What utensils can I use in the microwave?

Today, in almost every kitchen you can see a microwave. This household appliance has become an indispensable assistant, allowing you not only to warm up already cooked food, but also to cook a full-fledged dish.

When using a microwave oven, it is imperative to take into account all safety precautions and use exclusively “correct” dishes. Incorrectly selected products can contribute to long cooking times, but most importantly, they can harm human health.

In this article we’ll talk about which dishes can be used in a microwave oven, and which are strictly prohibited.

The modern market for utensils for microwave ovens is full of a variety of assortments. Tanks can be of various shapes, sizes and designs. But, when choosing equipment for use in a microwave oven, first of all, you need to consider the material from which it is prepared.

The material of such a container should be:

• high quality;
• heat resistant;
• safe for health, do not emit harmful substances when heated.

As for thermal stability, it must be borne in mind that dishes in the microwave are heated using electromagnetic radiation. It acts on the dipole molecules of the products so that they move very quickly. Thus, friction is created and, as a result, heating. The temperature of food can reach 100 degrees, and the containers in which it is located - up to 300.

For cooking and heating food in the microwave, you can use several types of dishes.

For its manufacture, a building material such as clay is used. Clay is characterized by refractoriness, which makes it possible to use it in a microwave oven. These products also tend to heat up very quickly, therefore be sure to use the tack when you get them. It is very important that there are no drawings or patterns on the ceramic dishes, and there are no metal particles in its composition.

Porcelain containers are also made of clay, only the production technology differs. When using porcelain containers, make sure that they do not have a pattern, chips or cracks; otherwise, their use in the oven is strictly prohibited. And note - the lid is not needed.

Such dishes are often used for cooking and heating in the microwave. It is popular among consumers. In addition to warming up, you can simply store food in it.

A glass bowl is ideal for a microwave. The big advantage of this type of kitchen equipment is that when the food is heated, the container remains cold. Of course, for the manufacture of such dishes, the manufacturer can use a variety of glass, but ideally it should be heat-resistant. Heat-resistant glass has several advantages:

• transparent walls through which you can observe the cooking process;
• esthetic appearance - cooked food can not be shifted, but served in a glass bowl;
• glass containers are easy to care for;
• glass is not saturated with food odors;
• glass heat-resistant containers are universal: in it you can cook, warm, and also defrost foods.

It is also possible to use paper models for microwaves, for the manufacture of which cotton and linen are used in production. Most often they are used to heat bread products.

Styrofoam dishes are not as popular as the above containers. This is due to the fact that it is disposable. It is recommended to use it exclusively at low temperature, since at high temperature conditions the form begins to melt.

You won’t surprise anyone with silicone molds; every housewife has them in the kitchen. In most cases, silicone baking dishes are used, but they are quite suitable for a microwave oven.

As for enameled utensils, it refers to the disputed capacity for the microwave. After all, metal is coated with enamel, with which the microwave oven is incompatible.

Given the popularity and relevance of such a household appliance as a microwave oven, many of the manufacturers of dishes in production began to use special markings that indicate the permissibility of using their product in a microwave oven. Before using the utensil, pay attention to its marking. In order to see it, just look at the bottom of the dishes. There must be applied sign in the form of waves.

Here is a description of the icons that can be seen on the dishes:

• PP - polypropylene, suitable for microwave oven;
• PS - polystyrene, the use of dishes made of such a material is not recommended for microwave;
• microwave or not microwave - “allowed” and “prohibited”;
• the inscription "thermoplast" and "duroplast" - this capacity is suitable for use in the microwave.

The range and choice of dishes today is quite wide and varied. There are many companies that specialize in the production and sale of dishes for microwave. Among all the companies I would like to separately single out those whose goods have established themselves as the most high-quality and reliable.

• Luminarc - These are containers made of super strong and refractory glass. The company produces all kinds of dishes, including plates.
• Simax Uses heat resistant Czech glass.
• Wolomin Is a Polish company. Engaged in the manufacture of dishes for microwave.
• Tognana - An Italian company, whose products are considered one of the most durable and durable.

Products from almost every of the above manufacturers can be found on sale in household goods stores. If it is not possible to visit the company store, you can always use online resources and find exactly what you need.

Earlier we familiarized ourselves with dishes that are suitable for use in a microwave oven. But it remains to find out what capacity cannot be used in the microwave. This is very important, as improperly selected dishes can harm the household appliance and cause a fire and serious fire.

Certain types of dishes are strictly prohibited, and you can not use them in the microwave.

• Metal. It is forbidden to put iron objects in the microwave, since the metal reflects microwaves. This can lead to sparks and electrical discharges, which can cause open flames.
• Aluminum. Like iron objects, aluminum cookware is unsafe, as it can also cause a fire in a matter of minutes.
• Crystal. This material is very beautiful, but in the composition it has lead, silver and other metals that can adversely affect the operation of a household appliance.
• With a pattern, a pattern. Previously, it was popular to apply various metal patterns or spraying to dishes. Probably, many people still had such products at home, but they should not be put in the microwave and exposed to high temperatures. Risk, of course, is not prohibited, but the consequences can be dire. In the best case, you will get a spoiled product or a cracked plate, in the worst - just break the device.

Remember: it is not safe to use foil molds, foil itself, disposable utensils in the oven, for the manufacture of which the cheapest and low-quality plastic is used in production. Thin glass is also dangerous, which, most likely, will not withstand the effects of microwaves. Also, do not put raw ceramics in the oven.

When buying dishes for further use in a microwave oven, do not try to save money, it is best to give preference to a quality and reliable manufacturer, even if its products cost more.

See which dishes should not be used in the microwave.