9 Things You Should Never Microwave

Metal elements

Cutlery, metal alloy containers, and silver or gold-trimmed dishes should not be heated in a microwave oven, as this may cause an electric arc or spark that could damage the appliance.

We also do not recommend heating food in foil, as it blocks the action of microwaves, which can lead to a fire.

Heat-tight packaging

Bottles, jars and containers in vacuum packaging (e.g. baby food) cannot be heated in a microwave oven – the pressure will increase and the container may explode. Always remove lids and pierce bags, or better yet, transfer food to safe containers.

Plastic Containers

Many types of plastic, when heated, release toxins that can be harmful to human health. We recommend not using plastic containers to heat food in a microwave oven, even if the manufacturer assures that the material is safe. The fact is that the company that produces such products is not obliged to test them.

Yoghurts and other dairy products in thin-walled plastic cups not only emit harmful substances when heated, but also quickly melt, spoiling the contents.

Eggs and tomatoes

These and other products with a shell (including nuts, grapes, unpeeled potatoes) can explode under the influence of steam, which quickly accumulates under the shell or skin and finds no outlet. Experiments like these run the risk of having to spend a long time and painstaking time cleaning the inside walls of the appliance.

Styrofoam packaging

This material retains heat well, so takeaway food is often placed in foam containers. But if the treat has cooled down, we recommend placing it in earthenware, heat-resistant glass or ceramic dishes covered with glaze. Polystyrene foam emits toxic chemical compounds (such as bisenfol-A), which can lead to poisoning.

See also: 15 ideas for storing bags in the kitchen

Paper bags

Paper packaging, especially with typographic printing, should not be heated in a microwave oven. It is highly flammable, and heated paint emits harmful fumes that can get into food. Even a popcorn bag can catch fire if you overexpose it. Parchment paper for baking is considered safe.

There is no ban on using disposable cardboard utensils in the microwave, but they are not suitable for long-term cooking. And what happens if you heat up food in wooden utensils? Under the influence of microwaves, they will crack, dry out, and at high power – char.

Clothes

Drying wet clothes in the microwave is not the best idea, just like “heating” socks for warmth and comfort. The fabric will deform, and in the worst case, it can catch fire, taking the microwave oven with it. If the internal parts of the oven are of poor quality, they may overheat from the steam and melt.

The ban applies not only to clothing, but also to footwear! High temperatures will cause the leather on your shoes to swell and the soles to warp.

Some products

• Meat should not be defrosted in the oven, as it will heat up unevenly: the inside will remain raw, and the edges will be baked.
• If you heat dried fruits in the microwave, they will not become softer, but on the contrary, they will lose the remaining moisture.
• Hot peppers will release burning chemicals when heated – if steam gets on your face, it will negatively affect your eyes and lungs.
• Fruits and berries defrosted in a microwave oven will become useless, as the vitamins in them will be destroyed.

Nothing

Do not turn on the oven when it is empty – without food or liquid, the magnetron that generates microwaves begins to absorb them on its own, which leads to breakdown of the device and even fire. Always check for food inside the appliance before turning it on.

Heat food in the microwave to your health, but follow the rules listed. Proper use of the device will extend the duration of its trouble-free operation.