What you can not warm in the microwave: a list of prohibited dishes and products

Before using the new technology, it is recommended that you carefully study the instructions first. The manufacturer always warns which dishes should not be put in the microwave. First of all, crystal, melamine and metal are contraindicated to her. If you place containers made of the listed materials inside, they can deteriorate or damage the device itself. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the complete list of prohibited dishes, products, as well as remember general precautions when cooking in a microwave oven.

How does a microwave work?

Surprisingly, the microwave is older than many living. It was patented back in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an American engineer. At that time he worked at the military-industrial company Raytheon and was engaged in the manufacture of radar. Once, in absent-mindedness, Spencer put a sandwich on a switched-on magnetron (an electric appliance that generates microwaves) and found that it was heated. The very next year, he received a patent for a microwave, and in 1947 his invention saw the light of day.

For a long time, microwave ovens were distrusting, expensive, and therefore not in demand. And today, many myths hang around technology. For example, the fact that microwave radiation supposedly changes the structure of dietary fiber or water, turning them into dangerous carcinogens. In fact, the principle of operation of the microwave is to dielectric heating of substances containing polar molecules. Microwave energy is not enough to break chemical bonds. Electromagnetic waves cause the movement of molecules, and the friction between them naturally increases the temperature of the substance. In other words, the usual warm-up occurs in microwave ovens - and nothing more.

Household microwave ovens operate at a frequency of 2450 MHz (within the absorption spectrum of water). A radiation source is a magnetron with a power of 500 W or more. It directs and concentrates high-frequency waves in a metal chamber, where the dishes with food for heating or cooking are actually placed.

Why is it not possible to warm everything in the microwave?

A microwave oven requires special handling and safety. During operation, high-frequency radiation is supplied to the chamber, which acts in a completely different way than the fire familiar to many. Microwaves are reflected from the metal, which leads not only to its heating, but also to the appearance of an electric arc (lightning, cod, discharge). The second taboo for the microwave is hermetically sealed containers. Under the influence of electromagnetic waves, moisture evaporates very quickly, which entails an increase in pressure in a confined space and an explosion. Bags, containers with a lid and even products (eggs and others) can explode.

List of Prohibited Materials

It is strictly forbidden to put in the microwave only 3 types of dishes:

1. Metal. As already mentioned, metal (brass, iron, copper, cast iron, steel) does not pass microwaves and causes spark discharges. Using such utensils for heating or cooking in the microwave is extremely dangerous!
2. Crystal. There are a lot of inclusions of lead, silver and other metals in the crystal. In the microwave, the material heats up and shatters.
3. Melamine. Melamine tableware is very similar to porcelain, while being inexpensive and very light.Unfortunately, it melts quickly and, by the way, is unsafe for health. For use in the microwave, it is categorically not suitable.

As usual, any rules have exceptions. In a shallow metal container, you can cook if you do not turn on the microwave mode - on the grill, convection, or a combination of both.

It is forbidden to put in the microwave not only plates, pans and pans from the above materials. It is important to ensure that no spoon or other cutlery accidentally remains in it.

Controversial materials

Some utensils for use in a microwave oven are permitted or conditionally prohibited. Much depends on the manufacturing technology, additional protective properties, wall thickness. A special item should indicate the presence of paint, metal decorative elements. Even a completely normal-looking dye without gloss can contain metal in its composition. Such dishes in a microwave oven will become very hot or sparkle, and its contents will remain cold. This often sins coffee mugs and plates with a pattern.

List of "controversial" utensils for microwave:

• Ceramic. Ceramics that are not protected by glaze are heated unevenly and crack from exposure to microwaves. You can use it in a microwave oven only when the glaze covers the dishes completely, including the bottom, and the slightest chips and cracks are absent.
• Clay, earthenware, porcelain. Like ceramics, clay, faience and porcelain are subject to cracking. Inside, they are heterogeneous and full of internal bubbles. Glaze saves the situation, but still, when cooking, such dishes become very hot. When taking a dish out of the microwave, you must certainly use oven mitts so as not to get burned.
• Bamboo tableware. Manufacturers often mark it as unsuitable for use in a microwave oven. However, many successfully heat food in it ... until a certain time. The fact is that bamboo perfectly absorbs water, which inside the chamber evaporates too quickly. Even a slightly damp plate with a long or strong heat can crack.
• Plain glass. Glass transmits microwaves better than other materials and can be used to heat food in a microwave oven. However, if the walls of the dishes are too thin, it may burst. To avoid this, you should put it in the center, away from the walls of the camera.
• Plastic Plastic is not afraid of temperature changes, many people like it because in such a container you can heat food directly from the freezer. However, not all containers are suitable for cooking in a microwave oven. Plastic dishes should have a corresponding icon with microwaves and be heat-resistant (withstand temperatures of 130–140 degrees).
• Disposable paper utensils, plastic bags. In contact with hot food, such materials begin to emit harmful substances - wax, dyes. Using such cooking containers is unsafe for health. These are extreme options when you need to quickly warm up or defrost food.
• Foil. Contains metals and poorly transmits microwaves. The only possible use case is as a substrate.

What utensils can I use?

• Especially for microwave ovens, dishes are made of tempered heat-resistant glass. In it you can cook as much as you like anywhere. Even in a conventional electric or gas oven.
• The second recommended option is silicone molds. High-quality silicone transmits microwaves and can withstand temperatures from -40 to +240 degrees.
• It is also allowed to use parchment paper and a special sleeve for baking fish and meat for cooking in the microwave.

What products can not be put in a microwave oven?

Crockery is not the only taboo for the microwave. It is impossible to put some products in it:

• eggs in the shell (explode);
• milk and dairy products (unevenly heated, curdled up);
• any products in sealed packaging (explode);
• ready-made milk mixture for children (unevenly heated, curled up)
• mushrooms and chicken (quickly deteriorate, heating uneven in frozen form);
• frozen berries (useful substances disappear);
• honey (at a temperature of 40 degrees the product loses its benefit).

General precautions

In addition to the list of prohibited dishes and products for the microwave oven, it is important to remember several important rules for its use.

What can not be done?

• Put the dishes close to the walls of the chamber.
• Cook or heat in a container that sparks. The device must be immediately turned off and a plate removed.
• Allow temperature differences - put dishes in the oven from the refrigerator, remove the hot dish on a cold or wet surface. The exceptions are plastic and silicone.
• Cook or reheat food in a sealed container. A hole should be provided for steam to escape.

A microwave makes life easier and faster, but it’s important to use it correctly. Initially, you need to choose the right dishes for it. It’s not necessary to buy a new one - a special one. Select old glass plates with thick walls, white ceramics without patterns, heat-resistant plastic, silicone molds, parchment - and you can easily and safely prepare many delicious dishes.