Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Testing a board
• Part 2 of 3: Identifying microwave-safe items
• Part 3 of 3: Materials that should not be avoided in the microwave

There are a number of reasons why you can only put microwave-safe dishes and materials in the microwave. Non-microwave safe materials can melt, crack, or otherwise be damaged by the microwave. In addition, they can transfer dangerous chemicals to your food, cause a fire, or damage the microwave itself. Not all microwave-safe dishes are designated as such, so it is good that there is a simple test to determine whether a plate is safe to use in the microwave.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Testing a board

1. Fill a cup with water. To test whether a plate is microwave safe, you can heat it in the microwave along with a cup of water. Take a microwave-safe glass or cup and fill it three-quarters full with water.
   • It is important to use a microwave safe cup or the test might not work.
   • To ensure this, take a cup that has the microwave safe symbol on the bottom.
2. Place the plate and the glass of water in the microwave together. Place the glass of water and the appropriate plate side by side in the microwave. Set the microwave on high and let both items heat up for one minute.
   • If the plate is too big to place next to the cup, then place the cup on (or in) the plate.
   • To set the microwave to high, use the control knob "Power", "Menu" or "Settings".
3. Perform a touch test. After providing a minute, use oven gloves or a pot holder to take the cup out of the microwave. Then put your hand on the appropriate plate to feel how warm it is:
   • The sign is unsafe for use in the microwave when it is hot and the water is cold. A hot plate absorbs heat.
   • The sign is safe for use in the microwave when it is cold and the water is warm. A cold plate does not absorb heat.
   • You might notice that the plate can feel warm in the center where the cup used to be.
4. Mark the sign. Use a permanent marker to mark the bottom of the plate with the result of the test so you can keep track of which plate is or is not microwave safe.
   • You can use any marking method for your boards that you like. You can mark the microwave-safe plates with, for example, a happy smiley, the letter M or two wavy lines.
   • Don't forget to mark the non-microwave safe dishes as well. You can use a sad smiley, a crossed out M, or any other character for this.

Part 2 of 3: Identifying microwave-safe items

1. Look for the microwave safe symbol. The easiest way to tell if a plate or cutlery is microwave safe is to look for the symbol on the bottom. Normally there are three things that indicate whether you can safely use a plate in the microwave:
   • The word "microwave safe".
   • The word "microwave-friendly".
   • Horizontal wavy lines.
2. Know that most ceramics, glasses, and porcelain items can be microwaved. Most ceramic, glass and porcelain dishes are microwave safe. Exceptions to this:
   • The manufacturer states that the dishes are not microwave safe.
   • The tableware has some metal paint or decoration, such as gold or silver.
   • Lead glaze has been used.
3. Recognize the microwave safe names. There are several manufacturers who make heat resistant cookware that can also be used safely in the microwave. Some of the companies that produce these items are:
   • Anchor Hocking
   • Duralex
   • Pyrex
   • Corningware
   • Visions
4. Know that you can heat some paper products in the microwave. It is safe to microwave some paper products, including parchment and wax paper, white paper plates, napkins, and paper towels.
   • Do not use paper products printed with logos or text to prevent ink or paint from getting into your food.
5. Understand when and how to put plastic in the microwave. Some plastic dishes and wrappers are specially made to be safe in the microwave and do not contain plasticizers that can get into food.
   • If you want to put plastic crockery in the microwave, make sure it is described as microwave safe. If not, don't use it.
   • When using microwave-safe plastic wrap in the microwave, make sure it does not come into direct contact with the food.

Part 3 of 3: Materials that should not be avoided in the microwave

1. Do not heat metals in the microwave. It is not safe to heat metal in the microwave unless you follow a very strict safety protocol. Heating metal in the microwave can cause sparks, fire and malfunction of the appliance. Pay close attention to the following:
   • Plates and cups with metallic paint
   • Plates and cups with a decorative metal finish
   • Wire ties
   • Takeaway trays with metal lining or handles
   • Aluminium foil
   • Metal utensils
2. Recognize lead glazed plates. Lead glaze used to be in many dinner sets and is still used in many countries. You should not use lead glazed plates to store or serve food, as the lead can transfer to the food. Lead is extremely poisonous and ingesting it is dangerous to our health. If you heat lead-glazed dishes in the microwave, even more lead will get into the food. Plates likely to have lead glaze include:
   • Clay crockery with a shiny or translucent glaze
   • Handmade artisan crockery
   • Crockery with bright and vibrant colors on the inside
   • Antique crockery
   • Very decorative and shiny crockery
3. Do not heat up microwaveable containers designed to keep food cool. Plastic containers intended for refrigerated food should not be heated and are certainly not designed for use in the microwave. This includes storage containers intended for:
   • Yogurt
   • Butter or margarine
   • Cottage cheese
4. Do not use brown paper products. According to nutrition centers, you can safely use white paper products in the microwave, but you should not heat brown paper products in them.
   • This includes brown paper lunch bags and brown paper towels.
   • It is also recommended not to heat newspaper in the microwave.