Exercise Extreme Caution When Putting the Following Items in the Microwave as They Can Pose Unexpected Risks.
1. 6 Unexpected Items You Should Never Place in the Microwave
Exercise Extreme Caution When Putting the Following Items in the Microwave as They Can Pose Unexpected Risks.
Raw Eggs with Shells
Microwaves heat food rapidly, a well-known fact. They work particularly well with water-rich foods: the microwaves increase the temperature of water, so if you use a microwave to heat soup, for example, the soup will heat up faster than the vegetables within it.
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Be cautious about placing whole eggs with shells in the microwave—they can explode. The yolk and white expand rapidly while the shell remains intact, increasing pressure inside the egg and leading to an inevitable explosion. Some plastic containers Some plastic containers are marked: 'Do not use in microwave.' Additionally, many plastic containers contain bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, chemicals that can leach into food when exposed to microwave radiation, causing negative effects on the endocrine system. In general, it's safer to heat food and drinks in containers made of heat-resistant materials such as glass, ceramic, porcelain, etc. These containers are much safer than plastic ones. Moreover, disposable plastic containers or packaging are often very thin and can easily melt or deform due to the heat of hot food. Metal We've all heard: do not microwave food in metal bowls or on plates with gold filigree. This is entirely true because metal reflects microwave radiation back.
If you're lucky, food wrapped in aluminum foil or stored in metal containers won't heat up. However, in the worst-case scenario, the reflected waves can damage the magnetron (the microwave’s electron gun). Remember: never place kitchen utensils in the microwave. Scientists have proven that the tip of a knife, scissors, or fork is where the strongest magnetic field concentrates and can lead to arcing, causing fires. Mini thermos or insulated thermos flasks Mini thermoses, double-walled flasks, or stainless steel thermos flasks prevent the microwave's hot air from contacting the liquid inside, potentially damaging the microwave. If the thermos is made of plastic, you need to carefully check if the material is safe for microwave use. Metal utensils Metal items should be kept far away from the microwave. Microwave radiation cannot penetrate metal and is instead reflected back into the oven, heating up the surrounding area, leading to fires, microwave damage, and serious harm to those nearby. Grapes While many fruits can withstand high temperatures, grapes can catch fire and explode if placed in the microwave. Dried grapes can ignite and produce smoke.