Whether it’s reheating a meal or popping some popcorn, many of us use our microwaves on a daily basis.
But it turns out you’ve probably been using your microwave wrong this whole time.
Many people store items on top of the kitchen appliance – including fruit bowls, paper towels, or cookbooks.
However, experts from Cookology have warned that this could prove dangerous.
‘If you’re in a smaller kitchen with limited surface space and a countertop microwave, it might be tempting to use the top of it for additional storage,’ they explained.
‘However, this can block the vents, causing them to overheat, leading to potential damage or even creating a fire hazard.’
To help ensure you’re using your microwave properly, Cookology has revealed the everyday mistakes you’re probably making.
From forgetting to stir to sealing containers too tightly, here are the top blunders – and how to prevent them.
Many people store items on top of the kitchen appliance – including fruit bowls, paper towels, or cookbooks. However, experts from Cookology have warned that this could prove dangerous (stock image)
‘Microwaves are brilliant tools when used properly, but we see the same mistakes again and again,’ said Andrew Wright, founder of Cookology.
‘People often treat them like a one–button solution, but a little know–how goes a long way in improving results and extending the life of the machine.’
1. Using unsafe containers
We all know that you can’t microwave anything with metal on it.
However, Cookology explains that it’s not just foil trims or twist ties that you need to keep an eye out for.
‘Microwaving plastic can also be a problem,’ the experts explained.
‘Plastic tubs that aren’t microwave–safe can leak chemicals into food, especially when heating fatty or oily dishes.’
2. Forgetting to stir or rotate
It’s essential to cover your food in the microwave – both for even cooking and to avoid messy splatters. However, make sure you don’t go to the other extreme and seal your containers too tightly (stock image)
While most microwaves now feature turntables, they don’t always heat food evenly.
That’s why it’s important you regularly pause the applicance to give your food a quick stir.
‘Stirring halfway through or rotating the dish ensures safer, more consistent results, especially important when reheating rice, meat or leftovers,’ Cookology said.
3. Sealing containers too tightly
It’s essential to cover your food in the microwave – both for even cooking and to avoid messy splatters.
However, make sure you don’t go to the other extreme and seal your containers too tightly.
‘It’s just as important to leave a small gap for steam to escape,’ Cookology explained.
‘Fully sealed lids can cause pressure to build up, which may lead to the container warping or the lid popping off.
Cleaning the microwave is a chore that many people dread. But according to the experts at Cookology, it’s essential for both hygiene and efficiency (stock image)
‘Even microwave–safe containers can become damaged if the lid is fastened too tightly.
‘For best results, cover your food loosely to keep heat and moisture in, but allowing it to safely vent.
4. Ignoring cleanliness
Cleaning the microwave is a chore that many people dread.
But according to the experts at Cookology, it’s essential for both hygiene and efficiency.
‘A dirty microwave absorbs more energy and cooks less efficiently,’ they explained.
‘Food splatters also increase the risk of unpleasant smells and smoke.’
However, it’s best to avoid cleaners containing bleach or other ammonia-based solutions.
‘In an enclosed space like your microwave, these can leave behind toxic fumes that can contaminate your food,’ Cookology added.
