What not to cook in the microwave?

What not to cook in the microwave?

Have you ever wondered if all types of food can be cooked in the microwave? So have I. So I decided to do some in-depth research and was surprised to discover that they do exist, foods that should not be placed in this appliance.

In this article, we will explore what these foods are and why it is risky to cook them in the microwave. Get ready, the answer may surprise you!

Main conclusions

• Cooking in metal-containing containers in the microwave can cause fire and damage to the appliance.
• Heating food in plastic containers not suitable can release harmful substances and pose health risks.
• Avoid aluminum foilas this can cause sparks and fires.
• Cooking whole eggs in their shells can result in dangerous explosions.
• Use a conventional oven, o stove or electric cooker as safe alternatives for cooking these foods.

Materials that should not be used in the microwave

 Although the microwave is a quick and convenient way to heat food, some materials should not be used for reasons of food safety and quality. Here are some examples:

Metals

Keeping any kind of metal out of your microwave is the universal rule. This is because electromagnetic waves reflect on the metal, creating a electric current which could ignite or damage the appliance.

Aluminum containers, for example, are a major risk. Regardless of whether they are thin or sturdy, they can catch fire inside the appliance or cause a fire. dangerous electrical sparks.

The same goes for any metal kitchen utensil - should never be placed inside the microwave. It is therefore essential to avoid cooking or heating food in metal containers to prevent accidents and damage to your appliance.

Unsuitable plastic

Heating food in unsuitable plastic containers can be harmful to health. By melting under high temperatures, these containers can release harmful substances such as phthalates.

Consuming food exposed to these toxins can cause long-term health problems.

What's more, thin plastic containers can easily catch fire, turning a simple act of heating food in the microwave into a risky situation. That's why it's extremely important to choose the containers you use carefully.

Always check that they are strong enough to withstand heating and that they are free from harmful substances. It is recommended to replace all plastic containers with microwave-safe alternatives.

If you choose to use cling film, remember to leave an opening for the steam to escape and make sure it is suitable for this type of equipment.

Aluminum foil

I always avoid putting aluminum foil in the microwave. For being a good energy conductorThis can cause sparks or even fires. This seems like a simple rule, but it's often forgotten when it comes to heating food quickly.

Even if the temptation is great to cover that plate and avoid a mess, safety must come first. The ideal is to use microwave-safe containerssuch as tempered glass or heat-safe plastic.

This way, I run less risk of damaging my favorite appliance for heating and cooking food quickly and conveniently.

Eggs in shell

I don't recommend cooking whole eggs in their shells, as there is a risk of them exploding. However, it is possible to cooking eggs in the microwave if you pierce the eggshell.

Some food industries use liquid or dehydrated eggs in products, so it's important to know the correct instructions to cook eggs in the microwave and avoid accidents.

Unfortunately, there is no information available on how to heat peeled hard-boiled eggs in your appliance.

Risks of cooking these foods in the microwave

It's very important to understand the risks involved in cooking certain foods in the microwave, and I've outlined some of the most important points below:

• Cooking certain foods in the microwave can cause fire and explosion if proper precautions are not taken. Foods with a high fat content, such as bacon, for example, can create sparks and even catch fire if not monitored properly.
• What's more, plastic containers not suitable for use in microwaves can melt, releasing toxic substances into the food.Prolonged use or overheating can also damage the appliance, resulting in malfunction or even fire.
• It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions in relation to cooking time and recommended power settings.
• With regard to health risks, there are some concerns related to uneven heating food in the microwave. This can result in cold and hot spotsThis can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. In addition, unsuitable containers or poorly fitted lids can cause explosions of hot steam when the appliance is opened.

Fire

It is important to be aware that cooking certain foods in the microwave can lead to fire risks. This happens mainly when we use inappropriate materials, such as aluminum foil and metal utensils.

Aluminum foil, for example, is a conductor of electricity and can cause sparks inside the appliance, resulting in a fire. Similarly, metal utensils can induce electric currents and generate excessive heat.

It is therefore crucial to avoid using these materials in the microwave to ensure safety when cooking food.

Explosion

Some food can explode in the microwaveThis represents a major safety risk. This occurs when certain substances are rapidly heated by the electromagnetic waves of the device, causing a sudden release of steam and energy.

The result can be a dangerous explosion, capable of causing serious burns and damaging the appliance. Although not very common, care should be taken when heating foods such as peppers in their shells, eggs in their shells or vegetables with high humidity.

The best alternative is to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use other cooking methods to avoid any risk of explosion.

Device damage

Use inadequate plastic packaging can cause damage to the device and represent health risks. This is due to the possible release of toxic substances when heating food.

Plastic packaging can also contain phthalateswhich can be ingested and cause health problems. It is therefore important to avoid using unsuitable plastic and opt for microwave-safe containers.

Health risks

Heating food in the microwave can pose health risks if you don't take the necessary precautions. Some plastic packaging contains substances called phthalates, which can be harmful to health if ingested when heating food.

In addition, there are differing opinions on health risks related to the use of this type of equipment in food preparation. However, there is no scientific proof that using a microwave causes cancer.

It is therefore important to be aware of these possible health risks and use the microwave safely and properly.

Safe cooking alternatives for these foods

- Use the conventional oven, stove or electric stove as safe alternatives for cooking these foods.

Conventional oven

The conventional oven is a safe cooking alternative for foods that should not be cooked in the microwave. In addition, cooking in a conventional oven preserves a greater amount of nutrients in the food compared to microwaving.

The cooking techniques used in the conventional oven are the same as those used in the microwave, but the speed with which the food cooks is greater in the microwave. It is important to be informed about the safety rules when using the microwaveas it can affect the quality of the food.

It is worth noting that there is no scientific evidence that this device causes cancer.

Stove

I prefer to use the stove to cook food that shouldn't be cooked in the microwave. Besides being a safe alternativethe stove too saves gas if we compare both devices.

There is no scientific evidence to prove that using the stove causes cancer, so you can rest easy when using it. Another advantage is that it's possible to cook potatoes on the stove, which may not be recommended in the microwave (although there are some ways of doing this). cooking potatoes in the microwave)

Always remember to follow the safety instructions when using the stove to avoid accidents.

Electric cooker

The electric cooker is a safe cooking alternative for food that should not be cooked in the microwave. It allows you to prepare meals in a practical and risk-free way.

In addition rice cookers have advantages and disadvantages to consider, such as ease of use and the possibility of preparing different types of food. It is worth noting that there is no scientific evidence to prove that microwave ovens cause cancer.

So if you're looking for a safe option for cooking, a slow cooker is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are some foods and materials that should not be cooked in the microwave due to their risk of fire, explosion, damage to equipment and health. It's important avoid metals, unsuitable plastic, aluminum foil and eggs with shells in this type of device.

It is always recommended to use safe cooking alternatives, such as the conventional oven, the stove or the electric stove. Taking care of safety and following the appropriate guidelines will ensure a risk-free cooking experience.

Common questions

Can I put aluminum foil in the microwave?

However, it is not recommended to put aluminum in the microwave. Aluminum can cause sparks and even fires inside the appliance. Avoid using aluminum containers or covers when heating or cooking food.

Which foods cannot be heated in the microwave?

There are some foods that should not be put in the microwave, such as hard-boiled eggs, peppercorns, breast milk, hard-shelled vegetables, among others. These foods can explode due to the high temperatures of the equipment and cause damage.

What happens if I put an unsuitable container in the microwave?

If you put an unsuitable container in the microwave, such as plastic containers that are not suitable for use, the container may melt or toxic substances may be released. Always check that the container is suitable and safe for use in equipment of this type.

Which materials can catch fire in the microwave?

In addition to aluminum, other materials that can catch fire inside the microwave include crumpled aluminum foil, paper towels, paper napkins and plastic containers that are unsuitable for use. Avoid using them to ensure there is no risk of fire.

Which foods can be put in the microwave?

There are various foods that can be heated or cooked in the microwave, such as vegetables, meats, pastas, soupsamong others. Remember to always use suitable containers to use in this type of appliance and follow the recommended time and power instructions. In addition, it is important to protect the food with lids or cling film to prevent splashes and maintain humidity.