precautions while using microwaves

All paper products are manufactured with chemicals. Never use grocery bags, paper plates, newspapers, butchers wrap or other paper items to heat food. The microwave can cause chemicals in these products to transfer into your food. Use white paper towels only if the label states they are microwave safe. Wax paper, parchment paper and oven cooking bags are safe to use. Dont overheat!

Plastics melt, and most containVERY TOXICchemicals. These toxins are sealed into the plastic, but microwaving may release them. Guess where they go? Into your food! Never let plastic wrap touch your food. Use only microwave plastic wrap to cover dishes, or use a microwave plate cover or another inverted dish. Never reheat in Styrofoam, margarine tubs, whipped topping bowls or other plastic containers. If you use reheatable disposable microwave containers, discard them afterwards; dont reuse. When using microwavable plastic containers,NEVERuse with fatty, greasy or very sugary foods. Reheat briefly only, and dont overheat.

If your dishes (serving bowls, plates, mugs, cups, etc.) contain any lead at all, leaching of lead into your food is accelerated in a microwave.Utilize glass such as Pyrex or Corningware to cook food (and even to heat food, especially greasy, sugary or acid foods) whenever possible for greater safety and peace of mind.

I dont recommend cooking meats, egg or cheese dishes, custards or breads in the microwave as a general rule.(If youre happy with the results, however, thats what matters.) The microwave process shortens and tightens the protein, or the gluten in wheat, drying and toughening the product. Theres exceptions, but usually a tender, more flavorful dish can be done using conventional heat. Reheat breads very briefly, wrapped in a damp paper towel. Meats are best reheated briefly, covered, on lower power if possible.

If something in your microwave catches on fire, dont open it or throw water on it. Hit the stop button, unplug it quickly, stand by with a kitchen fire extinguisher just in case (you do have one, dont you?) and let it burn itself out. It may damage your oven but it shouldnt burn you or ruin your kitchen that way. Never use a microwave with a damaged or misaligned door or seal.You can findreplacement partsonline.

Make sure children understand the rules about using a microwave. In many ways, using one is safer for them than using a stove, but it has its own very real dangers. Use only microwave plastic wrap to cover dishes, or use a microwave plate cover or another inverted dish. Never reheat in Styrofoam, margarine tubs, whipped topping bowls or other plastic containers. If you use reheatable disposable microwave containers, discard them afterwards; dont reuse. When using microwavable plastic containers, NEVER use with fatty, greasy or very sugary foods.