When you are constantly on the move, getting things done quickly becomes a top priority—especially when it comes to food. But hold up! Before you reheat last night’s leftover lasagna, you should know your microwave isn’t designed to withstand everything.
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Although you may not realize it, your microwave puts in just as much work as you do. Treat it right with some know-how of what not to put in the microwave.
An essential part of microwave safety is knowing what not to put in your microwave. Ready for our list of the most common microwave don’ts? Here are a few things you should NEVER put in the microwave:
Sparks might fly in romance, but in your microwave? Hard pass. The metal interior of your microwave reflects radio waves. When aluminum foil joins the party, it can be a recipe for fires and a very unhappy appliance.
Instead of casting a reflection of your face, the metal reflects radio waves or microwaves. The radio waves emit electromagnetic energy, warming up your items. When you place metal inside a microwave, the waves are reflected off of the item, causing the aluminum foil to burn rapidly and ignite. So, next time you’re tempted to toss that wrapped leftover into the microwave, think twice and opt for a microwave-safe container instead.
Not all paper bags are created equal. That bag of tasty popcorn slightly differs from the brown paper bag you use to carry your lunch. Popcorn bags are equipped with susceptors, a material made to consume the radio waves produced by microwaves.
Typical paper bags, such as those used in grocery stores, do not have susceptors and can release toxins and fumes when warmed up. Because microwaves produce heat so quickly, the bag could catch fire. So, if you’re wondering what is not microwave-safe, steer clear of ordinary paper bags.
It’s safe to say you’ll want to keep all grocery store bags out of the microwave. When heated,
plastic releases Bisphenol A, or BPA, an organic compound used to make plastic clear, and phthalates, which allows it to be supple.
So, unless you’re interested in adding a side of chemicals to your leftovers, transfer your food to something else. It’s a simple rule of thumb in the world of microwave don’ts: when in doubt, opt for glass.
Typically constructed of plastic or steel, a travel mug should not make its final destination into your microwave. Because of the metal that’s part of your microwave’s construction, steel cups will inhibit your beverage from being heated and potentially cause friction from the energy being emitted.
For plastic mugs, check the labeling to see if it is “microwave-safe”; otherwise, it’s best to keep your travel mugs on the move. It's worth the extra effort to heat your coffee in a microwave-safe mug and transfer it to your go-to, to-go mug.
You woke up ready to take on the world today. To commemorate the occasion, you’ve decided to wear your lucky shirt. The shirt is fresh out of the washer and needs to dry, but last night’s load is still taking up space in your dryer. Looking around, you spot your microwave. Microwaves warm things. Warm means dry. You need a dry shirt. All these things make sense. It may seem like your best option, but it’s not.
So the next time you wonder what materials are not microwave-safe, remember that your lucky shirt tops the list. Save your shirt and your microwave. Wait for the dryer; you’ll be glad you did.
Recipes are popping up everywhere, requiring a mug, a few minutes, and a microwave. Because microwaves cook at such high temperatures, trying to cook an egg would create abundant steam within its shell. The steam rises in the egg, and quicker than you can say “cracked,” you’ll likely have an egg-y explosion to clean up.
Who would have thought that a microwave had the power to bring you to tears? If you’re interested in adding a little heat to your heat, using a microwave to warm up your peppers isn’t such a hot idea.
Not only can they spark and cause a fire, but when you open the microwave, chemicals released from the peppers may cause you to choke and even burn your eyes. It's a process similar to pepper spray, so keep that in mind before popping those peppers in your microwave.
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Though restaurant leftovers have lived in them for what seems like an eternity, polystyrene foam containers, commonly known as Styrofoam, don’t belong in your microwave. Not only is the material difficult to biodegrade, but when heated in the microwave, the foam may begin to melt, releasing chemicals into your food.
If the contents inside are hot enough, your food could melt through the packaging. On the plus side, some polystyrene foam containers can be used in your microwave; just make sure you read before warming.
Unless you’re really into making a day out of cleaning tough messes, then it’s recommended you cover your food before placing it in the microwave. The heat released while warming up that plate of spaghetti can cause your uncovered dish to simmer, jump around, and even detonate. Avoid a marinara meltdown. Keep dishes covered using a microwave cover or microwave-safe material.
Thinking about warming up last night’s tasty General Tso’s spicy chicken? Be sure to take it out of the box. Typically, Chinese takeout boxes include a thin metal handle, which doesn’t fare well with a microwave. When heated, the wiring may cause sparks or flames. Worst of all, you just wasted an order of General Tso's chicken.
We’ve all been there. You have your mind on one thing and then begin doing another, or maybe you were just in a “let’s see what happens” sort of mood. Powering up your microwave without placing anything inside is a sure way to ruin your appliance.
In fact, it could be blown to smithereens. The microwaves released have to have somewhere to go. Without a destination, the waves bounce off each other and are absorbed by the microwave, causing it to combust. That’s why running an empty microwave is on the list of microwave don’ts.
When it comes to microwaves, your best bet is to keep it simple. Remember, they were made to heat your food, not complicate it. The next time you consider putting something in the microwave you’re unsure about, talk it over with your oven or stove. They miss you.
But what if your microwave decides to retire early despite my best efforts? Don’t sweat it. That’s where a home warranty plan from American Home Shield comes in. Our appliance warranty coverage includes protection for built-in microwaves, protecting you from expensive, unexpected breakdowns.
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While some plastic containers are safe for use in the microwave, there are a few you should avoid. Single-use plastics like those used for yogurt, cottage cheese and other foods should never be microwaved. The same rule applies to plastic to-go containers that don’t clearly state that it is microwave-safe. Similarly, do not use cracked, old or discolored plastic containers. Plastic containers meant for longer-term use, such as Tupperware, are generally best for microwave use.
Most paper towels are microwave-safe. In fact, you can use a paper towel to cover some foods so they don’t spit during cooking or reheating. If you do use a paper towel while microwaving, it’s best to use shorter intervals so you can check both the food and the paper more frequently. Recycled paper towels, paper towels with printing, paper lids and brown paper bags should not be used as they pose a potential safety hazard.
According to Ziploc, their food storage bags are safe for defrosting or reheating foods in microwaves, “when label directions are followed.” If you prefer a different bag storage brand, confirm that they are microwave-safe and follow any and all directions. If you aren’t sure what type of bag you’re using or don’t have access to the directions, play it safe and keep the bag out of the microwave.
If you can microwave paper plates and towels, can you do the same with cardboard? Both are paper products, after all. Unfortunately, cardboard can contain glues, waxes and other materials that can make it a safety hazard in the microwave. Some cardboard takeout boxes even have metal handles or fasteners that can cause sparks and present a fire hazard. Keep your microwave (and your family) safe by removing food from cardboard containers and placing them on microwaveable plates or in microwave-safe bowls.
Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire. If you’re storing leftovers in a metal container, remove the food and place it in a microwave-safe container instead.
When it comes to aluminum foil, things can get tricky. Technically foil can be microwaved, but its surface needs to stay as flat as possible. Wrinkles or crumpled foil can cause “arcing”—that is, it can cause electric sparks to shoot across the surface of the foil, potentially damaging your microwave or causing a fire. In addition, food wrapped in aluminum foil may not cook or reheat properly in the microwave—the foil will reflect the radio waves instead. Each microwave is different, learn more about how a microwave works or consult your owner’s manual to determine if aluminum foil is safe. And when in doubt, avoid placing any kind of metal in your microwave.
Though there are general guidelines when it comes to microwave-safe containers, there are always exceptions. If you aren’t sure whether something can go in the microwave, check the back or bottom to look for a microwave-safe label or symbol. If you can’t find one, try to determine what the item is made of—this will give you a better idea if it’s ok for microwave use. If you can’t tell what a container is made of, just remember—when in doubt, leave it out. It’s the best way to ensure that your microwave will stay in top shape for years to come. Learn more about how to use your microwave.
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