Here’s how to prevent endangering both your appliance and yourself.
Microwaves are a miraculous kitchen appliance. This equipment can do everything, from baking brownies to producing potato chips. Most importantly, it is a must-have time-saving appliance in any kitchen. But, as convenient as microwaves are, there are some culinary activities they cannot handle, so it’s critical to recognize their limitations. For example, using inappropriate material or heating the wrong food in the microwave might be hazardous or even destroy the gadget. So, here’s a list of everything you should never put in a microwave.
Materials
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is the most often used home item that should never be microwaved. When subjected to microwave radiation, it is a fragile metal that will reflect rather than absorb it. This, in turn, can generate sparks, which might damage the appliance or, worse, start a fire.
Anything with Metal or Stainless Steel
Plates with gleaming metal rims and stainless-steel travel mugs can easily catch fire in a microwave. Furthermore, these containers will keep your food and beverages from warming up because, like aluminum foil, the metal will bounce the heat from the microwave rather than absorb it.
Single-Use Plastic
Plastic bags and containers, such as yogurt tubs, should never be microwaved because they may contain bisphenol A or BPA. According to a study, these materials can readily melt inside the appliance, releasing BPA into your food, which has been related to several health risks.
Takeout Containers
Takeout containers from Chinese restaurants often feature a metal rim and are sometimes coated with plastic materials. Most restaurant containers, on the other hand, are microwave-safe. Always look for the safe microwave sign, usually a box with squiggly lines in the middle. Microwave-safe containers labeled #5, constructed of polypropylene (or PP), are also widely available.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam (also known as polystyrene foam) is harmful to the environment and melts quickly when exposed to radiation. This, like plastic, can leach toxic chemicals into your food and potentially cause long-term illness.
Foods
A variety of foods are also on the microwave no-no list. There are numerous reasons why the following foods should never be subjected to microwave radiation, ranging from explosions to burns to wasted feasts.
Water
Microwaving a mug of water for tea may seem like a safe and practical thing to do, but it can be rather harmful. Water can be superheated in the microwave without boiling, causing severe burns if spilled.
Raw Spicy Peppers
In the microwave, raw peppers will not explode. However, they contain capsaicin, a chemical that vaporizes at high temperatures. If inhaled When inhaled, the vapors can be extremely deadly.
Eggs
Microwaving an egg in its shell can be hazardous and messy. The quick heating procedure can generate a large amount of steam inside the egg, causing it to erupt into an eggy mess. Please, regardless of what the internet says, do not attempt to prepare hard boiled eggs in a microwave.
Frozen Protein
We must remember to take the meat out of the freezer, but heating it in the microwave isn’t the answer! Microwaving frozen proteins can cause uneven cooking and potentially the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms. If necessary, defrost your protein in the microwave before thoroughly cooking it in an oven, stovetop, or grill.
Broccoli
According to the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, this may come as a surprise, but microwaving broccoli can damage its nutrients. To keep their nutritional integrity and color, lightly steam or blanch them.
Uncovered Pasta Sauces
Tomato-based pasta sauces are the most renowned cause of a sloppy microwave. They can spew and spray all over the appliance if heated and uncovered. This is due to the sauce’s thick nature, which can retain steam until it explodes. Instead, reheat your spaghetti or pasta sauce on the stove in a pot or skillet.
Learn more: How to Julienne Carrots