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Microwaves operate with electromagnetic energy, so everything you cook in them will be affected by that energy. Particular foods will either absorb or reflect the waves of energy while being cooked.  Items that absorb energy and/or cannot tolerate high temperatures should not be put into your microwave.

Here is a partial list of items that should never be put into a microwave: 

• Styrofoam cups and plates should never go in, as they will soften and collapse when the temperature reaches the boiling point.

• Metal pans, bowls or utensils, as they may spark a fire.

• Eggs in the shell, as they will explode.

• Baby bottles, as they can easily overheat.

• Clothes that you want dry may cause a fire instead.

• Meat skewers, as they are metal.

• Tin foil, as it will smoke or burn.

• Plates or cups that have gold edging or decoration as they could spark a fire.

• Fleshy fruit with skin such as grapes, as they may explode and leave a big mess to clean up.

It is all right to put the following items in your microwave: 

• Most plastic, as they don’t absorb microwaves

• Glazed ceramics, but not unglazed

• Glasses and mugs

• All microwave safe products

• New metal cookware that is safe for microwave use. The packaging will clearly state that.

Although most plastics have been deemed safe for microwave use, fears abound that dangerous chemicals can get into your food. This is especially true of pre-packaged meals. Even pre-package popcorn gave the food industry a scare a few years ago, when it was found that small amounts of benzene had leached into the popcorn.  A plastic attached to aluminum for crisping things like pizza was also found to be dangerously high in benzene. The two are bonded together with an adhesive that creates benzene when heated. Apparently, manufacturers have now eradicated this problem. 

New technology has lead to the creation of all kinds of packaging, including polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. The latter item contains chemicals that give plastic more flexibility. There is some concern that plasticizers emit endocrine disrupters that can affect a person’s hormones, cause birth defects, cancer and other serious health problems.  Fortunately, Tupperware and Rubbermaid items do not contain plasticizers. However a very small amount was found in plastic wrap, but many products you buy that are covered in cling wrap were found to be high in benzene.  

To date, no one really knows the health risks of chemicals that are released at low levels, but there is a couple if things you can do to avoid them. Remove all store packaging before putting an item in the microwave. Use a microwave safe plate instead. Avoid using plastic wrap to cover food. Use a microwave cover instead.  

If you need a professional to inspect your microwave or are looking to purchase a new one and you live in the Los Angeles County area, go to www.chiefappliance.com.