What Should You NOT Microwave? Avoid these Common Mistakes for Safe and Tasty Meals

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I love cooking and experimenting with different recipes in my kitchen. One of my favorite kitchen appliances is my microwave oven. It has become an essential tool for me when it comes to quickly heating up leftovers or preparing certain foods. However, over the years, I have learned that not everything is suitable for microwaving. There are certain items that should never be placed in a microwave due to safety concerns or the potential for a disastrous outcome. In this article, I will share with you the common mistakes to avoid when using a microwave to ensure both safe and tasty meals.

Raw Eggs

The exploding egg incident

Let me start off by sharing a personal experience. Several years ago, I made the mistake of attempting to cook a whole egg in its shell in the microwave. Little did I know that microwave radiation can cause steam to build up inside the egg, leading to a catastrophic explosion. The result? A messy kitchen and a ruined microwave. Lesson learned – never microwave a raw egg in its shell!

  • If you need to cook eggs in the microwave, always make sure to remove the shell before doing so.

  • Scrambled eggs or omelets can be microwaved to perfection with the right technique, but always make sure to cover the container to prevent any splattering.

    • Aluminum Foil

    The sparking surprise

    Another item that should never find its way into a microwave is aluminum foil. When exposed to microwaves, aluminum foil can create sparks, potentially causing a fire hazard. I learned this the hard way when I absentmindedly covered my leftover pizza on a foil tray before reheating it in the microwave. Moments later, I was greeted by a bright display of sparks dancing inside my oven.

  • Avoid using aluminum foil to cover your food in the microwave. Instead, use a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe cover to prevent splattering.

  • If you must use foil for shielding certain areas of your food, make sure it does not come into direct contact with the walls or floor of the oven.

    • Plastic Containers Not Marked as Microwave-Safe

    The melty mishap

    It is important to note that not all plastic containers are safe for use in the microwave. Some plastics can melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. I discovered this when I heated up a takeout container without checking if it was microwave-safe. In a matter of seconds, the container distorted and melted, ruining both my meal and my microwave-safe dish.

  • Always look for a microwave-safe label or symbol on plastic containers before using them. These containers are specifically designed to withstand the heat generated by microwaving.

  • If you are unsure whether a container is microwave-safe or not, it is best to transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish or use a microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover it.

    • Foam and Styrofoam

    The melted mess

    Styrofoam and foam cups or containers should never be microwaved. These materials can melt, warp, and even release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures. I made the mistake of reheating a cup of coffee in a foam cup, only to find a sticky, melted mess awaiting me inside the microwave.

  • Always transfer food or beverages from foam or Styrofoam containers to microwave-safe dishes before heating them.

  • Use microwave-safe paper towels or wax paper to cover your food or beverages instead of relying on foam or Styrofoam cups.

    • Grapes

    The plasma sparkles

    Have you ever wondered what happens when you put grapes in the microwave? Well, let me tell you, it’s a bit of a spectacle. Grapes contain a high water content, and when heated in a microwave, they can create plasma sparks. While it may sound fascinating, it can also damage your microwave and is definitely not something you want to deal with while preparing a meal.

  • Avoid microwaving whole grapes or any other fruits with high water content unless you want to witness a mini fireworks show.

  • If you want to heat up fruits, it’s best to slice them into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe dish.

    • In conclusion, while the microwave is a convenient and time-saving tool in the kitchen, it’s crucial to be mindful of what you put inside it. Avoid microwaving raw eggs, aluminum foil, plastic containers not marked as microwave-safe, foam or Styrofoam, and whole grapes to prevent disasters. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure safe and delicious meals every time you use your microwave. Happy cooking!

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