10 Things You Should Never Put in a Microwave
Knowing what not to microwave helps prevent accidents in the kitchen and reduces repair costs. Here are 10 things you should not microwave. We will look into the nature of the issues, why safety matters, and what the better alternative is in every case.
1. Metal (Aluminum Foil, Forks, Spoons)
Some materials, especially metals, can reflect microwave energy and cause sparks or fire. Something like a spoon placed in a bowl or foil placed to cover leftover food seems innocuous, but is one of the most common microwave danger items. Buzzing and flashing lights will be seen and heard when microwaving metal. Doing this can destroy or severely damage your appliance.
What to Use Instead: Only use dishes made of glass or ceramic and microwave-safe. Never put any metallic objects or dishes with metallic trimmings.
2. Styrofoam containers or takeout boxes
Styrofoam might seem like a convenient way to reheat food, but it melts very easily while also giving off harmful chemicals. Heating food placed in styrofoam containers, can release strong and bad odors and can stick to the food.
What to Use Instead: Move your food to a bowl or plate that is marked as microwave safe. When reheating food, always check the labels for the microwave safe sign.
3. Plastic containers not marked microwave-safe
Containers lacking the microwave-safe label tend to warp at high heats. They may even melt, release toxic substances like BPA, or buckle and collapse. Not only do these chemicals pose a risk to your health, they can also ruin your meal.
What to Use Instead: Look for plastic containers labeled microwave-safe. Glass containers are even safer as they do not break easily and last longer.
4. Paper bags or newspapers
Paper bags and printed napkins are highly flammable and can be ignited with the slightest heat. The ink, glue, or dyes used in these products are not meant for high temperatures and can release toxic gas.
What to Use Instead: To cover food, use plain paper towels, parchment paper, or plastic wrap designed for microwaves.
5. Eggs in the shell
Whole eggs warm up unevenly. The steam building up inside the shell can cause the egg to explode and can create a substantial mess. Microwaving the egg can be dangerous if someone is close by.
What to Use Instead: The safer alternative is to crack the egg into a microwaveable bowl. You can steam or scramble the egg after adding a bit of water and covering it with a vented lid.
6. Grapes
You might find it strange, but grapes can create little fireballs known as plasma when microwaved. This is a result of grapes containing energy on a microwave’s wavelength. It has the potential to ruin your appliance or leave permanent scorch marks inside.
What to Use Instead: To ensure grapes retain their delicious flavor, it is best served cold. However, they can be gently warmed on a stove.
7. Travel mugs with stainless steel
Most travel mugs are made with stainless steel, which blocks microwave energy. This can either cause sparks or damage the inside components of your microwave.
What to Use Instead: Look for mugs made from plastic or ceramic microwavable materials. Always read the label before use.
8. Hot peppers (can release chemical vapors)
Hot peppers can release capsaicin, the chemical that makes them spicy when heated. The fumes can be irritating to your eyes, throat, and skin when the microwave is opened.
What to Use Instead: To avoid this, hot peppers should be cooked on the stovetop where there is good ventilation, like open windows and fans.
9. Nothing (running empty can damage the magnetron)
Microwaving with nothing inside is one of the most dangerous things to avoid in microwave. If there is no food or liquid to soak up the microwaves, energy reflecting back into the magnetron (the heating part) will damage it.
What to Use Instead: Always make sure to have food or, at least, a cup of water to put into the microwave before starting.
10. Sealed containers with no vents
Steam cannot escape from closed containers. The pressure that builds up can cause the container to pop open or explode which can cause a hefty mess or result in personal injuries.
What to Use Instead: Use containers with vented lids or remove the lid in a way that steam can escape.
These commonly microwave danger items may look harmless, but they pose serious risks. Understanding these 10-microwave don’ts will keep your home, appliance, and health protected. Always exercise caution when using your microwave, forming this habit can turn out to be very beneficial.
Bonus Tips: Microwave Safety Do’s and Don’ts
A microwave can be one of the safest appliances in the kitchen, as long as it is used properly. Following these simple microwave safety tips will minimize accidents, improve your appliance’s function, maintain your food’s taste, and protect the microwave from damage.
Do’s for Microwave Safety
- Always check for microwave-safe labels: Look for the material’s symbol to ensure the container won’t melt or release hazardous materials.
- Use a microwave cover or vented lid: The covers do not just help maintain cleanliness in the microwave by trapping moisture, they also prevent food from drying out too quickly.
- Stir and rotate food for even heating: Food that is thick or dense tends to cook unevenly. Stirring during the cooking process helps eradicate cold spots, making it both safer and more pleasant to eat.
- Let food sit before opening sealed containers: Foods tend to build steam within containers. Waiting a minute allows for the steam to settle making it safe when opening.
These microwave usage tips combined with appropriate food handling will keep the kitchen safe and spotless while keeping the microwave in its top shape.
Don’ts to Avoid Problems
- Using containers without microwave safety labels.
- Do not heat a container that is sealed tightly without a vent.
- Do not overlook strange sounds or smells, including sparks. These could indicate something is wrong.
Developing these habits can greatly enhance the microwave cooking safety and simplicity of using a microwave on a daily basis.
Signs Your Microwave Might Be Damaged
Even if you use your microwave properly, it can still wear out or break over time. Catching issues early can help you avoid bigger problems. Here are some clear microwave repair signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Burning smell or smoke: If your microwave smells like something is burning, even when you’re not heating food, it could be a sign of electrical issues or overheating parts.
- Sparks inside the microwave: Seeing sparks inside your microwave usually means there’s metal where it shouldn’t be, or that the internal components are damaged.
- Microwave runs, but doesn’t heat: If your food stays cold even though the microwave is running, the magnetron (which essentially produces the cooking heat using radio frequency) may have failed.
- Door doesn’t seal properly: A broken door seal can let microwave energy leak out, which isn’t just bad for performance, it’s also a safety risk.
- Buzzing or crackling sounds: Strange sounds that weren’t there before might mean that parts inside your microwave are failing or worn out.
If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to consider when to replace microwave parts or schedule a professional checkup. Don’t take chances with your safety or your appliance.
Universal Appliance Repair has expert technicians ready to help. We service homes across Southern California and can fix any microwave issue, big or small. Schedule a Microwave Repair with a trusted expert today.
The Takeaway
A microwave is a great tool for fast, easy meals, but only if used the right way. Taking a few extra seconds to think before hitting “start” can prevent many common problems. Practicing safe microwave use doesn’t just keep your food warm, it also protects your appliance and your family.
By avoiding these 10 microwave mistakes, you’ll help your microwave last longer and reduce the chance of fires or damage. Always use microwave-safe containers, let food vent properly, and watch for signs of trouble. If you hear strange sounds, see sparks, or your microwave stops heating, don’t ignore it.
It’s better to get help early. Universal Appliance Repair offers fast and reliable service across Southern California. Whether your microwave needs a part replaced or a full repair, our skilled team can handle it.
Explore all your options at microwave repair services or request service today for trusted, professional microwave repair service. Stay safe, and microwave smart!
