Using a microwave usually helps to save some time. You can reheat yesterday’s dinner or make some popcorn quickly. What is more, it is one of the cleanest ways to do so: no pot or whatsoever is required. Still, there are some things which should never be put in a microwave. Below you can find a list of nine things that will suffer when put in your microwave and can possibly damage your device.
Aluminum foil
This is the most common mistake people make. While the aluminum foil can work in ovens, it is NOT suitable for microwaves. It will just start burning when you put it inside and turn the device on.
Eggs
Did you know that some foods are not suitable for microwaving? Hard-boiled eggs definitely fall into this category. Even though some recipes suggest that microwave is a good and fast way of preparing them — it is not. The temperature used by this device will most definitely cause the egg to explode before it actually boils.
Plastic storage boxes
Cooking equipment cause nearly half of the home fires — and it applies also to the well-known plastic storage boxes. Even though they are a great idea to put your meal in, they might suffer severely when you use them to heat your food inside. Only the boxes with a microwave-safe label can be used to prepare food.
Stainless steel travel mugs
Your tea or coffee got cold before you had a chance to pour it into a travel mug. It happens all the time in the morning to all of us: many things to do, not enough time to embrace everything. Even though it is tempting to put the mug in a microwave and heat the liquid, it is not a good idea. Any metal or conductive object can be potentially dangerous when put inside a microwave — as it might cause the device to explode. What is more, using a microwave to heat something that is placed in a metal container is just pointless — because the material will block the heat transfer to the food.
Sauces without cover
There is nothing wrong with heating sauces in a microwave. Just keep in mind that it might have a tendency to spill — thus, use a box with a lid. Make sure that the box is microwave-safe.
Dishes or cookware with metal trim
As mentioned above, metal never belongs with microwave. Using it might cause the device to burn itself. If you are not sure if the dish has any metal trim, better use something that you are sure of.
Paper bags
Even though it sounds logical, we sometimes forget that the ready-made meals that can be bought in many stores are also made of paper. When you put it in a microwave and turn it on, the bag will start burning.
Styrofoam boxes and mugs
Most people tend to think: “If it is OK to put hot food inside, it will work just fine to heat it inside of the microwave”. The answer is: no, it will not be OK. Styrofoam is made of plastic and plastic does not do well in the temperature produced by microwaves.
Grapes
As written before, some types of food just are not microwave-friendly. Among them, you can find grapes. They will explode, even if placed inside for a short period of time.