What Should and Should Not Be Cooked in the Microwave?

Depending on who you ask, microwaves are either completely life-saving in the kitchen or dangerous radiation machines. They are actually good for some purposes, but not for others. Here’s how to figure out what to microwave and what to skip.

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Dear Lifehacker, I heard that it is dangerous to cook food in plastic containers or plastic wrap in the microwave due to hazardous chemicals that contaminate the food. It’s true? What other things are safe or unsafe to use in the microwave?

Signature, Nervous Nuking

Dear nervous! A microwave oven is a powerful device, and with that power, there is a tremendous potential for harm – like sparks or explosions and, yes, possible chemicals entering your food. But don’t worry, your microwave probably won’t kill you. Just heed these recommendations for safe microwave cooking.

Containers

More often than not, you will need to put food and drinks in something to reheat in the microwave. Here are the materials that are best for use as containers and those to avoid.

Make:

• Glass containers. They are probably best used as there is no controversy over how safe they are in the microwave.
• Most paper plates, towels, and napkins. However, because some paper towels are made of plastic and some paper plates and cups are coated with plastic, NSF International recommends that you only use foods that are labeled microwave safe.
• Ceramics. Most ceramics made with the correct glaze composition are microwave safe, but according to the Today Show , we need to be careful when dealing with ceramics made in China. “Because China does not properly regulate this industry, some manufacturers use glazes that contain large amounts of lead and arsenic, hazardous elements that can enter food when heated in a microwave oven,” the article explains . Also, be careful; plates, mugs, or other containers with metallic paint can also cause sparks.
• Wax paper, parchment paper, and microwave-safe bags are also considered good by NSF International.

Do not do this:

• Aluminum foil . Technically, you can microwave foil (fun fact: Hot Pockets microwave containers and similar products are aluminum lined ), but thismay not be the smartest move and will likely catch on fire.
• Metal containers (like canned food) for the same reason above.
• Brown paper bags from the grocery store. According to the USDA : “They are not hygienic and can cause fire and release toxic fumes. Excessive heat can cause the bag to catch fire, causing the oven to catch fire … Ink, glue and recycled materials in paper bags can give off toxic fumes when exposed to heat. Use purchased baking bags instead. “
• One-time storage containers such as take-out containers, margarine barrels, or yogurt containers. They probably don’t have a “microwave safe” label , so don’t risk it.
• Plastic garbage bags, trash cans or film cans. I had no idea people were looking at these cooking utensils, but nevertheless, the University of Nebraska cautions against using these items for microwave cooking.

Controversial:

• Plastics. People fear that this is a big cause of cancer. Even BPA-free foods leach hormone-like chemicals (although other research suggests this may not be as bad as previously thought). However, there is still no consensus on the health effects of using plastics in the microwave or dishwashing. The EPWG advises against reheating food or drinks in a microwave oven in plastic containers at all. The FDA does, however, approve containers for microwave use based on their chemical leaching measures; as Harvard Health reports : “The maximum allowable amount is 100 to 1000 times less per pound of body weight than the amount shown to harm laboratory animals over a lifetime of use. Only containers that pass this test can display a microwave safe icon, the words “microwave safe,” or the words that they are approved for microwave use. ”
• Expanded polystyrene. Likewise, some Styrofoam products are labeled “microwave safe,” but if in doubt, do not use them in the microwave.
• If you do decide to microwave plastic containers, make sure they are not cracked, old, or discolored . And when covering food with plastic wrap, make sure the plastic does not come into contact with the food.

Food and drinks

Interestingly, even microwaving certain foods can be hazardous to your health or cause accidents, although microwaving in general is great and may even help some foods retain more nutrients .

Make:

• Bacon, preferably with an inverted bowl .
• Frozen pizza .
• Eggs, scrambled eggs or boiled .
• Cabbage is a healthier alternative to potato chips
• Or potato chips .
• Lemons and limes for more juice .
• Popcorn in a bowl .
• Vegetables, especially eggplant .
• Desserts such as biscuits and cakes .
• Almost anything except the points below.

Do not do this:

• Grape. Apparently, they can ignite and turn into a glowing ball of plasma gas.
• Eggs safe and sound in shell or boiled eggs. The problem here is that the pressure builds up in the sealed “container” for eggs, which can cause it to explode (even if the boiled egg is peeled). It is best to pierce the egg at several points before launching a nuclear strike.
• Dried hot peppers. Apparently, the chemical capsaicin in peppers is volatile and can catch fire .

Caution:

• Be careful when boiling water in the microwave as it can overheat and explode. A chopstick or other chopstick in the cup will prevent this from happening.
• As with eggs, cut or prick objects that are more likely to explode due to internal pressure, such as hot dogs, sausages, and potatoes. Also make sure you ventilate all containers so that steam can escape.

Other objects

You probably already know that most metals should not be placed in the microwave unless you need sparks and a light show. The list of other things you shouldn’t put in the microwave is long, but there are also some unusual, non-destructive ways to use the microwave.

Make:

• A damp sponge for disinfection. Make sure to squeeze out the dish soap first.
• Planting soil for its sterilization , especially good for sowing seeds.
• Dishwasher towels in a zippered bag for your DIY heating pad .
• Do-it-yourself heat bag (fill with rice, beans, etc.). You can also just stuff your sock with these things.
• Cosmetic products. Real Simple notes that you can briefly reheat products like hot oil conditioners, hot hair removal wax, and even facials.
• Lemon water. It really cleans up your microwave .

Do not do this:

• Dry sponge that can catch on fire.
• Pretty much everything that has been done on the movie “Is it a good idea to cook this in the microwave?” show. Microwave technicians have tested hundreds of items, including talking greeting cards, firecrackers, spray paint, Pikachu (doll), and a propane canister. This usually resulted in melting, flames, sparks and smoke.
• Living beings. Enough said.

Controversial:

• Soap . Well, it’s only really controversial if you don’t want to be surprised or waste a bar of soap.
• CDs. Sometimes you may just want to watch a light show or destroy the CD.

Enjoy Lifehacker

This story was originally published on 02/27/14 and updated on 10/9/19 to provide more complete and up-to-date information.

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