Microwaves are incredibly convenient for reheating food quickly, but not everything should go in them. Here are some foods, drinks, and other items that you should never microwave:
Foods
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Microwaving a hard-boiled egg can cause it to explode due to steam build-up.
2. Breast Milk: Heating breast milk in the microwave can create hot spots that might burn a baby’s mouth.
3. Frozen Meat: Microwaving frozen meat can cook it unevenly, potentially leaving some parts raw and increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
4. Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens can create sparks and catch fire.
5. Hot Peppers: The capsaicin in hot peppers can vaporize and cause eye and throat irritation when microwaved.
6. Grapes: Microwaving grapes can create plasma and potentially cause a small fire.
7. Sauces with No Cover: Microwaving sauces without a cover can cause them to splatter all over the interior of the microwave.
8. Whole Potatoes: Whole potatoes can explode if not pierced or cut before microwaving due to steam build-up.
9. Oysters and Shellfish: Microwaving can cause these to explode and also change the texture unfavorably.
Drinks
1. Water: Superheating water in the microwave can cause it to explode out of the cup when disturbed.
2. Wine: Microwaving wine can ruin its taste and aroma.
3. Beer: Similar to wine, beer can lose its carbonation and taste unpleasant when microwaved.
Other Items
1. Metal Containers and Utensils: Metal can cause sparks and even start a fire in the microwave.
2. Aluminum Foil: Like metal, aluminum foil can cause sparks and fires.
3. Travel Mugs: Many travel mugs are made with stainless steel, which should never go in the microwave. Even if they are microwave-safe, they may have parts that are not.
4. Plastic Containers Not Marked Microwave-Safe: Some plastics can melt or release harmful chemicals when microwaved.
5. Styrofoam: Most styrofoam containers are not microwave-safe and can release harmful chemicals when heated.
6. Paper Bags: Paper bags can release toxins and catch fire in the microwave.
7. Non-Microwave-Safe Dishware: Some ceramics, china, and other dishware can crack or break due to uneven heating.
8. Take-Out Containers: Many take-out containers have metal handles or linings that are not microwave-safe.
9. Empty Microwave: Running a microwave empty can cause damage to the microwave itself as the energy has nowhere to go and can cause the magnetron to burn out.
Always check if items are labeled microwave-safe and follow any specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid accidents and preserve the quality of your food and beverages.
Aluminum foil (there are some exceptions to this rule
Single-use plastic containers, such as butter tubs, whipped topping containers, and cottage cheese or yogurt cartons.
Foam-insulated service ware, like cups, bowls, plates, or trays.
Metal pans or metal twist ties.
Newspapers.
Paper bags.
Table settings with metallic paint or trim.
Takeout containers with metal handles or pieces.
If a container or package shows signs of melting at any point in the process, stop microwaving and discard what’s inside.
If you’re unsure if a utensil is safe to use in a microwave, the USDA recommends trying this test:
Fill a glass measuring cup with 1 cup of tap water.
Place the water in the microwave next to, but not touching, the utensil.
Microwave on high for 1 minute.
If the utensil feels warm or hot to the touch, it’s probably not microwave safe and likely contains metal in the material or glaze. Do not microwave this, as the item or bottom of the microwave might crack.
