Why you can’t put foil in the microwave, but semi-finished products in foil can
The general rule is not to place foil, metal utensils, or plates or cups with metallic rims. And whoever, out of forgetfulness, acted differently saw electrical sparks and a dangerous crackling sound. Why are semi-finished products for microwaves sold in foil containers?
Why are sparks flying?
Foil, steel, rims on dishes - all these materials conduct current perfectly and at the same time block microwave waves, taking all their power upon themselves.
And if the distance between the paint particles or dishes and the metal walls of the microwave chamber allows, a microscopic or completely visible electric arc is created - a short circuit between closely spaced contacts. This powerful discharge is accompanied by a crashing sound. And then there is often an explosion.
Can you put foil in the microwave?
The answer is yes, but in such a way as to minimize electrical conductivity. Greater density and uniformity of the material, as well as perforation, are needed.
How it works:
- multiple holes let steam out - the dish heats up better and the dishes don’t get hot;
- the open top performs the same task - the lid must be removed;
- there must be at least 2 cm between the walls and the dishes to prevent arcs from forming;
- the volume and height of the dishes should be small (recommended no higher than 2.5 cm);
- You cannot put two foil or metal containers into the microwave - too close, and a discharge arc will break out.
The magazine purity-en.htgetrid.com recommends using only dishes and packaging that have a sign that allows them to be heated in microwave rays.
Advice
Microwave foil must be heat-resistant, otherwise it will melt and poison the food with inclusions of aluminum.
All of the above parameters correspond to containers and plates made of foil film or paper - they sell (according to the American model) semi-finished products for heating or cooking using microwave waves. However, this utensil is strictly disposable and cannot be left for “next time”. Foil is also sold in hardware stores in rolls, suitable for microwave ovens - there is a corresponding mark on the package.
If there are any doubts
If you are not sure, then you should not experiment. A whole series of experiments show that an explosion of foil in a microwave oven results in serious damage. Repairing such a malfunction is so expensive that it is easier to buy a new device.
If possible, it is worth transferring the product into a container that is not in doubt. If this is not feasible (for example, semi-finished lasagna will simply fall apart when you try to move it), you need to use the convection or grill mode, turning off the microwaves.
In older models, the microwave mode is the only one - only safe dishes need to be placed in them.
Important
Do not, under any circumstances, put metal paper clips, clips, needles, etc. into the microwave. They will cause sparks.
How to check if a dish is microwave safe:
- Pour cold water into a cut glass and place it in the oven, closer to the edge of the turntable.
- Place the container to be tested strictly in the center of the glass tray.
- Turn on full power for 40 seconds.
- The dishes should remain cold and the water should become warm.
If the container is heated, it means that it is shielding microwaves instead of allowing them to pass freely to the food. In such a situation, food will heat more slowly and unevenly. For example, coffee will not brew in the wrong cup. Meanwhile, a microwave friendly cup is much cheaper to buy than an electric coffee maker or coffee machine.
Experimenting with your technique is an expensive pleasure. Place in the appliance only those dishes that have the microwave friendly sign on them, so that the appliance operates longer and the food is heated better.