What Are the 3 Things That You Should Not Put in the Microwave and Why They’re Dangerous
You might think the microwave can handle just about anything, but that’s not really true. Some things can actually be dangerous or ruin your food if you heat them up this way.
The three things you should never put in the microwave are metal objects, certain plastics, and paper bags.
Metal—like aluminum foil or stainless steel—can spark and even start fires in your microwave. Some plastics, especially the ones not labeled microwave-safe, might melt or leach chemicals into your food.
Paper bags are another no-go; they can catch fire or put out weird toxins when heated. It’s honestly better to skip these and keep your food and kitchen safe.
Top Items You Should Never Put in the Microwave
Some things just don’t belong in a microwave. A few materials can spark, melt, or even explode when heated.
You want to keep your microwave—and yourself—safe, so it’s worth knowing what to avoid.
Metal Objects and Aluminum Foil
Metal objects and aluminum foil just don’t mix with microwaves. Metal reflects microwaves, which leads to sparks and can even start a fire.
That means no forks, no plates with shiny paint, and definitely no aluminum wrappers.
Even tiny scraps of foil can cause arcing and mess up the inside of your microwave. If you need to cover food, go for a microwave-safe lid or just use a paper towel.
Skip anything with metal parts to dodge those scary sparks.
Containers With Plastic Wrap or Styrofoam
Not every plastic wrap or container is safe for the microwave. Thin plastic wraps can melt and might let nasty chemicals seep into your food.
Styrofoam? That stuff warps or melts, and suddenly you’ve got a mess or, worse, a burn.
Stick with containers that actually say “microwave-safe” on them. Takeout boxes made from foam or thin plastic wraps are better left out.
When you’re not sure, just transfer your food to a proper microwave-safe bowl. It’s not worth the risk.
Eggs in Their Shells
Microwaving eggs in their shells is a bad idea. Steam builds up inside, and then—boom—they explode.
The pressure can’t escape, so you end up with a mess or maybe even a minor injury.
If you want to cook eggs in the microwave, crack them into a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. That lets steam out and keeps things under control.
Always pierce or stir eggs before microwaving, just to play it safe.
Hazards and Alternatives to Microwaving Certain Items
Some materials spark or even catch fire in the microwave. Others can leach chemicals into your food.
You can dodge most of these problems by choosing better ways to reheat your food.
Risks of Sparking and Fire
Metal in the microwave? That’s just asking for trouble. It reflects the microwaves instead of absorbing them, which leads to sparks and sometimes fires.
Things like aluminum foil, metal utensils, and even dishes with a metallic trim shouldn’t go in there.
Even tiny bits of metal—twist ties, staples—can spark. If you ever see sparking or smoke, just stop the microwave right away.
Want more details about metal hazards? Check out What You Can and Can’t Put in a Microwave – Whirlpool.
Chemical Contamination From Containers
Some plastic containers leach chemicals into your food when you heat them. That can’t be good for your health, especially over time.
If a container isn’t labeled microwave-safe, don’t use it. Containers with BPA or other sketchy additives should go in the trash.
Glass and ceramic (without metal) usually work best. And those plastic wraps or single-use containers? They can melt or leach chemicals too.
For more info, take a look at 12 Things You Should Never Put in the Microwave for Safety.
Safe Methods for Reheating Food
Grab a glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic container when you’re heating up leftovers. These materials let microwaves do their thing without causing any trouble.
If you’re reheating soup or any kind of liquid, cover the container to keep splatters in check. Just remember to leave a tiny vent so steam can slip out.
Give your food a good stir about halfway through. That helps everything heat up more evenly and avoids those weird hot spots.
Not a fan of microwaves? You can always pop your food on the stove or into a regular oven. Sure, it takes longer, but there’s pretty much zero risk of chemicals leaching or a fire starting.
If you’re curious, you can get more tips at What Should You Never Put in The Microwave? – Appliance City.
