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Microwave Q & A
August 22, 2007 | 45 Comments
We use our microwave oven a lot. Besides reheating, we use it extensively for prep work, and sometimes for entire dishes.
(Doodhi Halwa, Lotus Root Chips, Thai Curry etc.)
We also use it to
toast nuts, coconut and bread crumbs and spices
decrystallise honey or coconut oil
roast garlic
cook potatoes
steam veggies
skin tomatoes
soften limes before juicing
Over time there were several questions that one or both of us had about microwave ovens. Some of these are reproduced here with the results of our research/discussions. Please consider this as our opinion and not advice.
How does a Microwave Oven cook food?
A conventional microwave oven has a magnetron which produces microwaves. Microwaves are a class of electromagnetic radiation that have long wavelengths. As these long wavelength microwaves pass through food, they end up aligning the water molecules along their path (primarily due to the polar nature of the water molecule). The microwaves enter the food at different angles as they are deflected to random trajectories by a rotating fan. This causes the water molecules to rapidly shift their alignment causing them to rub against each other and produce heat. This heat is transferred to the rest of the food and results in cooking. Cooking is more even in microwaves equipped with turntables as the randomness is enhanced.
Do some foods cook faster than others in a microwave?
Yes, all else being equal, food with more water content will cook faster. Pockets with greater water content will cook faster. Foods with greater surface area will cook faster. For example, a pound of baby potatoes will cook faster than a pound of large potatoes of the same variety.
Does a microwave cook inside-out?
No. Food gets cooked outside in. If reheating food on a plate, check if the bottom center of the plate is warm to determine whether all the food had been heated. While heating a liquid in a container, periodic stirring is required to mix as the liquid closer to the side walls of the container get heated first, whereas heating on a stovetop would require less stirring as convection would force the hot liquid to rise up and the cooler liquid to go to the bottom and get heated.
Is it true that water can explode in a microwave?
Yes and No. No the water will not explode while it is being heated in the microwave. However, it could get superheated and due to surface tension effects a skin formed on top of the water prevents the boiling of water. When this water is disturbed, the skin breaks and the superheated water boils instantaneously and explodes onto the person holding the container. This happened to somebody we know, fortunately nothing serious happened. To avoid this phenomenon, put a microwave-safe spoon inside the cup to prevent this. Or remove and stir every 30 seconds. Anything with water content and a ‘skin’ (tomatoes, popcorn, egg yolk, boiled egg whites) explodes, because the water becomes steam inside and needs to escape. Tomatoes, potatoes, etc. should be pierced before microwaving.
An Eggsplosion
To prevent burns, uncover hot food by lifting the farthest edge of the lid and pulling it back towards you to carefully release steam.
Do not salt food before cooking in a microwave oven. Salt draws moisture to the surface and forms a layer that slows the penetration of microwaves and increases the required cooking time. It can also make meat and vegetables tough and less juicy. Salt after cooking instead.
Is it safe to stand in front of the Microwave and stare at the food inside?
No. Microwaves bounce off metal objects and typically there is a metal mesh on the door which deflects the microwaves back into the appliance.
However, there is a background level of radiation that leaks out. The “FDA approved” limit is ~5 mW/cm2 measured 5 cm outside the microwave oven. At these levels, scientists have found increased incidence of cataracts after prolonged (even cumulative) exposure. Fortunately, this intensity drops by a factor of 100 at 50 cm and by a factor of 1000 at 150 cm. Staying at these distances should be safe.
Is it safe to operate the microwave oven empty?
Since this will result in no absorption of the microwaves, damage to the microwave can occur. In addition, the leakage will be higher as the leakage rating is determined at “nominal” load.
What kind of containers can be safely used in a microwave?<
Obviously metal is out because microwaves bounce off of metal. Glass, ceramics, and plastics are the most commonly used. Only certain ceramics work, as it depends on the nature of the firing and glazing process. If an empty glass or ceramic container (with appropriate glazing) remains cool after a minute in the microwave then it can be used for cooking. If it gets lukewarm then it can be used for reheating. Avoid using it if it gets warm.
For plastics the test is different. Check the number at the bottom of the container (typically known as the recycle number). If it says #1,#2, or #4 it is safe to use. Avoid any containers that are made of PVC, vinyl, or plastic #3…they can leach phthalates in to the food. Use containers that are made of polyethylene because they are plasticizer free.
Yogurt and Margarine containers are #5, and you can use these, however they can melt when heating fatty foods and are in general less safe than the rest. Styrofoam (typical take-out food container) is classified #7 and is unsafe.
According to the Food and Drug Administration‘s guidelines, cling wrap, microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving, as chemicals can leach into the food.
Carryout containers from restaurants and margarine tubs should not be used in the microwave, according to the FDA.
What is the life of an average Microwave container?
Microwave safe glass and ceramics probably slip from our hand and break before they become unusable in a microwave oven. We haven’t found any specific guidance for plastics, however we junk a container if the insides become rough over time.
Carryout containers that hold prepared microwavable meals should be discarded after you use them because they are meant for one-time use.
Why do I hear crackling on the phone when the microwave is on?
Our cordless phone operates at 2.45 GHz which is what our microwave open operates at ! The microwave oven interferes with the phone signal. The same is true while surfing the web as our wireless router also operates at 2.45 GHz causing us to sometimes lose our web connection.
Are there any deleterious side effects from prolonged microwave exposure?
Check OSHA for a detailed discussion on this subject. Microwaves are all around us – radars, telecommunications, satellites etc. and we are exposed to low levels of radiation on a daily basis. Food has been cooked in microwaves since the accidental discovery of its culinary potential by a Raytheon employee during WWII. A piece of candy in his pocket melted while he was working with radars.
Microwaves are generally safe as long as food is cooked in safe containers. Long term exposure effects are not clearly known. There are reports linking cancer with microwave exposure but so far the benefits seem to outweigh the risks.
Other uses for a microwave oven
Does someone in your home drive you nuts with bad music? :notlisten Fry the CD in the microwave and present it to them as art.
A Microwaved CD Pic: Wikimedia Commons
Disinfect a kitchen sponge. Soak it in a solution of vinegar/lime juice and water, zap it on high for a minute. Use mitts while taking it out. Do not try this with a dry sponge. It will burn.
Rub a plastic cutting board with the cut side of a lemon, microwave on high for a minute. This will disinfect it.
To deodorise and clean the microwave, put a bowl in with about 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Zap on high for 5 minutes. Wipe the oven clean.
Microwave Safety Tips from CurryBazaar
An excellent three-part series with microwave recipe tips.
Some commonsense microwave cooking tips HERE and HERE.
How lazy people clean their microwave
- Jai
Filed Under: cooking, microwave-oven, MUSINGS, safety, tips, vegetarian recipes
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45 Comments
:yes:
. But I went ahead & did it anyway & I live to tell the tale :tongue:
Great post! That was a lot of useful info about the MW. I have always used mine just for making rice & thawing/steaming my veggies & reheating stuff… have always been scared to do more. The first time I tried cooking a whole dish in the MW was when I made your Thai curry & even then I was still scared that the whole thing would explode in my face
I just saw your recipe for MW’d dudhi halwa. I don’t know how I missed that one.
Loved the YouTube video.
BTW, was that an eggsplosion in your MW?
Nice and very informative post on MW.Congrats on all your awards!You guys rock!
:yes: this is such a gr8 informative post.Thanks :bow: Congrats Bee and Jai for the well deserved awards. The micro CD looks so lovely. I liked the colours ;;) :tongue:
Phew! Thank you so much! For not giving me an award! I am your fan for life. Really.
I used to wonder why the innards of a microwave-safe plastic container become rough over time. There is something happening there. So I stopped using plastic in the microwave – it’s either glass or microwave-safe ceramic stuff. Call me paranoid…
You blew up an egg in the microwave just for this post? I did that recently. I thought a few seconds won’t hurt – like how I heat a dried up cold lime to rejuvenate it. But before I could blink, it blew up. Blyeah! What a stink!
That video – O.M.G. Is that hyperbole or are they really that upper-storey-vacant? And people buy that argument? Have you guys read the The Cartoon History of the Universe? If you haven’t, get your hands on it. It’s superb! There are several volumes.
Was this the boring post you guys were talking about???…well you are wrong…this post is so much informative and fun to read like your small gif with the water exploding & that colourful CD…
as you have rightly said “The award goes to folks who induce gales of laughter without ever intending to.”…thats the reason I gave it to you…thanks a lot guys you two really rock and add so much to my knowledge on everything…..hats off to you guys…:bow:
Srivalli
http://www.cooking4allseasons.blogspot.com
:yes:That shows dedication to blogging… You actually let an egg explode in your microwave for this post :bow: very cool pic, and thanks for that info on the CDs, I have a bunch I need to burn…er…convert to art…
V informative post – even a toothpick can be used when MWing liquid, I’ve read. Some of my plastic MW dishes are stained, despite cleaning, why’s that? And yes, I’ve noticed roughness in these same vessels, now that you mention it. Time to junk them all, I suppose. And that fried CD is beautiful – it won’t explode in the MW? I’ve several CDs I don’t need, maybe can use them to make some modern art!
Thanks for the mention. I tried watching the peanut butter video but it’s coming through only in dribs and drabs.
Good work! But I don’t have a micro wave oven and am aginst it! But this post is truley complete for anybody! The fried CD is the highlist but I doubt the pic must be a real one at your home! Who presented to whom
??
Good work! But I don’t have a micro wave oven and am aginst it! But this post is truley complete for anybody! The fried CD is the highlist but I doubt the pic must be a real one at your home! Who presented to whom ?? :tongue:
I am totally on the MW boat just like you…it takes away so much of the prep hassle!
They discourage the use of wooden utensils in the microwave since it would warp/shrink/damage the utensil. I’ve always been curious about how very well seasoned and finished wood and bamboo utensils would do in a microwave..anything you came across on that?
wow a great post as ever! i always am way with my mw though i don’t do intensive cooking like you all do! :yes:Many of them do not use the Mw due do certain accidents like exploding.where did you get the egss exploding pic :hmm:
The soap in the microwave looks so much fun. I would do that in somebody else’s house
I also use the microwave to warm up towels in winter or for hot fomentations
Very informative post guys.
:bow: :bow:
Great post guys! Why don’t you contribute to my safety moment? Last time it was kitchen appliances. This would have been perfect. This month it’s about food safety. Please drop me a line or two on that if you have time.
OMG! that “burnt” CD is howlarious :laugh:
and hmm, you must have needed quite some incense after the eggplosion :bruised:
You guys make me smile
and laugh 
i
oops, my comment got chewed
i :love: this corner
Quite informative post bee. Viji
TBC and others : No. the eggsplosion was not in our microwave; just a free stock photo
Manisha : The guy in that video runs a university in a “certain” red state. Unfortunately it is not accredited so i missed out on some quality education :devil: His brilliance has been recognized by Louisiana Baptist University (another one left out on the accreditation list unfortunately) which conferred a honorary doctorate on him.
Srivalli: :dance: you are too kind
Sig: :laugh: read that link before you proceed. toxic fumes etc emanate
Sra : not necessarily time to junk those…its just that we do start weeding out the ones that are stained and rough. maybe they are still good for reheating. My theory is that acidic food repeatedly heated in mw combined with some dishwasher action causes roughness over time. reg. cd frying read that link regarding safety.
Nirmala : despite your “passionate trials”
your comments are still going to spam. we’ve added you to the safe list but still doesnt work. be patient till we figure out something
aa : wood can burn ( i’ve done it – well i was trying something out and if it had been successful ya’ll would have heard about it.)
roopa: free stock photos
suganya : for some reason apparently only ivory works.
raaga : gr8 idea; we also heat rice in cloth pouches as heat massage
jyothsna : will do. we are the antithesis of safety while we cook though
surprised that the neighbors haven’t called the cops on us – with knives, pots, pans all flying around !
musical : luckily it was a free stock photo
viji : tx
- j.
Good post! useful for people who just use the microwave for reheating. ;;)
Found your blog thru my friend’s blog (Vindu), very interesting, you guys doing a great job
btw, any info on nutrition value changes in microwave cooking ??
Veena
welcome and tx. there are some schools of thought which subscribe to the view that food cooked in a microwave retains more of the nutrients. this is due to the nature of heating (friction of water molecules rather than supplying heat to the entire food). i am not entirely convinced. great question – have pondered myself; but haven’t researched enough to find the right answer.
–jai
Aha! Now I get to ask this question.
As an aside- I used to have a lower wattage MW until a couple of months ago, the new one is ooober watty!
I see MW instructions that go “MW on high for n minutes”. I’ve never seen a high/low setting, unless it means something different OR I’m a dimbulb
. With the older MW I’d double the said duration and with the new one its usually a couple of minutes plus/minus for best results. What exactly does it mean?
- A mint in need of some enlightenment. :bow:
PS : Bee aap toh mere guru nikle(BOTH toe nails???)
PPS : I need a tee too!!! wahhhh!
there’s a ‘power level’ setting on all MWs. you can set it at 10% or 50% or 100%. high is 100%.
you get this t-shirt
http://www.bwild.com/pegit.html
- b.
Great post! I made Lauki Halwa for her yesterday in the MW!!:DD
I do cook a lot in the MW including rice.Many people are paranoid about lot of thing about MWs etc. Got to relax and live a bit I say!:))
Enjoy the award, you are witty, both of you!:))
Very informative post (may I add, as always). That burnt CD looks good – who knew?
All the research that goes into everything you guys do is really fascinating.
Thank you!
Wow you guys sure know a lot, I was just imagining what it would be to physically be around you. I enter you house and off you go….ummm just thinking
You are also pretty intense in your research with the demo of eggsplosion and everything !!!
that eggsplosion was a free stock photo. – b.
That was a good read!!!
I have mentioned my t-shirt size on my blog.
what a lovely piece of art
but seriously, was hoping u wud put up something @ m/w soon. Thanks for compiling it.
how do u roast garlic?
cutoff a tiny bit off the tops, remove as much of the papery outer skin as you can, put it in a mw-safe bowl, drizzle a drop of oil, and microwave at 50% heat for 3-5 or more minutes depending on the size of the head and how many heads of garlic you have in there. the oven gives a much better end result. this is a shortcut. – b.
Great post.We get good information about microwave.Keep up thr good work.I just use microwave for reheating and defrosting.Never came accross any bad experiance9touchwood):-)
how long did it take to research and post this??? :bow:
love that shot of egg-explosion and that video… now i cant wait to try MW soap
i dont want any awards but can i get that T-shirt :devil:
j researched this – maybe a couple of hours.
it works best with ivory soap. regular soaps don’t foam as much, i’m told. – b.
Guys,
Thanks for dispelling so many myths about MW cooking. So, do u think boiling milk in the yogurt container to make yogurt is ok? After knowing all the facts, I still haven’t been able to make up my mind about this one. And that bit about the number on the bottom of the container was very useful.
dunno, we do the same, but after j researched this, i’m not sure if it’s a great idea. my salton yogurt maker has a sturdier plastic container. maybe i should heat the milk in that. – b.
Great information! And nice touch with the tshirts!
Kanch
yeah, i think I agree with you, just wanted somebody else to reinforce my own conclusions. i’ll refrain from using the yogurt container too. some times I boil the milk in a ceramic container (like corelle). it works, but the containers are so heavy, am always scared i might drop it while removing it from my stovetop microwave! anyway, thanks for your comments.
Great post :yes: :yes: :yes: beautiful and hilarious writing too. Yeah I do use m/w to disinfect kitchen sponge apart from regular cooking…
Oh, btw, I heard of someone who tried to dry their wet cat in the microwave. I’m not sure whether it survived or those idiot owners woke up on time :fume:
i hope they woke up in a padded cell. – b.
It was a good read. You all have done a lot of reserch on the topic.
I have a Combi microwave which i bought recently and i use them a lot these days.
Thankx for the visit
Use Microwave only for reheating.. Now totally, am off it… Somehow,with the facts that i heard from people and internet, am happy with to get used to old habits as much as possible..
So people who like microwave, dont get paranoid!! 
You see why you and Jai were awarded the THINKING BLOGGER AWARD?
Great post as usual! K had his first eggsplosion last year, now he knows better!
Hi Guys,
great blog and nice post!!!! Yesterday I hit upon the diea of making maggi noodles in the microwave…u know…just add the water and let it cook. Now I am not too sure…what happens if the water explodes? Do u think i should give this a try? Itll save a lot of dish cleaning…hate that.
after 2-3 minutes, just stir it every minute or so. wouldn’t it be easier to boil water in an electric kettle, and then put it in the microwave? just stir every 40 seconds or so until it is done. – b.
if there is stuff in the water then it ends up not forming the skin and hence will boil. so you dont have to worry about it. -j
Honestly, I’ve been tapering off of my MW oven use over the last few years- though it’s hard to beat for reheating a plate or bowl of food for one! But, very interesting info and pics you presented- the egg one reminds me of when I attempted to deep-fry a raw pistachio- not a good idea, as it exploded like popcorn, hit the ceiling and splashed oil everywhere.
:rofl: the peanut butter people are truly worth the next nobel prize…am impressed that you guys lay your hands on such gems :laugh:…ah, I stay away from peanut butter for a reason..and I am soooo glad :nono:..
A lot of hard work and experience here. The post is very well written. Microwaves are called silent intruders for the reason prolonged exposure causes cancer. However nowadays most microwaves have inbuilt locks and don’t work when the door is left open.It is an industry standrd now. Is Cynthia collecting the votes for the most thinking blogger? Here is mine for J!
For Bee it should the blogger who speaks her mind!!
Hello Jai and Bee, wow! this was ‘informative’ :angel: Thanks for sharing all thse information with us all.
many thanks for sharing…
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Hi,
what a co-incidence! We were talking about buying an oven and I cliked this link from one of your recipes!
So relieved to see numerous info at one place. Till date am very apprehensive about using one but we want to bake and cook in oven… so giving a thought unto it…!
This article was very helpfull and enlighting, Thank you.
I used to visit your site long back for the beautiful photographs and the photo contest( never enterd one). I am glad, did it again !