Every kitchen should have one The best microwaves For the convenience of heating foods or drinks at any given time. It’s easy to use and easy to maintain, provided you know it How to clean the microwave Regularly.
And while we often assume it’s safe to heat almost anything, there are some things you should never put in the microwave. In fact, some foods and containers can quickly release toxins, melt, or even explode if heated in the microwave.
Worst case: Putting the wrong things in the microwave can cause a fire, a serious accident, or damage to the microwave. So, before you hit the start button, discover 11 things you should never put in the microwave.
1. Aluminum foil or containers
Aluminum foil may be great for baking in the oven, but you shouldn’t (ever) put it in the microwave. Basically, the interior of the microwave is made of metal, so it acts like a mirror. Once the aluminum foil is exposed to the microwaves, this will simply reflect the heat rather than absorb it, causing the metal to burn quickly and possibly catch fire. This can not only cause a fire, but also seriously damage the microwave. It’s always a good idea to use microwave-safe utensils or utensils to reheat your meals.
Likewise, food dishes or dishes with metal or metal edges should not be placed in the microwave. Metal surfaces will reflect microwaves, increasing the heat inside, creating a potential fire hazard. In addition, hard metals such as steel, iron, and copper should be kept away from the microwave. If you have leftovers in a metal container to reheat, simply transfer the food to a microwave-safe bowl instead.
3. Brown paper bags/cartons for takeaway
This may come as a surprise, especially for those who love microwave popcorn, but standard brown paper bags should not be placed in the microwave. While popcorn bags are specially lined with a special material making them microwave safe, brown paper bags or food cartons are not. In fact, once heated in the microwave, they can release dangerous fumes, or they may catch fire inside the microwave at extreme temperatures.
Simply replace your paper bag or cardboard box with a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a preheated ventilated lid, and you’ll have delicious popcorn on movie nights.
4. Plastic storage containers
These might be fine for storing leftover foods in the fridge, but they’re not so good for reheating in the microwave. Such plastics are not made to withstand high heat and will inevitably melt. Moreover, this can lead to the release of toxic chemicals in your food which are toxic. If in doubt, always look for specific microwave-safe plastic storage containers before use.
5. Styrofoam prefab containers
You may want to reheat your food outside in these containers, but Styrofoam or polystyrene is a type of plastic. Never microwave Styrofoam unless it is microwave safe, or it will melt and release toxic chemicals into the food. In fact, Styrofoam containers often begin to soften at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (normal microwave use), and melt at 464 degrees Fahrenheit. Stick to storing foods in these containers, and unheated.
6. Travel mugs
If you tend to warm up your hot drink before going outside, don’t put your travel mug in the microwave. Most travel mugs are not designed for extreme heat, especially if they are made of stainless steel. Just like anything metal, stainless steel will prevent heat from heating up coffee or tea and can damage the microwave. However, if your mug is plastic, always check to see if it’s marked as safe for use in the microwave.
7. A cup of water
Likewise, it is common for many to heat a glass of water in the microwave for a quick drink, but this can actually be dangerous. Unlike an electric kettle, a cup of water does not contain anything that spreads energy from the microwave, causing the water to overheat. Since it does not physically boil, the pot is cold, but the water can be very hot and potentially dangerous. The safest way to boil water is to use one of The best electric kettles To get the right temperature for tea or coffee.
8. Chili
In addition to the hot flavor, chili peppers can explode at high temperatures, and can be ignited in the microwave. Moreover, it releases capsaicin (the active substance that makes it spicy) into the air which can sting your eyes or burn your throat when inhaled. It is always best to grill or roast red peppers using one of the Best cast iron frying pans.
9. Boiled eggs
If you thought it was faster to boil an egg in the microwave, think again. The rapid heating process can generate a lot of steam inside the egg, which can get very hot. Since the steam has nowhere to go, it will inevitably lead to a powerful blast and a messy microwave to clean up! It is always better to boil it in a saucepan or steam it.
10. Other “explosive” foods
In addition to eggs, there are other foods that are known to “explode” in the microwave, leaving a hot mess to clean up. These foods include whole potatoes, fruits, sausages, eggplant, tomatoes, and tomato pasta sauce. Tomato sauce, in particular, has a thick consistency, which makes it difficult for steam to escape from under the surface. This is why you usually hear it exploding or see it splashing all over the place after heating your bowls of spaghetti. To avoid them splattering, you will need to keep stirring them, for this it is best to heat the sauces on the stove.
11. Leafy greens
In addition to “explosive” foods, there are foods that can cause sparks inside the microwave. Leafy greens such as kale or spinach require little moisture to ripen well. Since you’re heating dry vegetables, it’s likely to create a spark, which could damage your microwave. Best case scenario: You’ll end up with a slightly burnt meal.
If you want more great cleaning tips, check out 9 things you didn’t know you could clean with lemonAnd the 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean With Baking Sodaor 11 things you didn’t know you could clean with toothpaste For a clean home.
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