Top Ten Microwave Safety Tips

03/08/2006

Top Ten Microwave Safety Tips

The microwave oven is one of the most time-saving and convenient kitchen appliances ever invented, and you can use it to make meals and snacks in a fraction of the time that it would take if you used a traditional oven.

However, once you've got your new microwave home, it's important to make sure that you use it safely. Here are our top ten hints to help you to do so:

1. Use Microwave-Safe Containers

Make sure that any containers or kitchenware that you place food in are microwave-safe. Don't use metal containers, or bowls or plates with metal rims, as the microwaves bounce off these and could cause a fire as a result. Make sure that you don't use twist-ties either, as these have metal in them. Don't use plastic containers, such as margarine tubs, as these may melt.

2. Make Sure That Covered Food is Ventilated

If you are covering food while microwaving it, make sure that you leave a vent in the cover so that the steam can escape. If the steam builds up, you could burn yourself when you remove the cover once the food has cooked.

3. Stir and Rotate Food During Cooking

Make sure that you stir the food, or rotate it, half-way through the cooking time (or as directed in the recipe or cooking instructions that you are following). This helps to reduce the chance of cold spots, where the food hasn't cooked through properly. Cold spots can harbour bacteria that will make you ill.

4. Leave Food to Stand

Once the microwave has finished cooking your food, it's important to let it stand for a few minutes (as directed in the recipe or cooking instructions), as the cooking process doesn't end when the microwave beeps. The heat will still continue to spread through the food after the microwave has stopped, so leaving the food to stand means that your food is more likely to be thoroughly cooked.

5. Be Careful Removing Food from Your Microwave

Sometimes, when food has finished cooking, the container that it's in might feel fairly cool. However, this can be misleading as the food itself will be much hotter. Use oven gloves to remove the food from the microwave and be careful not to eat it until it has cooled properly to avoid burns.

6. Don't Leave Your Microwave Unattended When Cooking Popcorn

Microwaving popcorn is one of the easiest ways to cook it, and it's a great-tasting snack. However, microwaves can burn popcorn very quickly, so you'll need to keep an eye on it to make sure that it doesn't start to scorch.

7. Don't Operate Your Microwave When It's Empty

Never press start on your microwave when it's empty. The microwaves will bounce off the interior walls and this can result in a fire.

8. Clean Your Microwave Regularly

Cleaning your microwave regularly will keep it free from harmful bacteria, and will also reduce the chances of it catching fire. Make sure that you switch it off at the mains when you are cleaning it!

9. Don't Use Your Microwave if the Door is Damaged

If your microwave door is damaged or won't close properly, don't use it. Microwaves should be sealed and secure when they are cooking.

10. Don't Try and Fix a Broken Microwave Yourself

If your microwave breaks or is damaged in any way, don't try and fix it yourself. Check the terms of your guarantee to see whether it is covered and make sure that it is only fixed by a professional. Don't use it if it is damaged in any way.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your microwave cooks safely for a number of years.

Further Information

You can find out more about the different brands and models of microwaves, together with hints and tips on what to look for when choosing and buying a microwave and details of some of the leading online microwave suppliers in our Microwave Guide.