22
WHAT ARE MICROWAVES?
SUITABLE OVENWARE
Microwaves are generated in the microwave oven by a magnetron and cause the water molecules in the
food to oscillate. Heat is generated by the friction which is caused, with the result that the food is thawed,
heated or cooked.
GLASS AND CERAMIC GLASS
Heat-resistant glass utensils are very
suitable. The cooking process can
be observed from all sides. They
must not, however, contain any
metal (e.g. lead crystal), nor have a
metallic overlay (e.g. gold edge,
cobalt blue finish).
CERAMICS
Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed,
since with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into
the ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat
up and may make it shatter. If you are not certain
whether your utensil is suitable for the microwave,
carry out the utensil suitability test. (See page 23).
PLASTIC AND PAPER CONTAINERS
Plastic or paper containers which
are designed for microwaves and
which can withstand heat are
suitable for defrosting, heating and
cooking. Please follow manufacturers’ instructions.
KITCHEN PAPER
can be used to absorb any moisture which occurs
in short heating methods, e.g. of bread or
products in bread crumbs. Insert the paper
between the food and the revolving plate. The
surface of the food will stay crispy and dry.
Covering greasy food with kitchen paper will
catch splashes.
MICROWAVE FOIL
This, or heat-resistant foil, is very suitable for
covering or wrapping. Please follow the
manufacturer's recommendations.
ROASTING BAGS
Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are
not suitable for fastening them since the roasting
bag foil might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with
string and pierce it several times with a fork. Non
heat-resistant food wraps are not recommended for
use in a microwave oven.
BROWNING DISH
A special microwave dish made from ceramic glass
with a metal alloy base, which allows food to be
browned. When using the browning dish a suitable
insulator, e.g. a porcelain plate, must be placed
between the turntable and the browning dish. Be
careful to adhere exactly to the pre-heating time given
in the manufacturer's instructions. Excessive pre-
heating can damage the turntable and the turntable
stand or can trigger the safety-device which will
switch off the oven.
METAL
Generally speaking, metal should
not be used, since microwaves do
not pass through metal and therefore cannot reach
the food. There are, however, exceptions: small
strips of aluminium foil may be used to cover
certain parts of the food, so that these do not thaw
too quickly or begin to cook (e.g.
chicken wings). Small metal skewers
and aluminium containers (e.g. of
readycooked meals) can be used.
They must, however, be small in relation to the
food, e.g. aluminium containers must be at least
2
/
3
to
3
/
4
filled with food. It is recommended that
you transfer the food into a dish suitable for use in
the microwave. When using aluminium containers
or other metal utensils there must be a gap of
approx. 2 cms between them and the walls of the
cooking area, otherwise the walls could be
damaged by possible arcing.
