What You Can And Can't Put In The Microwave

Microwaves are mysterious. When they entered the culinary scene some 60 years ago, they altered the way home cooks did things. Microwaves can defrost meats in a tenth of the time, cook a potato in a quarter and quickly heat up leftovers without having to make a mess of pans in the kitchen.

But such great power requires a good education; there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind when using this appliance. And you'll want to be sure to pay careful attention because these tips can affect your health (helping you avoid chemicals leaching into your foods) and your safety (yes, you can easily start a fire in your microwave).

RATE IT!   |  

VOTE

CURRENT TOP 5 PICK YOUR OWN TOP 5

USERS WHO VOTED

NEW! CREATE YOUR OWN SLIDESHOW

Comments

[crimminy]

06:52 PM on 06/01/2012

Dr. Oz, are you listening? Dr. Oz has said on more than one occassion, to put pop corn kernals in a paper bag and microwave. Personally, I like the old fashioned method - in a pot with a lid. I lived in Europe for 5 years without a microwave and didn't miss it. Now I have one (in the U.S) and find that anything microwaved has a metallic taste....

[critterzdad2]

11:05 PM on 05/31/2012

Just for the record- I had a very handsome looking glass bowl that looked like the expensive ones I'd seen before, but nothing on the bottom to tell me what king it was or who made it. I used to nuke it anytime I had something with up to two quarts in volume that needed a quick reheat. After many uses I finally got brave (or, as I learned, STUPID) and actually tried to cook something in it for 30 minutes. It became lopsided. Glass??? Now? By now some of you may have guessed. My mother remembered getting it as a gift and it was leaded crystal. Wonder how much lead I and others consumed out of that bowl?

[I AM THAT]

08:02 PM on 05/31/2012

They are banned in Russia...they should be banned period.

[Rachel Crockett]

09:45 AM on 06/01/2012

Microwaves are banned in Russia? Why?

[I AM THAT]

05:22 PM on 06/01/2012

good question, yes? Maybe it's because they are BAD.

[Polar Shift]

05:38 PM on 05/31/2012

This article is lagging FAR behind the current science. Microwave AGITATE molecules, and DAMAGE them, affecting the DNA of the food, often eliminating any nutritional value, and even altars molecular structure of WATER. I only use mine for reheating my coffee, any more. If you gripe about the 'empty' foods your kids like, microwaved food does no better. Even veggies are virtually USELESS.

[critterzdad2]

11:07 PM on 05/31/2012

They are great for a quick reheat... and just for the record the biggest ingredient of coffee is water!

[Polar Shift]

01:58 PM on 06/01/2012

critter, Yes...I think that's obvious! I 'zap' it for just one minute, which means it isn't scalding hot.

[critterzdad2]

11:08 PM on 05/31/2012

And I NEVER reheat coffee in it- the coffee always tastes burned.

[Polar Shift]

01:57 PM on 06/01/2012

critter, Since I don't drink mine black, I never noticed. I ADORE 'Creme Broulee'' creamer. Tastes rich, creamy, but not too sweet. You may be right, and it makes sense. How do you 'reheat' it?

[apoyo]

03:19 PM on 05/31/2012

My son popped my microwave popping corn.
Don't know if it was a coincidence but it sure made an impression on him and his sisters.

[mahnistanah]

12:38 PM on 05/31/2012

If you put a small microwave oven inside a bigger one and turn them both on to cook at the same time you open up a wormhole and can move freely through the time/space corridor

[onwisconsin]

01:02 PM on 05/31/2012

But you glow in the dark. That just ensures you don't ever have to use nightlights.

[apoyo]

03:18 PM on 05/31/2012

That sounds so cool!