What type of container allows food to cook faster in the microwave?

The selection of a round and shallow container for microwave cooking is the most effective option. This shape promotes even heat distribution due to the way microwaves penetrate and cook food. The shallowness of the container allows more surface area of the food to be exposed to the microwaves at once, which can result in faster cooking times.

In addition, round shapes are conducive to stirring, which is often required for uniform cooking. The design minimizes the likelihood of hot spots where food may overcook while other areas remain cold. The heat from the microwaves is able to circulate around the food more efficiently in a shallow container, speeding up the cooking process overall.

Other types of containers, such as those that are square and deep or rectangular and flat, may not provide the same level of efficient heating, as they can create uneven cooking. Steel and insulated containers are not suitable for microwave use due to their inability to allow microwaves to penetrate effectively, risking both safety and cooking effectiveness.