Microwave ovens are used in millions of kitchens around the world. They are one of the most popular kitchen appliances, and it’s no wonder. Microwaves can heat food quickly and evenly, making them a convenient option for busy families. But there are many myths about how microwave ovens work and what they can and can’t do. We’ve uncovered the truth about the top five myths to banish and why it’s best to leave your door unlocked after every job.
MYTH 1: Microwaves make food radioactive.
However, there is a misconception that microwaves make food radioactive. It is simply wrong. Microwaves excite water molecules in food, which generates heat. This process does not make the food itself radioactive. In fact, the use of microwaves is very safe and there is no evidence that they pose any health risk. So go ahead and enjoy your microwave meals worry-free!
MYTH 2: Microwaves kill bacteria in food.
For years people have been warned that microwaves kill bacteria in food and make it unsafe to eat. However, recent research has shown that this is simply not true. In fact, microwaves help preserve nutrients in food and make it safer by killing harmful bacteria. If you’re concerned about food safety, then there’s no need to ban the microwave from the kitchen. Just be sure to follow the proper cooking instructions and you’ll be fine.
MYTH 3: Food cooked in the microwave is less nutritious than food cooked in a traditional oven.
Reality: When cooking in the microwave, the energy only heats the food, not the entire oven compartment. This rapid cooking can help foods cooked in the microwave retain more vitamins and minerals than with other cooking methods. This is especially true for foods cooked in the microwave without adding water.
MYTH 4: If food cooks unevenly in a microwave oven, the oven is not working.
Fact: Foods that are irregular in shape or of varying thickness can cook unevenly in a microwave oven, leaving cold spots. In addition to shape and thickness, the packaging material affects cooking. Packaging materials and containers only become hot when they absorb heat from the food as it cooks.
MYTH 5: Food can be microwaved until partially cooked.
Reality: Microwaves are sometimes used to partially cook or thaw foods that are then cooked on the grill or in the oven. But, to maximize safety, it is important to complete the cooking process immediately. Avoid transferring partially microwaved foods – especially meats – to the refrigerator to finish cooking later. Most importantly, don’t leave partially cooked food on the counter for an extended period of time. The partial cooking process can reheat food to the perfect growth temperature for bacteria. Always measure the temperature of foods with a thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Why leave the microwave door open after use?
There seem to be two main reasons why homeowners intentionally leave their microwave door open after using it. The first is to dry out the inside of the appliance and the second is to allow the oven compartment to cool. Are they right to do this and if so why doesn’t the manufacturer tell us all to do this in their user manual? So let’s clear up this confusion and figure out if you should leave your microwave door open after use.
To dry a humid microwave oven:
It is common for the interior of your microwave oven to be damp after use. So it seems reasonable to leave the door open to allow that moisture to dry out.
Microwaves are equipped with a fan and ventilation system that exhausts excessive hot air and moisture while the microwave is active and cooking. However, over time vents collect materials such as dust and grease that reduce their effectiveness. Thus, when we heat food with a high water content and the ventilation system is not optimal, the air transfer to remove the humidity may be insufficient.
Allow the microwave oven to cool:
There is a misconception that the microwave oven door should be left open to allow the oven to cool down after use. Unlike a conventional oven, microwave ovens do not heat the oven compartment. Instead, they create microwaves that bounce around the oven compartment and heat the food. It is therefore not necessary to leave the door open to cool the microwave oven.
How to successfully remove dust and grease from the fan of your microwave?
No matter how often you use your microwave, it’s important to keep the fan clean. Not only will this help keep the air in your kitchen fresh, but it will also prevent grease and dust from building up on the blades. The good news is that cleaning the microwave fan is relatively simple and only requires a few household ingredients.
- Start by unplugging your microwave and removing the filter.
- If the filter is extremely dirty, you may need to soak it in hot soapy water for several minutes.
- Then, using a cloth or sponge, wipe down the inside of the vent area.
- Be sure to pay special attention to the blades, as these are often the dirtiest areas.
- Once you have removed all the grease and dust, rinse the area with clean water.
- Dry it carefully.
- Then put the filter back in place.
- Put a glass filled with equal parts white vinegar and water in the microwave.
- Plug it back in.
- Heat the glass for 2 min. Then remove it.
- You will see that the steam from the water and vinegar will help to better evacuate the dust and grease still stored inside the fan.
