How To Practice Microwave Safety

  • August 24, 2009
  • 899 Views
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Microwave ovens are an essential part of modern life. It is important to know how to use them safely.

You Will Need

  • An operator’s manual
  • Microwave-safe containers
How To Practice Microwave Safety: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Step 1: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual for operating procedures and safety precautions for your oven model.

Never operate the oven if the door does not close properly, or if the door, latch, hinge, or sealing surfaces have been damaged.

How To Practice Microwave Safety: Use the microwave oven appropriately

Step 2: Use the microwave oven appropriately

Use the microwave only for defrosting, heating, and cooking food. Other uses may lead to a fire.

How To Practice Microwave Safety: Use microwave-safe containers

Step 3: Use microwave-safe containers

Use microwave-safe containers including heat-safe glass, glass-ceramic, china, pottery without metal, and plastic containers labeled “Microwave-safe.” Use paper for short heating periods.

Microwave energy passes through these containers and heats the food inside. But containers may still become hot if the food gives off a lot of heat.

How To Practice Microwave Safety: Avoid containers with metal

Step 4: Avoid containers with metal

Never use metal, including pottery or glass with metallic glaze, in the oven.

How To Practice Microwave Safety: Do not overheat liquids

Step 5: Do not overheat liquids

Do not overheat liquids such as water, coffee or tea in the oven. They may boil over after you remove them.

Stir liquids before and halfway through heating. Leave the container in the oven for a short while before removing it.

How To Practice Microwave Safety: Exercise caution with baby foods

Step 6: Exercise caution with baby foods

Heat baby food in a dish, not in the jar. When heating a bottle, remove the nipple to avoid trapping steam. After heating, shake the bottle to achieve a uniform temperature.

Did you know? In 1947, microwave ovens were the size of refrigerators and cost between $2,000 and $3,000.

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Comments (1)

HeatherM

I'll be sure to keep these tips in mind, well done!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

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