Microwave ovens are one of the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen. Whether you’re reheating, steaming, or defrosting food, a microwave can save you time, effort, and worry. However, are you using it correctly?
According to the UK kitchen appliance brand Cookology, microwave ovens are very useful for cooking and can also help reduce the risk of bacteria growth when reheating leftovers. However, many people use microwaves incorrectly, leading to unsatisfactory meals, unnecessary mess, and even damage to the microwave itself.
Here are some of the most common mistakes they have observed:
When heating food in the microwave, it’s a good idea to cover the food. This helps retain moisture, shorten cooking time, and prevent food splatters. However, if the lid is too tight or if the food is completely covered with plastic wrap, steam cannot escape.
Poor ventilation can cause pressure to build up inside the container holding the food, which may lead to container deformation, lid explosions, or even minor explosions. Even containers labeled as microwave-safe can be damaged as a result.
Therefore, avoid covering food too tightly and leave a small gap for steam to escape. You can also slightly open the lid or cover it with a damp paper towel for better results.
Just as completely covering food can cause issues, leaving the lid completely uncovered can also be problematic, especially when cooking foods high in liquids or fats. Moisture can form bubbles during heating and suddenly burst after heating.
Leaving the lid off not only results in uneven heating of the food but also causes food splatters, making the inside of the microwave even dirtier.
Microwaves heat food from the outside to the inside, leading to uneven heating. This not only affects the texture but can also pose health risks if certain parts of the food do not reach a safe temperature.
To prevent this, stir the food once during heating, especially when dealing with sauces, rice, or meat dishes.
A dirty microwave is not only unappealing but also reduces efficiency. Splattered food particles absorb energy after baking, meaning cooking time will be longer, the cooking effect will be uneven, and residual odors may linger.
Therefore, it’s recommended to wipe the inside of the microwave regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn stains, heat a bowl of water and lemon juice in the microwave for a few minutes for significant cleaning effects.
Not all plastic containers are suitable for microwaving. Some containers may melt, deform, or leach harmful chemicals into the food at high temperatures.
The company recommends using glass, ceramic, or plastic containers clearly marked as microwave-safe. If unsure, do not use them. Never use containers with metal, aluminum foil, twist ties, or metal edges.
One of the biggest misconceptions about microwaves is that they produce “radiation” and are therefore dangerous. However, the truth is that microwaves use non-ionizing radiation, the same type used by Wi-Fi and radios, making them very safe.
Additionally, the microwave frequency is not powerful enough to break molecular chains or atomic structures and does not pose a risk to human cell DNA. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also states that unless the microwave door seal is damaged, there is no need to worry about microwave leakage causing harm to people.