Putting aluminum foil in the microwave isn’t something you see recommended very often. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to do, and some people might even find it useful in a pinch. So can you put aluminum foil in the microwave? And if so, what are some good reasons for doing so? Keep reading to find out more.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil In The Microwave?
No, it is not safe to put aluminum foil in the microwave. The foil is made of a thin metal that can easily deform and melt in the microwave, creating a dangerous situation. It can also produce sparks and create dangerous hot spots inside the microwave.
Why you shouldn’t put aluminum foil in the microwave?
1. It Melts.
It’s true that it’s made of metal, but it’s very thin and is not strong enough to withstand the extreme heat of the microwave. Even if you are able to get the aluminum foil in there without melting, it will still be hot enough to burn you.
2. It Creates A Fire Hazard.
The aluminum foil inside the microwave will react with any water in the space (which is quite a lot), leading to a dangerous situation for everyone in the room. If you happen to have an open flame nearby, things can get really bad very quickly.
3. There Are Better Alternatives.
If you need something that can be safely put into the microwave, there are several alternatives that are much safer than aluminum foil: plastic wrap and parchment paper (both of which can be found at your local grocery store). Both of these have a much lower melting point than aluminum foil, so they won’t melt in the microwave. They also don’t create a spark or cause any other sort of fire hazard.
4. The Microwave Is For Heating Food, Not For Heating Up Your Dinnerware.
Microwaves work on the basis of radio waves and magnetism. They don’t produce heat directly—they simply transfer heat from the food to the inside of the microwave, which is then transferred to you and your dinnerware. If you put your dinnerware in there, it will end up being rather hot as well.
5. It’s Not Worth The Risk To Save A Few Seconds Every Now And Then.
If you don’t mind getting burned by an open flame and having to throw out all your dinnerware when it gets too hot, then go ahead and put aluminum foil in the microwave if that’s what you want to do! However, most people would likely prefer a safer alternative that doesn’t involve putting their dinnerware at risk.
How to use aluminum foil in the microwave
Light And Fluffy Muffin Tops
If you love muffins but hate the idea of eating a hard and crusty top, then you can use aluminum foil to make sure that they stay soft and fluffy. As soon as you remove the muffins from the oven, wrap the top in a piece of aluminum foil to keep it soft and fluffy as it cools down. The cool air inside the muffin top causes moisture to evaporate and a crust to form. While this isn’t a problem when eating them hot, it’s not as pleasant when they’re at room temperature. Using the foil will prevent this from happening and make sure the tops stay nice and soft.
Prevent Scorching During Cooking
If you’re baking something in the oven and you notice that it’s getting a bit too dark on the bottom, wrap the baking dish in aluminum foil to prevent it from scorching. By covering the dish with foil, you’re protecting the bottom from the direct heat of the oven. This way, the food will be baked thoroughly but won’t get burnt!
Lock In Freshness
If you’re storing food in the fridge and it has a strong odor that you’re not a fan of, wrap it in aluminum foil to keep the food fresher for longer. This is because the foil will trap air inside. This air is what gives food an odor. By wrapping your food in aluminum foil and trapping the air inside, you’re essentially stopping it from smelling up your fridge. This also applies to lettuce, herbs, and other leafy greens. Wrap them up in aluminum foil when storing them in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer.
Help With Repairs
If you have an area on a piece of furniture or a wall that’s looking a bit worn out or damaged, use aluminum foil to cover it up. The foil can be painted over to match the rest of the furniture, wall, or whatever it is you’re repairing. It’s a lot cheaper than having to buy and replace the item! It can also be used to cover up an electrical wire you don’t want anyone to see. However, be sure to cover the wire with aluminum foil and then cover the foil with a piece of cloth, like a cloth pipe wrap, so that no one accidentally touches it and gets hurt.
Reheating Leftovers – Oranges, Bananas, And More
If you’ve got leftovers that you want to warm up, don’t use the microwave. Instead, wrap the food in aluminum foil and put it in the oven. The heat from the oven will warm up the leftovers much quicker than microwaving them would. And besides, microwaves don’t reheat food very well. This technique also works well for microwaving oranges, bananas, and other fruits that you want to eat warm. It’s a lot easier to peel an orange when it’s warm and the same goes for bananas.
Special Two-Person Meals
If you’re cooking for just yourself and want to eat something special, try cooking it in aluminum foil to make sure it’s warm and fresh all day long. This works best with soups and stews, but can also be applied to a few other dishes. Using aluminum foil to cook your food is a great way to ensure that it stays warm and fresh all day long if you’re working a long day.
Wrapping Food For Convenience And Safety
If you’re taking food with you on a road trip or to a picnic, you can wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it warm for longer. This way, you can eat the food right when you’re ready for it and not have to worry about it going cold before then. It can also be used to wrap up fresh food that you’re taking with you. This way, the food will stay fresh longer and you won’t have to worry about it getting squished or falling out of a container. Keep in mind that you should only wrap fresh food in aluminum foil. It isn’t meant to keep already cooked foods warm for long periods of time.
5 things to know before putting aluminum foil in the microwave
- Don’t put aluminum foil in the microwave with plastic wrap or cellophane, as these items can melt and release toxic chemicals.
- Be careful to not overheat aluminum foil in the microwave by placing it on a hot surface, or by placing multiple layers of foil on top of one another.
- Aluminum foil should be removed from the microwave immediately after use, as it takes about 30 seconds for copper to form a skin on the surface of the foil. The skin may discolor and burn into your food when reheated.
- Aluminum foil should not be used to wrap raw meat, such as fish and chicken since it will not protect the meat during cooking.
- The most common sources of aluminum exposure in the US are drinking water, food and beverage cans, cosmetics (especially deodorants), antiperspirants, diet pills, and supplements with aluminum ingredients.
Conclusion
Overall, you should use aluminum foil carefully and avoid putting large pieces of aluminum foil in the microwave. Instead, try to use small pieces with plenty of space between them so that microwaves can get through. You shouldn’t put aluminum foil in the microwave for cooking, but you can use it to keep food warm or shield it from microwaves.
