The Red Microwave.com

Cooking in Microwave Ovens is Safe

Many people worry that using a microwave oven is not safe for cooking, and that these wonderful little appliances should only be used for reheating and defrosting foods. That may have been somewhat true many years ago when microwave ovens were first introduced to the world (and there is no actual proof that anyone has died from eating microwaved food), but technology is improving every day, and today’s microwaves are the ideal kitchen companion, especially for those who just don’t have time to cook the traditional way.

Is It Safe to Cook Meat in a Microwave?
It is perfectly safe to cook meat in a microwave oven. In fact, there are all kinds of delicious meat recipes that have been created specifically for the microwave. It is important to remember that sometimes meat, as well as other foods, may not cook evenly, so you may want to have a meat thermometer on hand to check the temperature of all parts of the meat. Often, it is necessary to flip and/or rotate food part way through cooking. Do not worry about bacteria in your food. No matter what type of cooking process you use, the bacteria are going to be killed.

Standing Time
We have all heard the reports of people who have been severely burned by water they have boiled in the microwave. It is important that when cooking in a microwave, especially liquids, to let them stand for a minute or two before removing them from the appliance.

Often, you may not see any bubbles in the water or other liquids, and think that they are not boiling, when in actual fact, they are, and moving the container can cause the liquids to boil over. This is when burns occur and why it is dangerous to heat a baby’s bottle in the microwave. Also, some foods are so hot when they come out of the microwave that it is important to let them stand for a minute or so before biting into them, in order to prevent burning your mouth and tongue.

Microwave Cooking with Plastics
There is much debate lately about the use of plastics in microwave ovens. Many plastics are microwave-safe, and it is important to check the packaging of any container to make sure that it is safe to use in a microwave. Because they are thinner and only meant for one-time usage, it is never wise to use margarine or whipped cream tubs in the microwave, nor is it a good idea to use plastic bags. If you are unsure if a container may be toxic, do not use it.

Can I Use Aluminum Foil in a Microwave?
Some people say it is alright to use foil that is unwrinkled or unfolded, because wrinkled foil can create sparks. To be completely safe, why not try wrapping your food in a piece of paper towel instead? After all, it can be dangerous to put metal in a microwave, so why tempt fate with aluminum foil.

Final Notes
When you purchase a new microwave oven, make sure that you read all of the directions, including any warnings. If you follow the manufacturer’s directions, you will be cooking delicious healthy foods as safely as you would by using a conventional stove or oven.