We are regularly asked about the use of foil containers in the microwave. Many shops supply frozen or chilled prepacked meals that can be reheated or cooked either in a conventional oven or in a microwave oven.

Aluminium is a metal so cannot be penetrated by microwave energy. This means that any microwaves are only absorbed through the top (open) part of the container to a depth of only about 3 cms. The aluminium effectively shields the sides and base of the of the food from overheating. This can be very useful when making delicate sauces.

Food toppings can be finished under the grill or browned as part of a combination oven cooking cycle.

In order to achieve best results and at the same time avoid damaging the microwave, these simple guidelines should be followed carefully.