Here are some dos and don’ts for using a microwave oven:
Dos:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating the microwave oven.
- Use microwave-safe dishes and utensils made of glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic.
- Cover food with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters and retain moisture.
- Stir or rotate food midway through cooking to ensure even heating.
- Use the microwave oven to defrost food quickly and safely.
- Use the microwave oven to reheat leftovers to a safe temperature (165°F or 74°C).
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of cooked food, especially meat and poultry.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use metal or foil containers in the microwave oven, as they can cause sparks and fires.
- Don’t use non-microwave-safe dishes or containers, as they can leach chemicals into food or break or warp in the microwave.
- Don’t overcook or burn food, as this can create smoke and unpleasant odors in the microwave and pose a fire risk.
- Don’t operate the microwave oven when it is empty, as this can damage the appliance and pose a fire risk.
- Don’t heat baby bottles or food in the microwave, as uneven heating can create hot spots that can burn a baby’s mouth or throat.
- Don’t stand too close to the microwave oven while it is in operation, as the microwaves can leak and pose a health risk.
- Don’t use the microwave oven to cook or reheat large items or quantities of food, as this can result in uneven heating and create a food safety risk.
