The microwave oven is a fixture in virtually every kitchen and even in dorm rooms. It represents the ultimate in convenience cooking and thus choosing the right microwave cookware is very important. Much of the cookware used for other purposes is also suitable for the fast cooking in a microwave oven, but some cookware is very specialized. Fortunately there is a fabulous selection of many types to consider.

Microwaves excite the electrons inside foods and cause rapid vibrations. These generate heat and cook from the inside out. Speed of cooking depends on the moisture and fat content of foods, the thickness and the quantity. Microwave cookware needs to consider the special needs of this method to optimize results. Metals are mostly avoided because microwaves cannot penetrate them appropriately, and they can generate too much heat and risk burning or fire.

While some plastics are fine in the microwave, others fare somewhat less well. For example, cookware made with melamine (a type of thermosetting plastic) will tend to char. Similarly, disposable microwave cookware may perform acceptably when used for brief reheating, but can melt under the heat of extended cooking. Many such items, such as browning discs or sleeves, are meant only for one-time use and may be dangerous if reused.

To cook food evenly, microwave cookware should have straight sides. If the sides are sloping, food in shallow parts may cook faster. Food should also be cut into pieces of uniform size and be evenly distributed to allow for even cooking. To prevent dangerous build up of steam, covered dishes should have vents to allow for steam to be released.

Microwave method needs special considerations for foods that cannot be stirred such as using tube shaped or ring pans for things like meatloaf or cakes. Browning elements are another example of special cookware necessary because foods do not brown in a microwave the same as the do with thermal cooking. Most browning elements need preheated before adding the food.

Other specialized microwave cookware exposes food to as much area as possible, like bacon cookers or potato chip makers. These make cooking more even and allow faster overall cooking times. Grills may have ridges for draining grease and have browning capabilities as well.

Concerns about possible toxins in heated plastic have led many people to choose ceramic and glass cookware for use in the microwave. Although ceramics and glass can be heavy and breakable and can even shatter at high temperatures, many feel that they are still preferable for microwave use because they don't release dangerous chemicals like plastics may do.

Most every kitchen and dorm room has a microwave oven. It is the best tool for convenience cooking. Choosing the proper microwave cookware is crucial for success in microwave use. Some materials do not perform as well in the microwave as others. Plastic cookware made with melamine has been known to char. If the sides are sloping, food in shallow parts may cook faster. Food should also be cut into pieces of uniform size and be evenly distributed to allow for even and fast cooking. To prevent dangerous build up of steam, covered dishes should have vents to allow for steam to be released.