Handle Your Microwave Oven with Care
Microwave ovens are a great way to make life much more convenient. If you forgot to defrost that chicken for dinner tonight, they can save your meal plan. Though convenient and easy, microwave ovens are still appliances that need to be treated with caution. By keeping your safety standards high, you can ensure that you never have a negative run-in with your beloved microwave oven.
How to Use Your Microwave Oven Safely
Using a microwave oven safely is pretty easy as long as you know how to do it. Here are a few tips and tricks to using this convenience machine safely:
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Use Microwave-Safe Containers
Cookware and other kitchen containers are usually labeled as “microwave safe” or not; avoid using those that are not designated as safe to use with this appliance. Containers could melt, cause damage to the microwave oven, or even release toxic chemicals when heated up.
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Avoid Overcooking Food
Though it can feel like leftover lasagna never gets warm, avoid setting a timer for many minutes and walking away. Instead, check your food every minute or so to avoid overcooking it. If food is overcooked, it can start smoking or even be a fire hazard.
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Don’t Run Empty
Your microwave oven is meant to heat things up; if nothing is in the microwave when you run the machine, it could cause damage to itself or pose a safety risk. Only use it for its intended purpose – to heat up food.
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Clean Regularly
All the splatter that happens in the microwave should be cleaned regularly. Grease, food stains, and more can cause trouble if they are left in the microwave oven for too long. These items can overheat, get burned, and even grow bacteria.
Things to NOT Put in Your Microwave Oven
Many things can be microwaved, but some things should not go anywhere near your microwave oven. To keep the microwave oven as clean and safe as possible, avoid putting the following items into the machine:
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic
- Fruit (apples, pears, etc.)
- Peppers
- Eggs
- Take-Out containers
- Clothing
- Paper bags
- Travel mugs
Safety is the Priority
Speed, convenience, and ease are benefits of microwave ovens, but safety should be your top priority. With our retro microwave ovens, you can have the best of both worlds: safety, ease, and of course, style. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you’re helping your microwave oven last longer and do its job as safely as possible.
