Panasonic NN-CD987W - Manual (Page 8)

Bef
ore
Operation
-6-
Cookware and Utensil Guide
Plastics
Plastic dishes, cups and some freezer containers
should be used with care in a microwave oven .
Choose plastic containers carefully, as some plastic
containers may become soft, melt and scorch .
The majority of plastic dishes, even those designed
for use in the microwave oven, are not suitable for
cooking foods with high fat or sugar content, or for
lengthy cooking time . Most microwave plastic dishes
should not be used for longer than 3 to 5 minutes
on HIGH power . These dishes, although not suitable
for extended cooking, may be successfully used for
defrosting or for use on lower power levels .
Cooking Bags designed to withstand boiling,
freezing, or conventional heating are microwave
safe . Prepare bags according to manufacturers'
directions . When cooking by microwave, DO NOT
use wire twist-ties to close bag . They can act as an
antenna and cause arcing (sparks) .
DO NOT COOK IN PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE
BAGS .
Plastic Wrap such as GLAD WRAP® can be used
to cover dishes in most recipes . Over an extended
heating time, some disfiguration of the wrap may
occur . When removing plastic wrap "covers" as well
as any glass lid be careful to remove it away from
you to avoid steam burns .
Loosen plastic but let dish stand covered .
Browning Dishes
NOTE: Browning dishes are no longer available . This
information is supplied to assist people who already
own a browning dish .
Browning dishes are used to sear chops, meat
patties, steaks etc . A special coating on the bottom
of the dish absorbs the microwave energy and
becomes very hot . When foods are added to the
dish, the result is a seared effect . Preheat the dish
according to the manufacturers' directions . Add
food to be seared and heat according to recipe or
personal preference . Use pot holders to remove
the dish from the Microwave Oven . Do not use the
browning dish on or in a conventional stove .
Remember:
Food can be covered with a loose sheet of
absorbent towel to prevent splattering .
Do not attempt to deep fry in the browning dish
or microwave oven as you cannot control the
temperature of the oil .
It is important to use correct containers when
cooking in a microwave oven . The following will help
you to make the right selection .
How to Test a Container for Safe Microwave Oven
Use
Fill a -cup glass measure with water and place it in
the microwave oven along with the container to be
tested; heat one minute on HIGH . If the container is
microwave oven safe, it should remain comfortably
cool and the water should be hot . If the container
becomes very hot, it has absorbed some microwave
energy and should not be used . This test cannot be
used for plastic containers .
Paper Products and Freezer Wrap
Waxed paper, paper plates, cups and napkins
should not be used for heating or cooking food by
Convection, Combination and Grill . Freezer wrap
should not be used as it is not heat resistant and
may melt . Paper towels, greaseproof paper and bake
paper may be safely used for short periods of time
for covering or lining .
Glass, Ceramic and China
Heat-Resistant glass cookware is invaluable in
microwave cooking . Many of these items are readily
available in most homes: glass jugs, mixing bowls,
loaf dishes, covered casseroles, oblong baking
dishes, pie plates and round or square cake dishes .
Examples of this type of cookware are Pyrex® and
Corningware® .
Dinnerware can be used for microwave heating .
Many brands of dinnerware are microwave safe .
Check the care information for reference to
microwave use for dinnerware and serving pieces . If
dinnerware is marked ovenproof, it frequently is safe
to use in the microwave oven . However, to be sure,
check by conducting a microwave dish test .
Several types of glassware and dinnerware are
not recommended for use in the Microwave Oven .
Do not use dishes with metallic trim or containers
with metal parts . Do not use cups or mugs with
glued on handles, as they may fall off with continued
heating . Do not use delicate glassware . Although the
glassware may be transparent to microwave energy
the heat from the food may cause the glassware to
crack .