What are 4 acceptable coverings for microwave dishes?

When heating food in the microwave, it’s important to use a proper covering to trap in moisture, prevent splattering, and evenly distribute heat. Some common microwave-safe dish coverings include plastic wrap, paper towels, microwave-safe lids, and wax paper.

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Why Use a Covering on Microwaved Dishes?

Using a covering when microwaving dishes serves a few key purposes:

Traps moisture – Coverings keep steam from escaping so food stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
Prevents splattering – Splattering can make a mess of your microwave. Coverings contain food splatters.
Distributes heat – Covers allow heat to spread evenly throughout the food for thorough, consistent cooking.

Skipping a cover can lead to uneven cooking, dry food, and messes. For best results, always use an appropriate cover when microwaving food.

Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, is a popular microwave covering. It has the following advantages:

Holds in moisture – The plastic helps keep steam from escaping out of the dish so food stays moist.

Prevents splatters – The tight seal contains any splattering or spillover.
Easy to use – Plastic wrap is flexible and can be stretched to seal dishes of various shapes and sizes.
Microwave-safe – When using the proper microwave-safe plastic wrap, there is no risk of chemicals leaching or wrapping melting.

Some tips when using plastic wrap in the microwave:

Make sure it is labeled “microwave-safe.” Regular plastic wrap may melt or break down when heated.
Don’t let the plastic wrap touch the food. Leave a little space between the food and wrap.

Vent the plastic wrap by turning back one corner. This allows excess steam to escape.
Avoid letting plastic wrap touch the sides or top of the microwave when heating. This can cause melting.

How to Cover a Dish with Plastic Wrap

Place food in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the dish is deep enough to prevent spillovers.

Cover the dish evenly with plastic wrap. Stretch it tightly across the top and tuck under edges to seal.
Vent plastic wrap by turning back one corner to leave a small opening.
Microwave food based on recipe instructions, keeping an eye on it through the microwave door.

Use oven mitts to remove dish once cooking time is complete.
Peel back plastic wrap carefully to avoid steam burns.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are another handy covering option for microwave cooking. Benefits include:

Absorb excess moisture – The paper soaks up condensation and oil splatters.
Allow for venting – Air can pass through the paper towel so steam vents.
Provide cushioning – The paper towel protects delicate food from getting soggy.

Easy availability – Paper towels are a kitchen staple that most people have on hand.

Tips for using paper towels:

Opt for plain paper towels without prints or dyes which may contain chemicals unsafe for microwaving.

Don’t let paper towel touch food directly. Place a paper towel cover above food.
Limit direct contact with the microwave interior which can cause scorching.
For really moist foods, layer 2 paper towels for more absorption.

How to Cover a Dish with Paper Towels

Place food in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the dish is deep enough with higher sides.
Wet a paper towel under the faucet and then wring out thoroughly so it is damp but not soaked.
Drape the damp paper towel loosely over the top of the dish without touching the food.

Microwave food based on recipe instructions, keeping an eye on it through the microwave door.
Use oven mitts to remove dish once cooking time is complete.
Lift off paper towel carefully using tongs to avoid steam burns.

Microwave-Safe Lids

Microwave-safe lids are covers designed specifically for use in the microwave. Benefits include:

Airtight seal – Lids fit securely to trap steam and moisture.
Handle safely – Lids allow lifting out of hot dishes without direct contact.

Designed for microwave – Made from microwave-safe materials to prevent melting or leaching.
Reusable – Lids can be used repeatedly with proper care.

Keep the following in mind when using microwave lids:

Make sure lid fits properly. It should not be loose or ill-fitting.
Do not use a tight sealing lid on fat- or grease-containing foods which could explode.
For dishes without lids, cover loosely with a paper towel.

Glass lids may get hot during microwaving. Use potholders for handling.

How to Cover a Dish with Microwave-Safe Lid

Select a microwave-safe dish and coordinating lid. Make sure they are clean and undamaged.
Place food in the bottom dish. Do not overfill past rim which could cause spillovers.

Set microwave-safe lid securely on top of the dish.
Microwave food based on recipe instructions, keeping an eye on it through the microwave door.
Use potholders to carefully remove the hot lid once cooking time is complete.

Tilt lid away from you to avoid steam burns.

Wax Paper

Wax paper can also be used to cover bowls and plates in the microwave. Benefits are:

Moisture barrier – The wax coating helps retain moisture in foods.

Non-stick surface – Food won’t stick to wax paper.
Heat resistant – Wax paper can withstand microwave temperatures.
Disposable – Single use wax paper coverings are convenient.

Guidelines for using wax paper as a microwave cover:

Purchase wax paper that is unbleached and non-dyed.
Avoid letting wax paper touch or come too close to microwave interior walls which can cause sparks.

Do not use wax paper to cover anything containing oils or fats that could melt through the paper.
For really steamy foods, double up layers of wax paper for more non-stick protection.

How to Cover a Dish with Wax Paper

Place food in a microwave-safe dish. Opt for wide, shallow dishes when using wax paper.

Cut a piece of wax paper about 2 inches larger than the dish on all sides.
Lay the wax paper loosely over the dish without allowing it to touch the food.
Microwave food based on recipe instructions, keeping an eye on it through the microwave door.

Remove dish using potholders. Carefully lift wax paper cover using tongs.
Discard used wax paper after cooking.

Comparison of Microwave Dish Coverings

Covering Type	Benefits	Drawbacks
Plastic Wrap	Seals in moisture Prevents splattering Molds to dish shape	Can melt if touches interior Not reusable Not eco-friendly
Paper Towel	Allows ventilation Absorbs excess moisture Cushions delicate foods	Can burn if touches interior Not reusable Needs frequent replacing
Microwave-Safe Lid	Provides tight seal Easy to handle Can be reused	Must match dish size Can be expensive Glass lids may shatter
Wax Paper	Moisture barrier Non-stick surface Disposable convenience	Not reusable Can’t use with oils/fats Risk of sparks on interior

Tips for Covering Dishes in the Microwave

Always use a cover unless recipe specifies otherwise. Uncovered food can dry out or splatter.

Vent coverings like plastic wrap or wax paper to let steam escape.
If you don’t have a lid, improvise with plastic wrap, paper towels, or wax paper.
Cover plates loosely to prevent covering from touching food directly.

Make sure dishes are deep enough with higher sides to prevent boil overs.
Watch food through the microwave door to ensure covering stays in place.
Use potholders or tongs to safely remove hot dishes and coverings.

Conclusion

Using proper microwave dish coverings is important for even cooking, moisture retention, and containing messes. Plastic wrap, paper towels, microwave-safe lids, and wax paper are four readily available, safe options for covering plates and bowls during microwave heating. Following usage guidelines for each material will prevent accidents and create better microwaved results. With the right covering in place, you can microwave everything from leftovers to baked potatoes conveniently and with no splatters.