Microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that uses microwaves to cook or heat food. You probably use your microwave oven to reheat leftovers or heat up a ready-made meal.
But did you know that the microwave can be used for so much more? But before you get started, you need to know what materials are safe and what aren’t safe to use in the microwave.
In a nutshell, here are some materials that are safe to use in the microwave: like, Glassware and ceramics: Glassware and ceramics are generally safe to use in the microwave. Other materials that are generally safe to use in the microwave are: paper plates, paper cups, and wax paper.
Materials that are not safe to use in the microwave include: aluminum foil, metal pots and pans, and Tupperware with plastic lids.
What Materials Can You Use in the Microwave Oven?
Now let’s discuss about those material that can be used in microwave.
1. Glassware
Glass is a material that is generally safe to use in the microwave because it doesn’t absorb microwaves. That means that the microwaves will just pass through the glass and won’t be able to heat up your food.
When microwaving food in glassware, be sure to remove any metal or plastic lids, and make sure that the glass is not chipped.
2. Ceramic
Another most common material that can be used safely in microwave oven is ceramic. Ceramics are made of natural materials like clay and are fired in a kiln at high temperatures, making them heat-resistant.
Ceramic dishes and bowls are a great choice for microwaving food because they usually have a wide base, which helps to distribute the heat evenly.
3. Paper Plates and Cups
Paper plates and cups are also safe to use in the microwave. In fact, they’re a great choice for heating up food because they’re lightweight and disposable.
Not all paper products are microwave-safe, so be sure to check the label before using.
4. Wax Paper
Wax paper is a safe material to use in the microwave because it’s heat-resistant and won’t melt. Wax paper helps to prevent food from sticking to the dish and makes cleanup a breeze.
5. Aluminum Foil
You can only use aluminum foil in the microwave if it’s been specifically designed for that purpose. If you try to use regular aluminum foil, it could cause a fire in your oven.
Aluminum foil is great for cooking and reheating food because it reflects microwaves and helps to distribute the heat evenly.
6. Plastic Tupperware
Another safe material to use in the microwave is plastic Tupperware. However, not all plastic Tupperware is microwave-safe. Plastic Tupperware is a great choice for microwaving food because it’s lightweight and airtight, which helps to keep food fresh.
So those are some of the most common materials that you can use in the microwave oven. Just be sure to check the labels before using to make sure that they’re microwave-safe.
What Materials Should You Avoid Using in the Microwave Oven?
And here are 5 materials that you should avoid using in the microwave:
1. Metal
You may have heard that you’re not supposed to use metal in the microwave. That’s because metal can cause a fire in the oven. The reason metal is so dangerous is because it absorbs microwaves and can create sparks.
Metal is basically the opposite of glass, which is why you should never use metal dishes or bowls in the microwave. The science behind why metal is so dangerous in the microwave is actually pretty fascinating.
2. Melamine
Melamine is a type of plastic that’s not safe to use in the microwave. If you heat up melamine, it will release harmful fumes that can make you sick.
3. Styrofoam
Styrofoam is another material that’s not safe to use in the microwave. When styrofoam is heated, it will melt and ruin your oven. This is because styrofoam is made of polystyrene, which is a type of plastic.
4. Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap is not safe to use in the microwave because it can melt and cause food to stick to the dish. If you must use plastic wrap, be sure to remove it before microwaving your food.
5. Disposable Cups
Disposable cups are not safe to use in the microwave because they can melt and cause food to stick to the dish. If you must use disposable cups, be sure to remove them before microwaving your food.
Read more: