Environmental Health & Safety

Microwave Oven Safety

Individuals cooking foods too long in the microwave cause most false alarms at the university and in particular in the residence halls.  Popcorn is one of the most popular snack foods and is most often prepared in the microwave oven.  To avoid a “snack attack” against you, know how to microwave popcorn and other foods safely.

 

To Use a Microwave to Prepare Popcorn

Read the cooking directions on the package.  Most foods have microwave preparation instructions on the package.  Time heating per instructions, but lean toward the shorter time.  Microwave cooking time can vary depending on the wattage of the microwave.

Stay with the oven when microwaving anything, for heat buildup can cause a fire.

Be careful when opening a sealed cooking bag.  Steam and hot pressurized air built up in the bag continues to cook after the container is out of the microwave.

 

Safety Instructions

Read the cooking instructions on the package.

Read any warning messages or instructions for recommended operating procedures and safety precautions on the microwave oven.  All microwave ovens are not alike.

Use the microwave only for food.  It is not a toy, a clothes dryer, or a way to heat up your school science project.  Never operate the unit when it is empty or use it for storage.

Don’t use metal such as metal-edged bowls, plates or cups, tin foil, or even twist-ties in the oven.  Watch for hidden bits of metal.  The metal can spark, called “arcing” and can both damage the unit and lead to a fire.

The door to the oven should always be secure.  If the seal, hinges, or latch are worn or broken, or if the door has a lot of “play” back and forth, do not use it; report the problem immediately.

Don’t use an oven if an object is caught in the door or if the door doesn’t close firmly or is otherwise damaged.  If you have an older model oven with a soft, mesh door gasket check for deterioration, which would require servicing.

If there are signs of rusting inside the oven, have the oven repaired.

Use only microwave-safe utensils.  Hot food melts some plastics, such as margarine tubs.

It’s a good idea to use glass for fatty foods, which get particularly hot.  However, not all glass and ceramics are microwave-safe.

NOTE:  Here’s a quick test for glass: Microwave the empty container for one minute.  It’s unsafe for the microwave if it’s warm; it’s safe for reheating if it’s lukewarm; and it’s safe for actual cooking if it’s cool.

Don’t use the microwave for deep-frying.  These applications don’t allow adequate temperature control for safe results.

 

Energy Output

The following test is used for gauging energy output:

Fill a glass-measuring cup with exactly 1-cup of tap water.  Microwave, uncovered, on “high” until water begins to boil.

Cleaning Instructions

Clean the door and oven cavity (the outer edge too) with water and mild detergent.  Do not use abrasives such as scouring pads.

Microwave Fire

If you have a fire in the microwave unplug the unit.  Do not open the door until the flames die out.  Air will feed the fire.

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Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 3/7/2011. Disclaimer.