If you’re in a pinch to eat or you want a quick snack, a microwave is a convenient appliance when you’re in a hurry. Meals that would usually take 20 minutes in a conventional oven now only take 2-3 minutes. How is this possible? Here’s an interesting tidbit of information: Microwaves warm up your meals using wavelengths ironically called microwaves. The water molecules in your food absorb the waves and vibrate quickly, heating up your food. As an important appliance in the kitchen, it is important to upkeep your appliance as well as using it to your advantage to optimize your lifestyle. Whether your microwave oven is on the counter or above your range, the following list can apply to both.
- Only use microwave-safe utensils & containers
Do not use Styrofoam or plastic; the food being prepared could leach onto toxic and chemicals released. Also, while it may be tempting to use recycled containers, the plastic can taint the food. It is not advised to use metal as this can cause hazardous sparks, and lead to damage or microwave repairs.
- Never turn on an empty microwave
When your microwave is turned on with no contents inside of it, the waves will bounce around inside instead of being absorbed by the water molecules in the food. Without the absorption, the constant reflection of the microwaves can cause damage to the transmitter power tube or magnetron.
- Sterilize your sponge
Clean your dirty dish sponge by wetting it completely, and then place in the microwave for 90 seconds.
- Clean your microwave
Squeeze lemon juice in a safe-microwavable bowl. Then, fill the bowl with warm water slightly less than half way up. Place in the lemon water in microwave, heating it until it begins to boil—anywhere from 3-5 minutes. Turn off the microwave to allow the mixture to cool. Then, unplug your microwave to clean, and wipe the inside with a warm damp cloth.
- Poke holes in your potatoes
Before you bake a potato in your microwave oven, you will want to make sure you pierce the skin. If you don’t, the steam will not be able to escape the spud, resulting in an explosion and possible microwave repair. Microwave Cooking Tip: Wrap your poked potato in a wet paper towel to keep in the moisture (heat 5 minutes for an average-sized spud); you can also do this with a cleaned, husked ear of corn (heat for 2-3 minutes).
- Stir your food for even cooking
While heating up a meal, it is easy for uneven heating to occur. You may find hot spots or cold spots within your food that is unpleasant. To maintain a consistent temperature, stir your food periodically.
