Microwaves are either a total kitchen life-saver or dangerous radiation machines, depending on who you ask.
In reality, they are great for certain purposes, but not for others.
Heres how to figure out what to microwave and what to skip.
What other things are safe or unsafe to use in the microwave?
Dont worry, though, your microwave most likely wont kill you.
Just heed these recommendations for safe microwave cooking.
Here are the materials that work best as containers and the ones to avoid.
Do:
Glass containers.
Most paper plates, towels and napkins.
Also, be warned: plates, mugs or other containers with metallic paint can also cause sparks.
Dont:
Aluminum foil.
Metal containers (e.g., canned foods in their cans), for the same reason above.
Brown paper bags from the grocery store.
Per theUSDA: They are not sanitary, may cause a fire, and can emit toxic fumes.
Instead, use purchased oven cooking bags.
One-time storage containers like take-out containers, margarine tubs, or yogurt containers.
Theyprobably dont have a microwave safe label, so you shouldnt risk it.
Plastic trash bags, garbage cans or film canisters.
This is the big one people fear cause cancer.
Even BPA-free productsleach hormone-like chemicals(although other research suggests itmight not be as badas previously thought).
The jurys still out, though, on the health implications of microwaving or dishwashing plastics.
The Environmental Working Groupadvises againstmicrowaving foods or drinks in any kind of plastic container at all.
Similarly, some Styrofoam products are marked microwave safe, but when in doubt, dont microwave it.
And when covering food with plastic wrap, see to it the plastic doesnt touch the food.
Bacon, preferably with anupside down bowl.
Kale, for a healthier alternative to potato chips
Orpotato chips.
Lemons and limes,to get more juice out of them.
Popcorn in a bowl.
Vegetables, especially eggplant.
Pretty much anything else except the items below.
Apparentlythey can burst into flamesand turn into a glowing ball of plasma gas.
Best to pierce the egg in multiple spots before nuking.
Apparently, the capsaicin chemical in peppers is volatile andcan catch fire.
Caution:
Take care when boiling water in the microwave, because it can be super-heated and possibly explode.
A chopstick or other stick in the cupwould prevent this.
Also check that you vent any container so steam can escape.
Wet sponge,to disinfect it.confirm you squeeze out the dishwashing soap first.
Potting soil, tosterilize it, especially good for starting seeds.
Dish towels in a zip lock bag for aDIY hot water bottle.
DIY heat bag(fill with rice, beans, etc.).
you might also just fill a sock with these things.
It actuallycleans your microwave.
Dry sponge, which can catch fire.
Pretty much anything thats been done on theIs It a Good Idea to Microwave This?show.
These usually resulted in melting, flames, sparks and smoke.
Sometimes you might just want tosee a light showor destroy a CD.
