![heatproof-dish-647x160-3col heatproof-dish-647x160-3col](http://d1v30bmd12dhid.cloudfront.net/static/version9/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/cooking_glossary/non_metallic/_jcr_content/par_top/div/div_content/image.img.jpg/1294400623318.jpg)
Non-metallic
A material other than metal. This term is most often used in microwave cookery, metal cannot be used in a microwave oven because it reflects the microwaves so they do not penetrate the food to be cooked. A wide range of non-metallic containers can be used in a microwave oven including plastic, glass, ceramic or paper.