Abstract: A microwave heating utensil is provided with a microwave absorbent susceptor material which includes zinc and manganese. The susceptor material may be disposed in a layer on the surface of the body and a continuous cover layer overlying the susceptor material may be fused with the utensil body. A preformed layer comprising a susceptor-forming material including zinc and manganese, together with a glass moderator material, and a further preformed layer including the cover material in particulate form may be applied to the body by transferring these layers from a decal substrate. The continuous cover layer may be formed by fusion of the particulate cover material in heating, typically in an oxidizing atmosphere.