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November 1, 2010

Microwave Cooking Is Safe

There are many people who feel that cooking in a microwave oven is not safe and that the appliance should only be used to reheat and defrost foods. This may have been true when the microwave was first placed on the market, although there is no actual proof that anyone had died from eating food that was microwaved. Technology has moved up and improved today’s microwave which are now ideal kitchen companions and especially for those folks that don’t have the time to cook traditional meals.

Is It Safe to Cook Meat in a Microwave?

It is safe to cook your meat in a microwave oven and there are many recipes created specifically for cooking meat in the microwave oven. Using a meat thermometer is a good idea since meat does not always cook evenly and checking it with a thermometer lets you know it is cooked through. There are times when you have to rotate or flip the food half way through the cooking process. If you are concerned about bacteria, don’t worry, as it does not matter which type of cooking process you will use, the bacteria will not survive.

Standing Time

We have all heard the reports of people who have been severely burned by water they have boiled in the microwave. It is important that when cooking in a microwave, especially liquids, to let them stand for a minute or two before removing them from the appliance.

Just because the liquid is not bubbling does not mean it is not boiling. If you remove them too soon, you can be burned. It is a dangerous practice to heat up a baby’s bottle in a microwave for just this reason. If you do not let some foods stand for one or two minutes, you can burn your mouth and your tongue when you bite into them.

Microwave Cooking with Plastics

There is much debate lately about the use of plastics in microwave ovens. Many plastics are microwave-safe, and it is important to check the packaging of any container to make sure that it is safe to use in a microwave. Because they are thinner and only meant for one-time usage, it is never wise to use margarine or whipped cream tubs in the microwave, nor is it a good idea to use plastic bags. If you are unsure if a container may be toxic, do not use it.

Can foil be used in the microwave?

It is dangerous to place any metal into your microwave. Therefore, using foil in your microwave can be dangerous. However, there is some controversy regarding the use of foil in a microwave. Some people believe that if the foil is flat and smooth, it can be used in the microwave. They further believe that wrinkled foil will cause sparks in the microwave. For complete safety, use a piece of paper towel to wrap your food in.

Final Notes

To be safe in the use of a new microwave oven, be sure to read the manual and follow all of the directions you find there. Following the directions provided by the manufacturer will help you cook delicious and healthy meals that are as safe as if you were using a conventional stove or oven.

Want to find out more about red microwaves, then visit Joy’s site to get the best information on red microwave ovens plus much more.

Filed under Kitchen Appliances by Joy Rowell

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