Today, nearly every household has a microwave. This small appliance is extremely useful for reheating leftovers and quickly cooking certain foods. However, while microwaves are easy and convenient to use, they still require certain safety precautions. As the go-to appliance repair specialists in Montreal and throughout Quebec, the experts at Ateliers G. Paquette have put together a list of common mistakes to avoid when using a microwave.
Using the wrong containers
Not all materials are microwavable. For example, metal and aluminum can potentially spark, leading to a fire. In addition, melamine tends to melt and warp, and older dishes could contain lead, which is toxic. Furthermore, plastic containers often contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, that can leach into your food during cooking. That said, some containers are marked as microwave safe. Therefore, it’s important to double-check before putting any type of container in the microwave.
Improperly covering food
Food such as casseroles and lasagnas tend to splatter when heated up in the microwave. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep your food covered to avoid making a mess. However, putting a sealed container in the microwave is a bad idea. The lid will form a tight suction and could swell or even burst when exposed to high heat. If you want to keep things clean, use a splatter screen to cover your food.
Reheating shelled foods
It’s a bad idea to put shelled foods such as hard-boiled eggs, oysters and mussels in the microwave. The moisture inside these foods creates an extreme buildup of steam to the point where they can explode. Consequently, your meal will be ruined, and you’ll have a nasty mess to clean up.
Not stirring food
Microwaves don’t evenly heat your food. Therefore, to prevent your lunch or dinner from being cold in some places and hot in others, consider stirring the food halfway through the cooking time to evenly distribute the heat.
Boiling water
Boiling water in the microwave is very dangerous as it can overheat. For example, when water is heated in the microwave, it doesn’t form any bubbles. Consequently, without bubbles, the water cannot release any built-up heat and continues to heat up past its boiling point. Therefore, moving or stirring the water could cause it to instantly boil and splash onto your skin, resulting in severe burns.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you avoid any cooking disasters.
Microwave experts in Quebec
At Ateliers G. Paquette, we understand appliances inside and out. If you need expert microwave repair services, you can count on our experienced technicians. If your appliance requires a minor fix, you can order a replacement part directly from our warehouse. Contact us today for more information. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to answer any of your questions!