Foil container for microwave ovens
Experimental study on safety, efficiency and uniformity of aluminum foil food packaging material in microwave oven
In an extensive study of the efficiency, safety and heating characteristics of aluminum foil food packaging materials used in microwave ovens, the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging confirmed the results of earlier studies by other research institutions: the use of aluminum foil packaging materials in microwave ovens is safe as long as the general instructions for use are followed. Food packaged in aluminum trays or plastic containers with aluminum foil composite LIDS are best for cooking in the microwave and are safe to eat. This comprehensive test series pays particular attention to parameters such as safety, efficiency and cooking uniformity.
Based on extensive testing
More than 200 microwave tests were conducted involving food in a variety of aluminum foil containers. Four different microwave ovens were used for each experiment. The test subjects included aluminum trays containing tap water, eggs, frozen lasagna and ground meat. In addition, plastic cups and saucers containing noodle soup or children's meals and sealed with aluminum foil or composite LIDS were used for testing. All application-oriented tests are performed in microwave oven full power mode. The results showed that none of the microwave ovens were damaged and no users were injured. When the instructions were followed correctly, no spark generation was observed inside the microwave oven. These tests were performed under the following conditions: only one tray was used for each heating and the tray was placed in the center of a non-metal turntable, not in contact with the microwave wall.
User-friendly and easy to operate
"The results show some important findings about the heating curve and the uniformity of food cooking. In some cases, these criteria are better met using aluminum foil containers, "said Thomas Pfeffer, who led the research project. In particular, meals cooked on aluminum foil trays are more visually appealing. Lasagna cooked in an aluminum container, for example, forms a particularly tasty shell that is more appetizing. The only downside, the researchers note, is that the heating time is slightly longer compared to plastic containers. This is mainly due to the shielding effect of aluminum foil, the difference in container geometry, and the characteristics of the food itself.
Support the research results of aluminum foil packaging materials
As long as a few basic rules are followed (which also apply to other microwave devices), there is no reason not to use aluminum foil packaging material in a microwave oven (see the chart "The Proper Way to Use Aluminum trays in a microwave oven"). Using aluminum foil packaging materials when heating food in the microwave is safe and efficient, and the food is heated more evenly than when using containers of other materials. The use of aluminum trays hardly causes damage to the microwave oven or affects its performance. Studies have confirmed that aluminum foil containers are perfect for heating food in the microwave.
