Abstract: A disposable arcuate sheet of an air permeable, water absorbent and hypoallergenic garment interfacing fabric and method for using the sheet for protecting microwave ovens against food spills, splashes, spatters and spitting during rotation of a carousel. The disposable sheet being a single layer of conventional interfacing fabric provided in a unbroken and unfolded substantially round or circularly shaped flat pattern sized either to cover a rotating carousel of a square or rectangular microwave oven, or to cover a food container in the oven, without substantially interfering with the oven walls during rotation of the carousel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle operable for supporting substances to be heated in a microwave oven, the receptacle comprising a bottom space (6) separated from a top space (5) through a shelf, the shelf (4;4?) being supportable horizontally above a base (2), a cover dome rising from the base, the cover dome having a first cover dome section (7; 7?; 7?) movable relative to a second cover dome section (8;8?;8?), the cover dome sections enclosing the top and bottom spaces in a closed position, the cover dome being openable inside the microwave oven to provide access to both spaces in an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a food item in a microwave oven comprises a tray including a plurality of elevated heating areas and a plurality of channels disposed between the elevated heating areas, the elevated heating areas each including a microwave energy interactive material, a cover pivotably connected to the tray for pivoting the cover relative to the tray between an open position and a closed position, and a locking feature operative for releasably maintaining the cover in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a food item in a microwave oven comprises a tray including an interior space defined by a base and an upstanding peripheral wall, and a cover pivotably connected to the tray for pivoting the cover relative to the tray between an open position and a closed position. The tray and/or cover includes a plurality of protrusions extending into the interior space. A microwave energy interactive material overlies the protrusions on the tray and/or cover.

Abstract: A package for heating a microwave food item is provided.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.

Abstract: A pasta cooking system 10 comprises a container body 1, a pasta holder 2, a lid 3, and a cap 4, wherein raised ridges are formed on the bottom surface of the pasta holder 2 to prevent pasta from sticking to each other. A fitting section 9 of the container body and a bottom fitting section 13 of the lid 3 are engaged together, while the upper fitting section 11 of the lid and the fitting section 12 of the cap 4 are engaged together. An Opening 26 and a steam-releasing groove 18 of the lid 3 and/or a gap between the fitting section 9 of the container body 1 and the bottom fitting section 13 of the lid 3 provides a path for air and steam generated within the container, controlling steam pressure within the container and preventing water therein from boiling out.

Abstract: The Microwavable Food Heating Package is an invention that combines two products into one product. A disposable, microwavable, paper plate and a disposable, microwavable cover that is molded to fit over the plate are sold together to form one product. The Microwavable Food Heating Package is mainly used for heating food. One grabs the plate and a cover with end tabs, lifts one or both tabs, puts the food on the plate, bends the tabs down, and heats the food. The Microwavable Food Heating Package can also be used to refrigerate food or to cover food so that objects do not get on the food. Since the entire product is disposable, there is no need to clean either portion of the product.

Abstract: A multi-compartment microwaveable food container and, in particular, a microwaveable container having at least two compartments with different degrees of shielding to provide different energy inputs to food products contained therein while being heated in a microwave together at the same settings. At least one compartment of the container contains an in-mold label or other type of shielding with microwave-reflective areas to provide the desired shielding properties to the food product contained therein. Additionally, a lid component can also contain an in-mold label or other type of shielding to provide further shielding of the compartment. The two or more food compartments may contain various degrees of shielding provided by complete or partial in-mold labels or other types of shielding.

Abstract: A microwavable cooking container assembly has a bottom wall and a top rim spaced apart by a sidewalls. The container also has a notch, a gate with a steam aperture and a projection for mating within the notch. A film cover is attached to the top rim over the gate and has a fill aperture in communication with the container. The gate is moveable between a blocking position and a fill position for passing cooking ingredients through the fill aperture past the gate into the container. In another embodiment, a lid mates with the top rim and has a handle for gripping and a sealing rib for mating with the ledge seat on the top rim. The lid has a steam aperture for controllably releasing stem to create a pressure cooking environment within the container for cooking food in a microwave.

Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell is pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a releasably sealable bag for low temperature cooking comprising a film material, wherein the film material does not deform at temperatures of up to about 125° C., and wherein the bag is air and liquid impermeable when sealed. Also disclosed are such bags wherein at least a portion of the film material is comprised of a composite film material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive protected from inadvertent adherence. Further disclosed are methods for food preparation and cooking using any of the embodiments of the bag of the present invention.

Abstract: A disposable utensil for cooking, warming, and heating articles. More particularly, in the preferred mode, the invention is a disposable utensil which comprises a liner surrounding a permeable armature, which comprises a plurality of vertical members configured in a predetermined framework. The armature functions to elevate an article such as any type of food, in such a manner as to prevent the article from becoming soggy from contact with effluent drippings produced during the cooking, warming, or heating process. The invention may also utilize an optional support element for heavier or larger articles, as well as an optional layer of absorbent material, such as ovenproof paper, felt, wadding or fibrous material for enhanced absorption of effluent drippings. The utensil is suitable for usage in connection with cooking appliances of all types and all sizes.

Abstract: A defrost vessel for a microwave oven includes a body having a certain space therein for receiving a refrigerating load, and an antenna connected to the body for oscillating a microwave into the space of the body. When microwave is supplied into a cavity of the microwave oven, the microwave is oscillated into the space of the body by the antenna and thus the microwave is deeply penetrated up to inside of the refrigerating load. Also, the microwave is secondly emitted into the space of the body from an edge of the slot, thereby completely defrosting the refrigerating load.

Abstract: A device for covering food (306) during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet (100) having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface (102) that is free of openings. The sheet (100) has a configuration including size, shape, and weight distribution for flexibly draping the sheet (100) over the food (306) on a rigid structure (304) such that the flexibly draped sheet (100) overhangs and folds loosely over an outer perimeter of the rigid structure thereby forming at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) when the sheet contacts at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure (304). During microwave heating, the at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) substantially contains food-splattering (308) inside while allowing steam (312) to escape through an opening (310) formed between the flexibly draped sheet (100) and the outer perimeter of the rigid structure (304).

Abstract: A cooking container designed to brown and scorch slightly both sides of food at the same time, and a microwave oven having such a cooking container. This cooking container includes a pan body and a lid, each including a heating part generating heat using microwaves and a heat transfer part transferring heat from the heating part to food. The body of the container has a first cooking part covered with the lid, and a second cooking part having an open top. A plurality of embossments are provided on each of the first cooking part and the lid while being regularly spaced apart from each other, and so both sides of sliced bread laid in the first cooking part are thus browned and scorched slightly during the process of cooking. The second cooking part is used for frying eggs. A coated layer is formed on the inside surface of each heat transfer part of the container, thus preventing a corrosion of the heat transfer part and a sticking of food to the heat transfer part.

Abstract: A device is provided for temperature controlled heating of primarily solid food in a microwave oven, which includes a block of polymeric material which is thermally insulated with respect to the food and which is provided so as to be exposed to a same microwave radiation as the food. A heat sensitive, readable marking which corresponds to a temperature of the food is provided on a surface of the block of polymeric material. A reader is connected to a heating system of the oven, and reads the marking and transmits control signals to a control circuit for controlling the heating system of the oven, when the reader reads a change of the marking.

Abstract: The installation includes a microwave heater station (14) having a microwave applicator, and a support (10) suitable for supporting the receptacles (12) in the heater station. The support (10) has at least one receptacle zone (20) which is defined by the surface (10A) of the support and by a metal band (24A, 24B) fixed to the support. The zone (20) serves to support a receptacle (12) whose bottom stands on the surface (10A) of the support and whose side wall (12B) is surrounded by the band. The support can be a conveyor bringing the receptacles into the heater station.

Abstract: A container for food and beverage products, and more specifically, a substantially metallic container with a microwavable transparent portion and a selectively removable metallic lid, wherein the container can be used in a conventional microwave oven.

Abstract: An end user container for food in refrigerated storage and subsequent microwave cooking is made of a thermo-plastic material transparent to radiant energy. The lid and tray are thermo-formed pieces and incorporate latches as integral features in the respective parts. They are arranged with a post-in-socket capability for latching the lid to the tray in a position which will permit venting of the interior of the container assembly to the exterior. The rims of the tray and lid are formed to enable pressing them together providing a surface sealing between the tray and lid along engaging wall portions of the lid and tray continuously around the container. Also, the lid has a bottom cooperating with the wall to provide a well, and the wall of the tray is outwardly turned, providing a step or ledge near the top of the tray and extending out to the upper wall portion, forming a part of the rim and which engages the well wall when the container is closed to the seal condition.

Abstract: A folds-as-you-eat multi-purpose food-serving apparatus (‘MPFSA’) that is supportable from one end by one hand during eating, and has optional exhibiting means for providing multi-minute close-proximity exposures promoting observer-discernible content and/or user-discernible content, and optionally providing recreational, or display, functionality. The MPFSA is comprised of one or more materials having a pliability which accommodates the bending and unbending of the apparatus a plurality of times in a manner that will not significantly alter the presentation of served food. The MPFSA is also comprised of material(s) having sufficient rigidity to support one or more items of food, having a food-supporting surface which is stiffened by at least one adjacent food-retaining portion which extends upward from an edge thereof, or can be so positioned by a user, to increase the rigidity of, and facilitate the retention of served food on, the apparatus.

Abstract: A microwave oven provided with a cooking container arranged in a cooking compartment for both steaming and grilling food. The cooking container includes a main body and a lid heated by high-frequency waves, a supporting member for selectively supporting the lid so as to rest on the upper surface of the main body, a rack selectively arrangable in the main body for supporting food so as to be steamed, and first and second heating members respectively covered on an outer surface of the bottom of the main body and an upper surface of the lid for generating heat by using the high-frequency waves. An inner surface of the bottom of the main body forms a first grill plane and a lower surface of the lid forms a second grill plane so that the food is grilled by the first and second grill planes when disposed so as to contact food.

Abstract: A microwave beverage and food preparation apparatus that, in one embodiment, converts a common fluid vessel such as a cup, mug, or bowl into a whistling kettle. A user places a lid having an alarm on a vessel containing liquid to be heated in a microwave. A member made of, or containing, nucleation-site-rich material on the underside of the lid extends into the liquid to activate boiling, thereby assuring a safe transition of the liquid to a normal boiling state. Steam escapes through an integrated whistle in the lid, alerting the user to the boiling.

Abstract: A moisture-adding microwave food cover apparatus, comprising of a capped (not absolutely essential, but part of the current implementation of the design) conical or dome-like structure, with an upper liquid reservoir, cool fin handle, removable top center cap, and a lower condensed moisture reservoir. The apparatus may be manufactured from any microwaveable material and it is efficient in preventing spatter, retaining heat, retaining moisture, and adding moisture to food that is heated or cooked using a microwave oven. The apparatus is easy to use, easy to clean, easy to manufacture, and reduces the time required to cook or heat food in a microwave.

Abstract: The combination of insulating material with microwave interactive food packaging for enhanced cooking properties is disclosed. An insulating microwave packaging material (200) and a method of making the same are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the insulating microwave packaging material (200) is formed by bonding a microwave interactive material substrate (205) that creates sensible heat upon exposure to microwave energy to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) arranged in a pattern to form closed cells (214). Upon impingement of the insulating microwave packaging material (200) by microwave energy in a microwave oven, the closed cells (214) expand to form insulating pockets (216). One side of the insulating pocket (216) bulges and lofts above the opposite side. When a food product is situated on the insulating microwave packaging material (200), the insulating pockets (216) insulate the food product from the microwave oven environment.

Abstract: A rice cooking system for a microwave oven comprises an inner cooking container for containing rice and rice cooking water, main outer container holding the inner container with a space in between their side surfaces, a lid covering the outer container, and a foam control sheet having a plurality of small holes 52 and supported between the outer container and the lid. The inner cooking container is made of metal and has a folded or rolled a rim. A step at the bottom of the outer container locates the inner cooking container so that its outer wall is spaced from the outer container.

Abstract: A system and method of assembling a container for microwave heating of a food product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for thawing at least one piece of sushi or similar foodstuff formed from a principal element intended to be served warm and at least one accompanying element intended to be served cold with a microwave oven. The device includes a package having at least one bottom, lateral walls and a top wall; and a microwave-reflective layer on an interior surface, wherein the top wall is permeable to microwaves and includes at least one cut-out to receive and hold the sushi or similar foodstuff.

Abstract: A microwave oven, capable of cooking food by steam generated through a microwave heating operation. The microwave oven includes a cabinet provided with a cooking cavity and a microwave irradiating unit irradiating microwaves into the cooking cavity. The microwave oven includes a steaming unit. The steaming unit includes a steaming container and a cover. The steaming container is made of a microwave penetrable material and is installed to an upper portion of the cabinet such that a lower portion of the steaming container is placed in the cooking cavity. The steaming container is open at a top thereof and the cover selectively closes the open top of the steaming container.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having a generally oval shaped access opening closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a wet adhesive seal (40) to the first portion (22d). In a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal (40) is formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel bands (400, 401, 402) defining a plurality of spaced, parallel spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag (18) through the seal (40). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A cooking vessel used with microwave ovens, which produces steam through a microwave heating method and cooks food using the steam. The cooking vessel includes a lower body containing water therein and made of a microwave permeable material. A food supporting plate is seated, at its edge, on an upper edge of the lower body in such a way as to be spaced apart from a bottom of the lower body, and is made of a microwave blocking material. A plurality of perforations are formed on the food supporting plate to allow steam to pass. A lid covers the lower body, and is made of a microwave blocking material. A steam discharging hole is formed on the lid. The lid is seated at its lower edge on the upper edge of the lower body in such a way that the lower edge of the lid is spaced apart from the edge of the food supporting plate by a predetermined interval, thus allowing a predetermined amount of microwaves to penetrate into the lid.

Abstract: A microwave food covering assembly includes a stand that includes panel having a top side and a bottom side. Each of a plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom side. Each of the legs is positioned generally adjacent to a peripheral edge of the panel. A covering includes a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends downwardly therefrom. The top wall has generally the same shape as the panel. The top wall has a shortest diameter having a length greater than a shortest diameter of the panel. The stand may be positioned over food and the covering positioned over the stand such that the peripheral wall extends downward.

Abstract: A disposable arcuate sheet of an air permeable, water absorbent and hypoallergenic garment interfacing fabric and method for using the sheet for protecting microwave ovens against food spills, splashes, spatters and spitting during rotation of a carousel. The disposable sheet being a single layer of conventional interfacing fabric provided in a unbroken and unfolded substantially round or circularly shaped flat pattern sized either to cover a rotating carousel of a square or rectangular microwave oven, or to cover a food container in the oven, without substantially interfering with the oven walls during rotation of the carousel.

Abstract: An easy-opening microwavable food package which can be used both to cook and serve the food. It is easily opened and yet convenient as a vehicle for eating, so as to avoid the necessity for separate dishes which will need to be washed. The package is designed to permit venting of the package during cooking while minimizing the possibility for a messy and inadvertent escape of product onto, for example, the floor and walls of the microwave. The package comprises a first tear facilitator for removing the top end of the package for venting and a second tear facilitator for removing a further section of the side wall. The second tear facilitator promotes tearing of the side wall at a point spaced from and below the tear promoted by the first tear facilitator and serves to enhance access to the food for eating. The tear facilitators may, e.g., comprise pairs of notches in the walls of the package.

Abstract: A cooking vessel used with microwave ovens, which produces steam through a microwave heating method and cooks food using the steam. The cooking vessel includes a lower body containing water therein and made of a microwave permeable material. A food supporting plate is seated, at its edge, on an upper edge of the lower body in such a way as to be spaced apart from a bottom of the lower body, and is made of a microwave blocking material. A plurality of perforations are formed on the food supporting plate to allow steam to pass. A lid covers the lower body, and is made of a microwave blocking material. A steam discharging hole is formed on the lid. The lid is seated at its lower edge on the upper edge of the lower body in such a way that the lower edge of the lid is spaced apart from the edge of the food supporting plate by a predetermined interval, thus allowing a predetermined amount of microwaves to penetrate into the lid.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A folds-as-you-eat multi-purpose food-serving apparatus (‘MPFSA’) that is supportable from one end by one hand during eating, and has optional exhibiting means for providing multi-minute close-proximity exposures promoting observer-discernible content and/or user-discernible content, and optionally providing recreational, or display, functionality. The MPFSA is comprised of one or more materials having a pliability which accommodates the bending and unbending of the apparatus a plurality of times in a manner that will not significantly alter the presentation of served food. The MPFSA is also comprised of material(s) having sufficient rigidity to support one or more items of food, having a food-supporting surface which is stiffened by at least one adjacent food-retaining portion which extends upward from an edge thereof, or can be so positioned by a user, to increase the rigidity of, and facilitate the retention of served food on, the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for providing a microwave-shield on the cover member of a microwavable food tray having different foods therein requiring different degrees of microwave irradiation is provided. The method includes providing an adhesive label directly to a cover member of the food tray in register with one of the food products in the tray. The cover member is provided on the food tray from a sheet of cover material having a plurality of microwave shields pre-applied thereto at discrete intervals.

Abstract: A device for preventing food splatter during microwave cooking includes a sheet of material capable of maintaining a crease, and which has at least one crease that extends across the sheet. The device is positioned over a food disposed on an open dish with the crease extending across the dish and with the crease being at an apex of the sheet while the food is heated in a microwave oven. The invention provides a convenient, easy to use and inexpensive device and method for preventing food splatter during microwave cooking of food in an open container such as a plate or bowl.

Abstract: There is described a packing item (2), especially for prebaked and/or frozen dough items, e.g. pizzas, calzones, and pies, which packing item (2) at the side facing the dough item is provided with a so-called susceptor coating, for example consisting of a polyester coated, patterned metallizing or metal coating where a bottom part (4) of the packing item (2) is designed with a number of ventilation openings (8) around a central area (10).

Abstract: A container comprising an inner thermoformed vessel (1) and an outer thermoformed vessel (2), arranged the one within the other. The side walls (9) of the outer forming (2) surround the side walls (10) of the inner forming (1). The outer side walls has inwardly projecting ribs (11), which abut the inner side walls (10) to maintain an air gap (12) between the formings, with the formings being centered with respect to each other. The air gap is present between the bases (13, 14) of the inner and outer formings, with the outer forming being provided with ribs in its base also. In use food in the container can be heated in a micro-wave oven until hot. The air gap separates a handler's fingers from direct thermal contact with the hot food so that the container remains comfortable to handle.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A container for microwave heating of a food product, and a method of fabricating such a container, wherein the container includes a tub assembly having a moisture-impervious floor and one or more sidewalls. A quantity of food product, such as popcorn, is placed in a pocket formed in a sheet of barrier material, and a continuous heat seal is formed between the floor of the tub and the sheet of barrier material. A microwave susceptor can be disposed to the floor for heating the food product.

Abstract: A Microwave Cooking Tray and Sleeve Assembly comprises a tray for holding food to be cooked, a transparent heat seal covering the tray, and a sleeve designed to hold the tray. In order to cook the food in the tray, the assembly is placed in a microwave oven. During cooking, side vents on the tray channel steam out of the tray. Holes in the sleeve allow the steam to easily escape the box after passing through the vents in the tray. After a short period of cooking in the microwave oven, the tray is removed from the sleeve, the heat seal is removed from the tray, and the food in the tray is ready to eat.

Abstract: Snacks such as tortilla chips with melted nacho cheese toppings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the dispensing of such snacks, as a single unit, in microwavable packages, for either home or vending stand use is desirable. A major problem with packaging cheese and chips in contact with one another in a single container, however, is that over time the chips, which are a low moisture content food, would draw moisture from the cheese, causing them to become soggy. The present invention remedies this problem by separating the cheese from the chips by containing it in an open grid integrated into the package top in such a way that when microwaved, the cheese will melt and be evenly distributed over the chips.

Abstract: A microwave-safe food container is disclosed. In the food container of this invention, the container body is thermally sealed along its junction, with a heat seal modifier applied to a predetermined portion of the junction prior to performing a thermal sealing process of sealing the body along the junction. The container body is fabricated of a material selected from a nylon film, a polyester film, a polypropylene film, a polyethylene film, or paper impregnated with synthetic resin. This food container effectively prevents an excessive evaporation of moisture from food, and so the container maintains an appropriate moisture content of some moist food after a heating or cooking process, thus maintaining desired taste of such moist food.

Abstract: A disposable food container for storing, microwave heating, and serving of food items includes a rigid base having a horizontal surface and a concave surface depending therefrom and in combination define a central cavity therein. The base further has at least two legs depending from a lower side of the horizontal surface, the legs extending below a depth of the concave surface. An upper side of the horizontal surface defines at least two depressions therein, each depression in vertical alignment with a bottom of one of the two legs wherein the depressions are sufficient size to receive a bottom of a like leg of a like container. A receptacle is received in the cavity and affixed to the rigid base. The receptacle has a rim extending above the horizontal surface and further includes a removable barrier affixed to the rim. The barrier and the receptacle define an enclosed space for retaining food product therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for cooking food in a microwave oven. The container includes a tray having a bottom wall and a side wall that is attached to the bottom wall and extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior cavity and a support means to provide support for a food product and elevate the food product with respect to the bottom wall. A continuous shielding layer is provided in the bottom wall and the side wall of the tray. The bottom wall and side wall of the tray along with the bottom of the food product define a free space under the food product that totally reflects microwave beams that pass through the food product back in the direction of the food product. The container of the invention reduces the formation of temperature gradients in the food product when it is heated and accelerates the microwave reheating of the food product. The container is particularly useful for reheating large blocks of frozen food.

Abstract: A method of microwave cooking, heating and re-heating includes the steps of placing food to be cooked, heated or re-heated into a microwave compatible container having an open mouth thereof and, thereafter, applying over said mouth of said microwave compatible container an FDA grade waxpaper having a basis weight in a range of about 18/28 to about 21/33. Thereafter, the container is placed in a microwave oven for less than a prescribed period of heating for such food type and quantity. Alternatively, such FDA grade waxpaper may be tightly wrapped about food to be heated and thereafter placed within a microwave oven, thereby dispensing with the use of any microwave compatible container.