7 dos and don’ts of using microwave oven

Do’s

1) Always use microwave-safe cookware and containers such as glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic. These are specifically designed to withstand the high temperature and pressure generated by a microwave oven.

2) Always cover the food with a lid or a microwave-safe cover to prevent splatter and to help cook food more evenly.

3) When putting packaged food inside the microwave oven for cooking, make sure that you use microwave-safe cooking bags such as popcorn bags for the intended purpose.

4) Always stir or rotate your food during cooking to ensure even heating. And after it is done, make sure to allow food to stand for a few minutes so that the heat can distribute evenly.

5) Clean the microwave oven regularly to prevent food buildup and odours.

6) Always follow the instructions on any food packaging to ensure that the food is cooked safely and properly.

7) Use appropriate cooking time and power level as recommended by the manufacturer.

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Don’ts

1) Never use metal containers or utensils and aluminum foils as all of these can cause a spark and damage your microwave oven.

2) Do not use plastic containers unless they are labeled microwave-safe as they can melt and release harmful chemicals into the food.

3) Do not cook eggs in the shell as they can explode and, if not damage things, will certainly splatter eggs all over inside.

4) Do not operate the oven empty or without any food inside.

5) Do not use the microwave to cook or reheat food that has been stored in a vacuum-sealed package, as they can cause an explosion.

6) Do not use a microwave to cook food with high oil or sugar content as they can cause a fire.

7) Lastly, do not overcook your food as it can become dry and rough to eat.

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There are plenty of other things apart from the above ones that you should keep in mind. Though the list is by no means exhaustive, it certainly has pointers that are universal but there are a few things that may be specific to a few models. You should always read the user’s manual in its entirety to understand how to operate the appliance. These cover some of the most frequently asked questions and things that you should keep in mind while using the appliances.