Essential Tips to Prevent Unwanted Microwave Mishaps
The microwave oven has revolutionized the way we cook. But sometimes, ovens can experience storage or power issues. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps that can minimize potential issues and keep your microwave oven functioning efficiently.
Are You Making These 5 Errors?
The most common microwave missteps include:
- Placing metal in the oven.
- Allowing food to spill inside the oven and not cleaning up promptly.
- Not covering food when heating.
- Setting the timer longer than necessary.
- Not taking note of the wattage of your microwave.
Mistake #1: Placing Metal in the Oven
It’s a common misconception that it’s ok to put metal into the microwave. However, putting metal into the oven can cause sparks, which can damage the oven and result in a dangerous fire hazard.
Waste Not
In addition to keeping metal away from microwaves, it’s also important to avoid letting food bits fall inside the oven. Doing so can actually cause the heating elements and fan of the oven to malfunction. Make sure to clean all food debris regularly to keep your microwave working properly.
Cover it Up
Covering all food items when heating can also help prolong a microwave’s life. This is because food items can splatter, resulting in a mess. Food splatter covered by a plate or lid can be easily wiped off, whereas molten food splatter that enters the fan and interior of the oven can create larger issues.
Timing Is Everything
It can be tempting to set a microwave to run for longer than necessary in order to ensure food items are cooked through, however, this can cause ‘arcing’. In other words, food particles drawn onto metallic surfaces inside the oven can cause sparks.
Finally, it’s important to remember to take note of the wattage of your microwave oven. Most microwaves come with wattage information listed on the oven itself. Setting wattage too high can cause affecting microwaves ability to cook items evenly.
Taking Precautions
By avoiding these five mistakes, you can keep your microwave oven running smoothly for years to come. If you experience any issues with your microwave, make sure to contact a professional. Our Directory of Appliance Repair Technicians can help you find a reliable expert to take a look at your microwave and help get it back to tip top shape.
FAQs
Q: What are the 5 biggest mistakes people make when using the microwave?
A: The 5 biggest mistakes people make when using the microwave are: overcooking, not covering food while cooking, not stirring food while cooking, not cleaning the microwave after use and neglecting to use microwavable containers.
Q: What are the consequences of not covering food when microwaving?
A: Not covering food when microwaving can cause splattering, which not only makes a mess, but can also contaminate food with bacteria if the mess is not quickly and thoroughly cleaned up.
Q: Is it important to stir food while microwaving?
A: Yes! Stirring microwaved food is essential in order to evenly heat the food. Otherwise, the food can become overcooked in some areas and undercooked in other areas.
Q: Is it important to clean the microwave after every use?
A: Yes, it is important to clean the microwave after use to avoid build-up of residue and food particles which can cause an unpleasant odour and encourage the growth of bacteria.
Q: What type of containers should be used for microwaving?
A: It is important to use microwavable containers when microwaving, as non-microwavable containers can melt or shatter, releasing potentially harmful materials into the food and potentially causing a fire hazard.
5 Key Takeaways
- Never put metal inside the oven, as it can cause sparks which could result in a dangerous fire hazard.
- Clean up all food debris regularly to prevent any malfunctions of the heating elements and fan.
- Cover all food items when heating to avoid any mess created by splattered food.
- Don’t set the timer longer than necessary, as it can cause ‘arcing’.
- Remember to take note of the wattage of the microwave oven and not set it higher than it should be, as this can affect the oven’s ability to cook evenly.