A microwave oven is convenient in that it can cook, heat and defrost various dishes very quickly. However, this technique needs careful care. Owners of the device need to pay special attention to choosing the right dishes. Is it possible to microwave iron dishes or dishes in foil? This issue requires detailed study.
Metal and microwave
It is strictly forbidden to put iron utensils in the microwave. The reflective properties of the metal surface block the passage of microwaves through the walls of the vessel, which is the cause of electric discharge. If the blow is too strong, the furnace mechanism will become unusable. In the most severe cases, an explosion may even occur, since the built-in magnetron will not cope with the load.
Understanding whether it is possible to put iron in a microwave oven, the owners of the stove must bear in mind that not only plates and bowls can not be used. It is also necessary to ensure that metal spoons, forks, knives do not get inside.
To the question: “Can I put iron in the microwave?” The answer is unequivocal: "No." Even plates and cups with gold or silver borders lead to sparking. A discharge of such power cannot damage the stove itself, but ugly dark spots will remain on the plates.
Microwave and foil dishes
It is forbidden to put dishes wrapped in foil: this also leads to a similar result. Owners of microwave ovens should be especially careful and cautious during the heating of semi-finished products, for example, frozen pizza: such food is often packed in aluminum foil. Before sending food to the microwave, packaging must be removed.
In some cases, foil is necessary to prepare food to prevent burning of individual parts. For such recipes, there is a special foil designed for the microwave. Such packaging is heat resistant, its composition is different from ordinary aluminum, therefore it is able to pass microwaves. Often in such a foil there is perforation.
It is not recommended to use ordinary food grade aluminum foil instead of special. In addition to sparking, there is another danger: aluminum does not have sufficient heat resistance, therefore, under the influence of waves, the packaging interacts with food. The metal content in food leads to diseases of the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. If special foil could not be obtained, you can use parchment or a baking sleeve.
Can I turn on an empty microwave?
It is also not recommended to start heating in an empty oven. In this case, the microwaves are sent directly to the magnetron, as a result of which a breakdown of the part occurs. In addition, the waves are reflected from the internal surfaces and go out through the glass door of the furnace. This is unsafe for people who are nearby.
The right utensils for microwave
How to choose dishes for the microwave and not make a mistake? Any containers made of heat-resistant glass and heat-resistant plastic are suitable for microwave. Ordinary ceramic cups and plates can also be used to heat food, but cooking in them is still not recommended: due to excessive heating, the walls may burst and fragments will fall into the food. For the convenience of users, there are special disposable forms made of thick pressed paper. On plastic containers intended for storing food, as a rule, there is a marking that indicates whether it is possible to heat the container in the oven.
Dishes used in the oven must be clean, without greasy spray or carbon deposits. When heated, dirt can smoke, which will certainly spoil the quality of food. You also need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the internal walls of the microwave to maximize the period of its operation. Regularly remove plaque from the inside walls, having previously disconnected the device from the power supply. To soften the hardest contaminations, pour in a large capacity of water, add 20 grams of baking soda and 20 ml of table vinegar. Put the liquid inside the microwave and boil for 3-5 minutes. After that, you can proceed directly to the cleaning.
Now you know whether it is possible to put iron dishes in the microwave. By abandoning metal in favor of ceramics, porcelain and plastic, you will extend the life of the microwave.