Items You Should Never Put in the Microwave
The microwave is the workhorse of the modern kitchen, whether at home or in the office lunchroom. All day long, this fantastic home appliance is at your service, but do not take it for granted. To keep it working correctly, here are some products that are better off outside of your microwave.
Aluminum Foil
Your microwave is built with a metal interior that reflects back radio waves — also called microwaves. These waves generate the electromagnetic energy that warms up food or beverages. Aluminum foil reflects back the microwaves, resulting in sparks and potentially a fire.
Eggs
Eggshells trap steam that forms when the microwave is heating food. When that reaches critical mass, it can explode. The result: a massive mess in a hard-to-clean microwave.
Paper Bags
A regular paper bag from the grocery store can catch fire in the microwave because it doesn’t have susceptors — a specialized material that can handle the radio waves produced by the microwave. Consequently, fumes and toxins from the paper get released during the heating process, potentially causing a fire.
Plastic & Steel Travel Mugs
These handy cups are ideal for sipping coffee on the go, but you should not try to reheat your coffee or tea in them. Many plastic mugs cannot take the heating process. Also, steel mugs can cause friction from the buildup of energy in the appliance.
Styrofoam Items
Styrofoam or polystyrene foam is often used to package takeout food, but you should not attempt to reheat your breakfast burrito or General Tso’s Chicken in the container. The material can melt, releasing unhealthy and unappetizing toxins into your food.
Wondering What Materials are Safe to Use?
Use microwave-safe glass, ceramics, or plastic containers labeled for microwave use. Trays of microwavable frozen foods are meant for single use only. Some paper is also safe: parchment paper, paper plates, white paper towels, oven cooking bags, and wax paper — but not brown bags, newspaper, or recycled paper.
And last, but not least, always remember to provide proper care to your microwave.
Following these tips will keep you safe from harm!
If you ever need microwave repair, contact the best home appliances repair services in Denver. Call All Area Appliances Services for a free estimate.
