What Kind of Dishes Are Microwavable?

Glass Products

• Glass and glass-ceramic cookware are generally safe for use in microwave ovens. Much of this type of cookware has a microwave-safe symbol on the bottom of the container or states that it is microwave safe in the care instructions. Typically, if a glass product is safe for a conventional oven, it is microwave safe as well. To ensure a vessel is microwave safe, pour a cup of cold water into the container. Microwave the container with the water in it for 60 seconds. Feel the container; if it is cool, it is microwave safe. If it is warm, it is safe for microwaving foods for short periods only. A hot container is not safe for use in microwaves. Use of lead crystal containers in this appliance may result in cracks or breaking the dish.

Hard Plastic

• Hard plastic containers are often useful in freezing, thawing and cooking foods. Many products come with a handy lid that covers the foods to prevent splatters and helps vent the food. Check the plastic container for the microwave-safe symbol, or read the instructions that came with the product. Never use thin plastic containers that had margarine, whipped cream or other products in them unless they have a microwave-safe symbol. This type of container warps or melts under high heat.

Paper Products

• You can warm up leftover breads, muffins, rolls or other baked goods in a brown paper bag that is not made of recycled materials. White paper towels and paper plates also work well for microwaving as long as they are not recycled. Do not use foam disposable plates as they can melt. Foil-lined or plastic-coated papers have metallic content that causes arcing and may result in a fire or damage to the oven. Do not use plastic storage or grocery bags for microwaves. Plastic wrap is acceptable to cover foods in the microwave but must not touch the food. Wax paper helps reduce spatter from the dishes while cooking and makes an effective covering if you do not have a lid that you can vent for the container.

Unsafe Containers

• Dinnerware with metal decorations or rims cause arcing in microwaves, which can damage the dinnerware, cause a fire or damage the oven. Never use aluminum foil or foil takeout containers to heat foods in this appliance. Anything with metal content is unsafe. Old-fashioned melamine dishes contain metal and therefore are not safe. Use of containers that are not microwave safe may cause chemicals to leech into the food during cooking and endanger the health of you or your family members.