Must-Have Microwave Oven Accessories for Indian Cooking – Safe Storage, Steamers & Lids
If you’re using just one bowl for everything in your microwave, you’re missing out. The right accessories can make your microwave safer, faster, and far more useful especially for Indian-style cooking.
But Indian kitchens are unique. You need bowls that hold dal, containers that don’t smell of haldi, and lids that stop splatter from rasam. This guide shows you the essential accessories worth buying and what to avoid to make your microwave truly work for your daily meals.
1. Utensils You Can Actually Cook With
Borosilicate Glass Bowls
Perfect for reheating curries, steaming vegetables, melting ghee, or cooking oats. They don’t absorb smells, can handle hot tadkas poured into them, and are see-through.
- Safe for Indian dishes with turmeric and oil
- Doesn’t warp over time
- Easily available from brands like Borosil, Treo, IKEA
Plain Ceramic Plates & Bowls
Great for reheating rotis, poha, rice, or pasta. Avoid ones with gold or silver edges those spark.
- Most home crockery sets work fine if unpainted
- Heavier than plastic, but heats food evenly
- Easy to clean and doesn’t stain
2. Steam, Boil & Heat the Indian Way
Microwave-Safe Milk Boiler
Perfect for morning chai or toddler milk. Choose one with a spout and lid, and make sure it doesn’t overflow easily.
- Boils 1-2 cups safely
- Spout avoids messy transfers
- Avoid metal strainers on top
Idli/Dhokla Steamer (Microwave Type)
Specially designed plastic or silicone steamers let you make instant idlis or dhoklas without a traditional cooker.
- Comes with water tray + stacked trays
- Works best with medium-size convection ovens
- Faster and easier cleanup than stove-top steamers
3. Smart Covers & Holders
Silicone Lid or Plate Cover
Avoids curry splatter on the microwave walls and keeps food moist. Some come with vent holes.
- Reusable and washable
- Doesn’t melt or smell like plastic
- Also works as a makeshift plate lid
Silicone Tongs or Mini Mitts
Microwave bowls get hotter than they look. These small mitts let you safely lift hot containers without using a towel.
- Takes up little drawer space
- Easier than big oven gloves
- Great for kids or elderly at home
4. Storage That Doubles for Heating
Microwave-Safe Lunch Boxes (With Lids)
Perfect if you meal-prep or want to pack & reheat food in the same container. Great for working couples, kids, or fridge-to-microwave use.
- Choose BPA-free plastic or borosilicate
- Vent holes in lids prevent pressure buildup
- Stackable options save fridge space
Deep Containers with Handles
Ideal for reheating sabzi, dal, rice, or khichdi without spillage.
- Handles make it safer to lift
- Comes in sets for family-size portions
- Avoid very small bowls that overheat quickly
5. Accessories for Convection Models
Only if your microwave has convection or grill mode, these are useful:
Cake Tins (Convection Only)
Metal baking tins (aluminium or non-stick) can be used only in convection mode not microwave or grill mode.
- Great for baking cakes, brownies, or bread
- Check diameter to fit your turntable
- Never use with microwave-only mode
Crisper Tray or Pizza Plate
Some convection ovens come with these they help cook frozen snacks with better browning.
- Works best with frozen parathas, nuggets, etc.
- Needs high power + preheat
- Don’t use them on low-end solo microwaves
6. What Not to Use with Microwave Oven
Even if it “looks microwave-safe,” avoid these:
| Item | Why It’s Unsafe or Inconvenient |
|---|---|
| Melamine plates | Can leach chemicals when heated |
| Reused plastic dabbas | May warp, smell, or release toxins |
| Steel lids or bowls | Can spark and damage the microwave |
| Plastic wrap (non-certified) | Can melt onto food |
| Glass with cracks | Risk of explosion under steam pressure |
7. Final Tips Before You Shop
- Start with 2-3 pieces: a big glass bowl, a silicone lid, and tongs
- Buy only what fits your microwave size
- Avoid huge accessories unless you bake regularly
- Look for BPA-free or “microwave safe” logo on all plastic
- Don’t store accessories inside the microwave when not in use
Summary – Microwave Accessories That Actually Help
You don’t need 10 fancy tools to get more out of your microwave just the right 3 or 4 that fit your cooking style. For Indian homes, a good glass bowl, steam-safe lid, and reliable reheating containers can transform the microwave from a reheater to a real helper.
Whether you’re prepping rotis for dinner, steaming veg for a diet plan, or making quick idlis for school tiffin the right tools make it easier, safer, and cleaner.
