the dishes are suitable for such ovens.
3. PP (polypropylene or polystyrene). Be careful with this designation. The dishes cannot be used in a microwave oven. The containers are not suitable for hot foods or drinks. They can be used for storing cold food and sandwiches.

Disposable packaging

If you need to quickly heat up food, you don’t necessarily need a microwave-safe pan or other container. Today, manufacturers are experimenting with packaging, making them universal. Often in supermarkets you can find semi-finished products that are sold in film, plastic or paper. Such packaging is considered microwave-safe if it has the necessary markings on its surface.

The baking sleeve is actively used for cooking food in the microwave. When using it, it is recommended to first make several holes in the film to avoid tearing the packaging.

Plastic containers marked with icons are convenient for one-time heating. When placing it in the device, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime and microwave treatment time.

The paper is suitable for cooking food that contains small amounts of oil, fat, water and sugar. Be careful when using cardboard cups and bowls coated with wax for durability. They are only suitable for heating at low power.

Shape selection

Every housewife wants the prepared dish to be not only aromatic, but also pleasant to the taste. The result depends not only on the material, but also on how correctly the shape of the dish is chosen. In order to achieve uniform and proper heating of food, it is recommended to use cylindrical or oval-shaped plates. It is better to avoid square or rectangular containers; cooking will take a long time, and the food itself will dry out. To ensure that food heats up quickly and evenly, it is better to choose plates with low edges but a wide bottom.

Microwave ovens have long lost their status as equipment used by bachelors; these electric assistants can surprise everyone. And if you take into account the large selection of models, you can count on a huge range of tasks to be performed. The combination of a microwave and the right cookware will ensure that you forget about a regular gas stove. Please note that individual products are prepared on specific dishes, for example:

1. To prepare pasta or cereals, it is better to choose containers with widened sides on top. The plates should be high enough so that the liquid does not spill out during cooking.
2. Muffins, cakes, bread and pies require an oblong shape of the container and always high sides. At the time of cooking, the dough begins to rise and it is the sides that will prevent it from spilling out.
3. A medium-height plate is suitable for aromatic vegetables and fruits. It should be borne in mind that these products shrink during cooking and release juice, which will evaporate.

It is not recommended to cook or heat in dishes with uneven or slanted edges, as the heating result will be uneven. A plate placed in the microwave with the wrong shape often heats up, but the food does not. Many attribute this to the quality of the equipment, but as it turns out, the problem is only in the correct selection of the form.

How to choose a plate for a microwave oven is one of the important questions

Whatever happens to your microwave tray, you can always buy a new one. To do this, you need to know several parameters; this will help the consultant show you an alternative option.

1. The first thing you should know, or better yet write down before going to the store, is the brand and model of your microwave. Using this data, the selection is completed in a matter of minutes.
2. If the design you need is not available, you can buy a universal glass version, but you must know the diameter. Often this figure is 245-360 mm. When this is not possible, use a regular ruler and measure the length from the place where the plate is installed to the outer side of the landing chamber, as shown in the photo.

   
   Be careful when taking measurements, even the slightest error will play a role!

3. The presence of additional holes or protrusions on the plate is an equally important indicator. And the larger the diameter of the vessel, the wider the distance between the structural features of the pallet.
4. Pay attention to the spinning device in the microwave. It can be traditional (cooler) or with the installation of a torque cross. In this case, you need to know the diameter of the seat and the diameter of the cross itself.

NOTE!

There is always a risk of making the wrong choice. Therefore, in order to avoid mistakes, it is better to show the microwave oven to specialists who will analyze the condition of your failed tray and give precise recommendations for its purchase.

How to replace a stand plate if the desired model is not found

It is better to defrost meat, dough, and vegetables in the microwave in a container with an open lid.
Microwave owners often encounter a problem when they cannot find a tray of the desired model on sale. In this case, you can make the part yourself. For this accessory, you will need an old glass dish of large diameter (corresponding to the seat). Be sure to make a hole in the center and clean the bottom with sandpaper. We insert a homemade sleeve made of heat-resistant plastic into the hole and place a tray on top.

Is a cover necessary?

Do not heat or cook food in a microwave oven in a closed container. Due to the temperature, the contents inside may explode. Before using the microwave, be sure to remove the lid from your dish or jar. For the same reason, you cannot heat nuts or eggs in the oven; an explosion of the food inside cannot be avoided. If you need to cook sausages or tomatoes, you must first pierce them with a fork. This will allow the steam inside the food to escape.

Many kitchen appliances sold for microwave use do not include a lid. The exception is plastic containers. Microwave pottery can also be covered with a lid. If a microwave oven is used in the kitchen as the main assistant, you will have to get a lid to get a fragrant and tender dish.

You will definitely need a lid if you cook soups in a microwave oven, so that at the end of cooking you won’t find that all the liquid has evaporated.

Of course, it is not advisable to use sealed lids; it is better to choose those that are equipped with holes for steam escape. You can use transparent foil that already has holes in it.

How to choose dishes for the microwave

Choosing a microwave oven is a responsible matter. It is important to follow the recommendations and study the features of each model. Often, along with a new microwave oven, the manufacturer includes a special book with recipes that is suitable specifically for your model. Don't neglect this hint.

Cooking scrambled eggs in the microwave can be done on a ceramic dish, it takes 1-2 minutes.

1. Choose containers of the right size. It is better to use round containers, as they guarantee that heating will occur quickly and evenly.
2. Cooking some types of hot snacks, as well as heating, requires the presence of a container with a lid . This way the product does not lose its quality and does not dry out. Therefore, when buying a container, ask for an option with a lid.
3. Your arsenal should also include dishes with high sides. It's perfect if you're planning to make baked goods or casseroles.
4. Choose containers and any other container suitable for a microwave so that its walls do not touch the inner walls of the household appliance.

A microwave oven is a universal device designed to perform various culinary functions; accordingly, the dishes for this will be different, and must meet the above stated requirements.

Dear readers, ask questions in the comments below the article, we will definitely answer you and help you figure it out if you have any difficulties choosing cookware.

What not to put in the microwave

If you want the food you cook in the microwave to be healthy, and your equipment to remain operational for many years, pay attention to what kind of dishes you place inside the oven. There is a list of dishes that absolutely cannot be used in microwave ovens:

• Containers with gilded designs;
• Ceramic plates without glaze;
• Thick aluminum pans designed for oven use;
• Pots, mugs and bowls made of metal;
• Thin glass plates;
• Crystal devices;
• Silumin containers.

If dishes made of silumin, as well as dishes made from glass or ceramics without glaze, are rarely found at home, then special attention should be paid to iron, crystal plates, and with gilded rims. Why can't you heat food in metal dishes? During cooking, an electrical charge may form inside the appliance, which may damage the appliance. This is the main reason why you should not put metal utensils in the microwave. This aspect also affects those dishes that have rims made of paint based on metal particles. An exception may be semi-finished products, which are packaged in containers made of very thin aluminum. Even when using dishes, before turning on the device, you need to make sure that the plate does not rub against the walls of the oven, and that the height of the product does not occupy more than two centimeters. The duration of heating of products in aluminum bowls will be longer.

If cooking will be carried out using grill or convection mode, you can also use small aluminum cookware.

Containers can only be placed at the bottom. This is especially true for models that include the ability to place products on several tiers.

You can use everyday utensils for the microwave, the most important thing is that there are no gold-plated rims or patterns on their edges. This also applies to silver finishes. This paint contains metal components that conduct electricity. Most housewives have more than once noticed the appearance of characteristic crackling sounds and electrical flashes inside the equipment. This is due to the golden rims and waves that are reflected.

Few people know that crystal should not be used. There are several reasons for this:

• If the crystal is real, it contains lead;
• Expensive crystal, in addition to lead, may include silver;
• The walls of faceted crystal containers have uneven thickness, which will lead to uneven heating.

Because of the metal, the cookware will start to heat up very quickly. As a result, the crystal salad bowl or bowl will crack. No need to experiment, take care of your crystal devices.

To determine the material used to make the dishes, you can conduct an experiment. Place a glass of water on a plate and microwave for 1 minute, setting the power to maximum. If after this time the container is cold, then the material is ideal for use in an ultrahigh frequency oven. Any product placed inside the appliance will heat up quickly, and the dish itself will not cause harm to the stove. If the container heats up after treatment with waves, this means that it absorbed all the radiation at the time of treatment. Food in such dishes will take a long time to heat up and will significantly shorten the life of the household appliance; it is better not to use it. Another important point. You cannot put the microwave into operating mode if it is empty inside. Microwaves, which should be aimed at heating, will begin to reflect from the walls of the oven, as a result, this will lead to failure of the device.

Recommendations

Let's collect the most important recommendations and tips in one list:

1. The best option for the stove is glass products without cracks.
2. Look for a special sign on plastic containers. Products must withstand temperatures of 140 degrees.

1. Buy pots, containers and cups only in special stores. Low-quality products will cost more if they cause the stove to break.
2. If you want to use a grill or convection, choose a plastic container.
3. Forget about fat and sugar if you use plastic.
4. Don't forget to remove the film from heated food.
5. Tip for crispy crust lovers: buy a glass-ceramic plate with a treated bottom.

What is recommended to use?

There are many options that are optimal for hassle-free cooking and heating using a microwave oven.

The best of them are presented below:

• Glass . The ideal option is heat-resistant and fire-resistant. The walls of such containers are quite thick and durable. When exposed to microwaves, they do not heat up, only the food inside is heated. An example is the ARCUISINE 123AA00 pan. Ordinary salad bowls and glass plates are allowed for use, as long as there are no cracks or patterns on them.
• Plastic . Not all containers made from this material are suitable. You need to choose options that have an icon with a picture of a microwave. Containers must withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees Celsius. However, you should not use plastic molds for preparing delicacies with sugar or fat: such ingredients easily heat up to high temperatures and lead to deformation of the vessel.
• Silicone . Convenient and lightweight containers in which you can prepare an unusual dessert or main course (for example, Lamart LT3011). Silicone can easily withstand high temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius without deforming.

The use of ceramic, clay, porcelain containers that are glazed on all sides and do not have a gold or silver border is also allowed in the devices. Piece products, for example, buns, can be heated using a cardboard box, the bottom of which is lined with parchment paper or a napkin.

For information: TOP 10 manufacturers of microwave ovens

Cookware for grilling or convection cooking

These microwave modes allow you not only to warm up food or prepare simple dishes, but also to pamper your household with biscuits, cakes, and chicken with a delicious crust.

For grilling and convection you can use containers from:

• glass or glass ceramics - a universal option for all modes and all types of dishes. The material must be heat-resistant and heat-resistant;
• ceramics or porcelain - you can use it, but don’t forget to cover it with glaze on all sides (for example, a baking dish);
• silicone - can withstand high temperatures, so it is quite suitable for frying chicken or baking cupcakes.

During convection and grilling, the temperature inside the device can rise above 180 degrees Celsius, so you should not use plastic. Also, after cooking in these modes, containers should be removed using oven mitts to avoid getting burned. Another nuance is that you need to choose a container with a “reserve”, because during baking the dough will rise higher, and the juice may splash out if the bowl is shallow.

Interesting to know: The history of the invention of the microwave oven: from 1945 to today

When choosing the right container for the microwave, it is worth remembering that you should avoid colored plates, plates with a pattern, or metal inclusions. Depending on the selected cooking mode, it is worth selecting individual containers (just heating or baking). For combined cooking - for example, fry until crusty on the grill, and then switch to the standard mode - you need to choose a universal bowl or plate (glass, silicone).

Subtleties when using a microwave

In order for microwave food to be tasty and aromatic, you must follow certain rules:

• place the container with food in the center of the microwave;
• the container should not touch the walls of the microwave oven;
• Do not cook eggs in their shells in the microwave;
• when heating tomatoes or sausages, make cuts in the skin or casing;
• do not allow the use of containers from the refrigerator;
• using a special lid to protect the kitchen appliance from splashes during heating and cooking;
• Do not use dishes with chips or cracks.

What is allowed to be used in the microwave.

Pork steak in honey marinade

The microwave grill, which is easy to use, can be used to cook pork steak.

You will need to take the following set of products:

• 2 pork steaks;
• 1 tsp. grainy mustard;
• 3 tbsp. l. soy sauce;
• 2 tsp. honey;
• 1/2 tsp. spice mixtures for meat;
• 1/2 tsp. table salt.

Cooking pork steak in honey marinade includes the following steps:

1. For the marinade, pour honey, grainy mustard, soy sauce into a deep plate, add table salt and the prepared spice mixture. Mix the ingredients well until smooth.
2. Place the meat in the resulting marinade and coat it thoroughly. Leave the meat to marinate for about 1 hour.
3. Place the steaks on a microwave grill rack and place in the oven. Place a wide plate under the grill grate to catch the fat from the meat. Turn on the grill mode, setting the power to 850 W and bake the meat for about 7 minutes. on each side.

Ready.