5 Important Tips for Using a Microwave Safely

Modern day appliances make every kitchen work better; Microwave is one of them. Thanks to its immense utility, a microwave is now an integral part of our daily cooking and other kitchen tasks. From heating to baking and cooking, the microwave does it all. While it has made our lives in the kitchen incredibly easy, it also has its own risks. Burns, overheating, fires, and, in rare cases, radiation injury due to improper handling of the equipment have been reported. If you are a regular user of microwave, it is important to be aware of all the risks associated with microwave use and ways to prevent them.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Let me share some top safety tips for handling microwave at home. These tips can help prevent accidents and help you enjoy the benefits of this useful invention.

(Also Read: 4 Best Microwave Oven Options For Your Kitchen Setup,

Here are 5 safety tips for using a microwave:

1. Read the instruction manual

Every microwave comes with its own set of operations and functions. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions before operating a microwave. The instructions in the user manual provide recommended operating procedures and safety precautions.

2. Use Microwave-Safe Containers:

Using incompatible containers in a microwave can result in uneven cooking and undercooking, and can even cause a fire and damage to the microwave. FDA recommends use microwave-safe container Glass, ceramic, and plastic containers labeled for microwave oven use. Avoid metal pans or aluminum foil because the microwaves reflect off of them. And regular plastic containers are a bad idea because the heat can melt them.

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3. Avoid heating the water too much

Avoid super-heat water in your microwave. “Super-heated” means that the water is heated above its boiling temperature, without any sign of boiling. If you heat the water above boiling temperature, the slightest disturbance or movement can cause the water to violently burst from the cup. The FDA revealed that there have been reports of severe skin burns on people’s hands and around the face because of this mistake.

4. Check for Leakage:

Check your microwave regularly for any type of leakage. Watch for unusual gas explosions or odors from the microwave. The FDA also recommends that you not use the oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped or otherwise damaged.

5. Don’t use it if it works with the door open:

Microwaves are designed in such a way that they work with the doors closed to prevent radiation from spreading. Do not use an oven that appears to operate with the door open. The FDA recommends that you stop using the microwave oven immediately when this happens.

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Continue to use your microwave but keep these safety tips in mind.