Every owner of a microwave oven knows that not all utensils are suitable for heating food in it. Using products made of metal or having metal parts will cause sparks and noise from the microwave oven and may cause damage to the microwave oven. But how dangerous is foil, which is a thin film of aluminum, for the microwave?
Foil container
Features of using foil
Traditional materials used for heating food in a microwave oven are ceramics, glass and plastic. It has long been known that microwave ovens and aluminum foil are incompatible, since the manufacturers of household appliances themselves warn against using this type of packaging product. But in recent years, many semi-finished products have appeared in foil trays, on which there is a mark that this product is suitable for cooking in the microwave. Does this mean that the use of any other aluminum products will be just as safe?
The technology for the production of microwave ovens does not stand still, and if metal could not be used in early models under any circumstances, then since 1980 this type of household appliance has received a number of modifications that allow the use of more materials. However, even in modern models, metal-coated plates emit a characteristic crackling sound, accompanied by the appearance of sparks. This is due to the fact that there is a small distance between the particles on the surface of the cookware, which leads to the occurrence of an electrical discharge. Such a discharge is detrimental to equipment and can cause its breakdown.
Dishes with metal coating
Features of using foil in a microwave oven
What happens if you heat foil in the microwave? Most often, heating this material results in sparks and smoke. Such experiments often end in failure - the device fails without the possibility of recovery . This outcome is caused not only by heating the foil, but also by placing metal objects in the oven.
What manufacturers say
In the microwave oven instructions, most manufacturers indicate that heating food in aluminum packaging is prohibited. Metal objects cause an electric arc, which leads to damage to the microwave.
Attention! Manufacturers also do not recommend placing metal skewers in the microwave oven for stringing food.
To heat food, it is recommended to use dishes made of porcelain, glass, compressed paper or plastic. Housewives also adapted a baking sleeve and paper bags for the microwave.
Under what conditions can you put foil in the microwave?
Unlike sputtering, foil is a continuous layer of metal, but then why does it also cause sparks? The answer to this question lies primarily in the differences between regular and special foil. In appearance, they are practically the same, but the latter is characterized by greater thickness, heat resistance and the presence of holes for the release of hot steam.
Special foil
Another secret to the safe use of aluminum film is strict adherence to a number of rules:
- Foil dishes must be placed strictly in the center of the rotating tray, and the distance from its edge to the inner walls of the device should not exceed 2 centimeters. Installing more than one container on one pallet is not permitted.
- The heated semi-finished product should not fill the entire volume of the mold, leaving 5-10% of free space.
- The container must be internationally microwave friendly. As a rule, such containers have a characteristic shape, sides no more than 2-2.5 cm high and a perforated surface.
- Reuse of aluminum films and forms is unacceptable.
- Under some conditions, ordinary foil can be used to heat food (for example, wrapping chicken legs or wings), making holes with a sharp object and placing the dish in a heat-resistant glass pan.
Option for using foil
Which foil in the microwave will not harm you?
Although you can use foil paper in the microwave oven, you should not do it too often. Disposable tableware and containers are also made from this material. You can purchase packaging in specialized stores, hardware stores or supermarkets.
The appearance of the paper is similar to foil - the same shiny surface, but the material has a number of advantages.
The difference between foil paper and regular foil:
- she is thicker;
- has increased heat resistance;
- has holes for steam outlet.
Products wrapped in foil paper are protected from overheating. In such packaging you can not only heat, but also cook food. Use the film or form only 1 time.
Important! For cooking fish or meat, it is better to purchase special utensils. Foil paper is used to cover the dish while cooking.
Paper is needed to cover non-standard dishes that do not have a lid. It prevents food from splashing and allows you to keep the device clean. When using the material, it is prohibited to secure it to the sides of the cookware with metal clips. To fix the paper, use special rubber rings or adhesive tape.
Can foil paper be used to defrost food? Yes, this packaging is suitable for preparing frozen foods. It is important to ensure that the paper does not touch the walls of the oven, otherwise sparks and smoke may appear. The optimal distance from the dish to the microwave wall is 2-3 cm.
Attention! To prepare the dish, use foil dishes with a depth of no more than 2.5 cm.
Instructions for using foil paper packaging:
- Remove the top layer of foil - this will help the microwaves penetrate the food.
- Place the opened package in a paper box, if included.
- The dish should fill the container 90-95%.
- Secure the cover with a rubber ring or adhesive tape.
- Place the container in the oven.
- The dishes should not touch the walls of the appliance.
If the microwave has a “Grill” or “Convection” function, food can be cooked in foil containers in a mode with the microwaves turned off.
Packaging manufacturers do not recommend heating several containers at once. When turning the pallet, the boxes will touch the walls, which will lead to the appearance of an electric arc.
Actions to take when an arc occurs:
- Unscrew the plugs or turn off the circuit breaker on the electrical panel.
- Disconnect the microwave oven from the network.
- The door can only be opened 5 minutes after the emergency.
Opinion of manufacturers and experts
In 2006, the European Foil Association (EAFA) officially approved the use of this material in microwave devices. The expert opinion was formed on the basis of numerous experiments showing that products made from thin aluminum film do not pose a danger either to the ovens themselves or to the food being heated. Also, studies have shown that using this material to prepare certain dishes provides some benefits.
If, despite all the recommendations, doubts arise about the suitability of special types of dishes or materials for heating in the microwave, experts recommend conducting a simple experiment. To do this, you will need to place the item in the microwave, following safety rules, place a glass cup filled with water next to it, and then turn on the device for 60 seconds. If after a minute the water in the glass becomes warmer, but the object remains cold, then you can safely heat food in it.
Is it possible to heat food in foil in the microwave?
Heating food in foil in a microwave oven will damage the device. In addition, studies have shown that it is dangerous to human health.
Important! The destruction of aluminum foil can poison food.
When exposed to high temperatures, aluminum molecules enter food. Eating such food can cause poisoning and the development of various diseases.
However, food packaging manufacturers have developed special foil paper that does not harm the device or humans. Products can be covered or wrapped with such foil.
What to do if a spark occurs
Failure to follow safety precautions and placing metal objects in a working microwave may cause sparks or even a powerful electric arc. If this happens, then first of all you need to immediately turn off the power to the outlet by opening the switch at the entrance to the apartment, and only after that can you turn off the device itself. In this case, it is not advisable to open the door immediately. It will be possible to turn on the electrical appliance only after it has been thoroughly inspected by a service center technician and the malfunction has been eliminated. In some cases, the cost of repairs can be comparable to the cost of new equipment.
Sparks in the microwave
Is it possible to cook in foil in the microwave?
Thanks to the World Wide Web, you can find out very clearly whether you can cook in foil in the microwave. Many bloggers demonstrated experiments with a microwave on YouTube, which once again proved that it is better not to do this. Regarding whether foil can be placed in the microwave, the manufacturer warns that this may result in damage. This can be explained quite simply - under the influence of high temperatures, aluminum foil is destroyed. Aluminum molecules not only cause an electric arc and a characteristic crackling sound, but can also get into food and cause poisoning. Both can end sadly - sometimes very serious damage to health is caused, and the breakdown of a microwave oven almost always turns out to be hopeless.
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Is it possible to bake in foil in the microwave?
Despite the fact that foil paper is approved for use in the microwave, it should not be used regularly. In addition, baking food in foil paper is strictly not recommended for the same reasons as in regular foil. When using such paper, you must make sure that it does not touch the walls and bottom of the microwave, as well as the product. Even the dishes covered with it must be at a distance of at least 3 centimeters from the walls of the oven so as not to damage it. In addition, before using foil paper, you should definitely read the manufacturer’s instructions for this microwave model. Perhaps this particular model is compatible only with special dishes for microwave ovens.
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