Things Not to Put in the Microwave: A Complete Safety Guide

Do you want to use the microwave to reheat leftovers? Or do you want to make a quick snack? No matter how you use this appliance, you must follow safety practices to keep yourself safe and maintain food quality. That said, there are certain things you should not put in the microwave oven, including foods, materials, and even specific items.  

Read our comprehensive guide to discover our list of things not to put in the microwave, the microwave-safe materials, and some safety tips. All this information and more is meant to keep you and your family safe and give you peace of mind as you go about cooking, meal-prepping, and snacking. 

Things You Should Not Put in the Microwave: Objects & Materials 

While microwaves play a huge role in making daily life easier, you must pay attention to the things you should not put in the microwave to protect your health and your home. So, what not to put in a microwave? Here’s a list of items and materials that are not meant for the microwave’s spinning plate and intense heat: 

• Plastic Containers

Plastic is among the top things not to put inside the microwave. Notably, some plastics are designed for safe microwave use, but others are not. Some unsafe plastics include yogurt containers, takeout food containers, disposable plastic plates, bowls, and cups, and deli containers used for prepared foods. To make sure that the plastic at hand is microwave safe, check the bottom of the item or packaging for labels and instructions. 

• Styrofoam

Want to know what not to use in a microwave oven? Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene foam, is definitely one of the materials you must avoid putting in the microwave oven. It is widely used for food packaging purposes, so it is found in takeout containers and disposable cups for tea, coffee, or soft drinks, as well as disposable plates and bowls. Simply stick with single-use or temporary storage and avoid exposing these items to heat. 

• Aluminum Foil

This material is one of the things not to put in the microwave for safety reasons. It can be found in almost every household and is commonly used for food storage by wrapping leftovers, covering bowls and containers when the lid is not available, and for separating food items in storage containers. Wherever you use aluminum foil, make sure to remove it before putting the container into the microwave to avoid damaging the appliance and contaminating food. 

• Paper and Plastic Bags 

Next on our list of things not to put in the microwave is paper and plastic bags. While they are highly convenient for daily use, they are not microwave safe. These items are not designed to withstand the appliance’s intense heat, which can cause them to melt, warp, and even overheat and catch fire. 

• Travel Mugs

While putting travel mugs in the microwave seems harmless, they are actually some of the things you should not put in a microwave. They may contain plastic parts that are not microwave safe, such as lids and handles. Also, their insulation could get damaged due to the heat. It is recommended you check the manufacturer instructions for whether or not the mug is microwave-safe. 

• Crystal Glassware

Wondering what not to put in the microwave oven? Your crystal glassware! This includes your glasses, candy dishes, water goblets, and serving bowls, among other things. Be sure to never put these items in the microwave because the heat will cause them to break and shatter. This material needs extra care, so it is best to use more durable items for reheating foods and drinks. 

• Metal Utensils

Metal utensils are common kitchenware items that can be found at every home. While they are great for constant use, cooking over the stove, and serving hot food, they cannot withstand the microwave heat. They are some of the things not to put in the microwave oven to avoid damaging the appliance and prevent arcing. 

If these are the things you should not put in the microwave, what about the food? Can all food be microwaved? Below is a list of food items that should not make it to the microwave oven.

Foods Not to Put in the Microwave

Knowing what types of foods not to put in the microwave is essential for a safe cooking routine and healthy eating. Some foods should never be microwaved, as they can release irritating fumes or explode, while others can be microwaved but lose their textures and taste—which you may want to avoid. 

Our list below covers both categories—the foods you must never reheat using the appliance and those that you may want to reheat using different methods. So, what are some of the foods not to put in the microwave?

• Hard-Boiled Eggs (still in their shells) 

If you put a hard-boiled egg in its shell in the microwave, steam can build up inside the egg because the shell traps the pressure. As the pressure increases, the egg may explode during or after heating, leaving a difficult-to-clean mess. To reheat hard-boiled eggs properly, simply remove the shell first and cut them into smaller pieces. 

• Whole Hot Peppers

Whole hot peppers are among the top foods not to put in the microwave. The intense heat causes them to release spicy vapors that can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat the moment you open the microwave. They can also burst due to build-up pressure. So, if you must reheat hot peppers, cut them open and chop them, do not reheat them for long, make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated, and do not open the microwave door until a minute passes. 

• Sealed Foods

These tightly sealed foods—whether in jars, cans, or plastic containers—should never be put in the microwave in their original packaging. These include jarred sauces, jarred baby food, canned soups, and sealed cooked meats. What you should do instead is transfer the food into a microwave-safe container to avoid any items exploding and spoiling. 

• Baby Formula 

While it may look convenient, microwaving baby formula is not the best way to warm it. Microwaves heat liquids unevenly and create hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth and throat. (Do not let the bottle’s warm feel trick you). So, baby formula is among the foods not to put in the microwave for your kid’s safety. 

• Bread & Pizza 

While it is not particularly unsafe to reheat left-over pizza and bread in the microwave, both items lose their texture because of the heat. The pizza loses its crisp crust, while bread can become soggy and chewy. If you would like to retain their texture, avoid putting them in the microwave. 

• Fried Foods

French fries, mozzarella sticks, and fried chicken, among other fried foods, should not be reheated in the microwave, as they become soggy and lose their crispiness. This can also alter their taste, which might be unpleasant for some. 

Generally speaking, most foods can be reheated safely using the microwave oven, except for the ones mentioned above. And now that you know the foods not to put in the microwave and the things not to put in the microwave, what are some microwave-friendly materials? 

What are Microwave-Friendly Materials?

What distinguishes the microwave-friendly materials from the non-friendly ones is their ability to withstand the intense heat without warping, melting, sparking, or releasing chemicals to the food. Those materials include but are not limited to: 

• Microwave-Safe Glass: Found in food storage containers, glass mugs and glasses, mixing bowls, and baking dishes. 
• Microwave-Safe Ceramic: This material is commonly used in plates, bowls, cups, and casserole dishes. 
• Paper Towels: You can use them for covering containers to prevent splatters and for wrapping food to retain moisture. 
• Microwave-Safe Plastic: It is found in lunch boxes, meal prep containers, cups, plates, and other kitchen items.

Before placing any item in the microwave, check the bottom of the item or its packaging to find the microwave-safe label and instructions for safe use. So, what happens if you put the wrong item or food in the microwave? 

What Are the Risks of Putting the Wrong Items and Foods in the Microwave?

There are many things you should not put in the microwave, including items, materials, and foods. But what are the risks of doing so? Some materials can warp and melt, causing a mess that is hard to clean. Those same damaged items can damage the appliance itself and contaminate the food by releasing chemicals. 

Additionally, some foods can burst, explode, or give off strong odors and vapors that can be irritating to some people. The worst-case scenario is that some unsafe materials catch sparks and cause fires. Therefore, it is important to know the exact things not to put in the microwave, keeping yourself and others safe and healthy. 

Tip for Using the Microwave Safely and Properly 

Here are a few tips to help you use the microwave safely and properly: 

1. Never turn on the microwave while it’s empty to avoid damaging its internal parts. 
2. To ensure even heating, stir the food halfway through the cycle. 
3. Cover the food with paper towels to avoid food splattering, keeping the appliance mess-free.
4. Keep the lid on the container loosely to help heat the food evenly by trapping steam.
5. Make sure to choose the right settings and program before using the microwave for best results. 

Now that you know our tips and have a clear understanding of the things not to put in the microwave, here are a few FAQs for further information. 

Read now: How to Use and Operate a Microwave Correctly

FAQs about the Things Not to Put Inside the Microwave and General Use 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the things you should not put in the microwave: 

• What is the symbol for microwave safe?

The general symbol that means a specific item is safe for microwaves embodies a microwave symbol with three wavy lines on the inside. The symbol can have different variations, so it can look like a pan with three wavy lines above it. 

• Is it safe to use the microwave daily? 

Yes, you can use the microwave daily as long as you use microwave-safe materials and follow the general safety rules and usage tips. 

• Is microwaved food less healthy?

No, microwaved food is nutrient-dense considering that the cooking time is short. 

• Can I reheat food more than once?

It is recommended to heat food only once since repeated heating can cause bacterial growth and reduces food’s quality. 

• What items are safe to put in the microwave?

Ceramics, glass, and microwave-safe plastics are all suitable for microwave use. Be sure to check for the safety label first. 

• Can you put a cup of water in the microwave with food?

Yes, it is safe to put a cup of water in the microwave next to your food plate to prevent it from drying out. This helps preserve its texture and taste. 

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