Microwaves are one of the most used – and most misunderstood – appliances in the kitchen. Whether you’re heating leftovers, steaming veg, or defrosting dinner in a hurry, a microwave can save time, energy and effort. But are you really using it correctly?
Your appliances should work hard for you, and knowing how to use them properly is half the battle. Here are the most common microwave mistakes we see (and how to avoid them).
- Covering your food – but not letting it breathe
Covering your food in the microwave is always a good idea. It helps retain moisture, reduces cooking time and prevents splatter. But there’s a catch: if you seal the lid too tightly or cover food completely with cling film, steam can’t escape.
Without ventilation, pressure builds up inside the container, which can cause warping, popping lids, or even small explosions. Even microwave-safe containers can be damaged this way.
Top tip: Always cover your food loosely and leave a small gap to let steam escape. A microwave-safe lid placed slightly ajar, or a damp paper towel, works perfectly.
- Leaving food uncovered
On the other hand, skipping the lid entirely can also cause problems, especially when cooking food with high liquid or fat content. Moisture pockets can form and suddenly burst under heat (ever wondered why sausages got the nickname bangers?)
Why it matters: Uncovered food not only cooks unevenly, but it also leads to more splatter and mess inside your microwave. And nobody wants to scrape dried curry off the ceiling of the oven.
- Using the wrong containers
Not all plastic is microwave safe. Some containers can melt, warp, or leach harmful chemicals into your food when exposed to high heat.
It goes without saying, anything with metal, foil, twist-ties, or metallic trims, is a big no.
Stick with: Glass, ceramic or clearly labelled microwave-safe plastics. If in doubt, leave it out.
- Skipping the stir
Microwaves heat from the outside in, which means food can heat unevenly. This isn’t just about texture; it can be a health risk if parts of your food don’t reach a safe temperature.
Quick fix: Stir halfway through cooking or reheating, especially when dealing with sauces, rice, or meat-based dishes.
- Letting it get grimy
A dirty microwave isn’t just unpleasant, it’s inefficient. Baked-on splatters absorb energy and can reduce the effectiveness of your microwave. That means longer cook times, uneven results, and lingering smells.
Easy solution: Wipe it down regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. For tough spots, a bowl of water and lemon juice microwaved for a few minutes works wonders.
- Believing the radiation myth
One of the biggest misconceptions is that microwaves are dangerous because they use “radiation.” The truth? Microwaves use non-ionising radiation, the same type used in Wi-Fi and radios, which is perfectly safe. Cookology microwaves are fully shielded to keep all radiation safely inside the unit.
A few small changes can transform the way you use your microwave, giving you faster, tastier results and a safer kitchen experience.
Whether you’re upgrading your current model or looking to kit out a new kitchen, Cookology microwaves combine sleek design, reliable performance, and energy efficiency you can count on.
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