11 things you should never put in the microwave

1. Disposable bags

Those paper lunch bags you were given as a kid aren’t as innocent as they seem. Keep paper bags, plastic bags or newspapers out of the microwave. The USDA says that “they are not sanitary, may cause a fire, and may emit toxic fumes. Intense heat may cause a bag to ignite, causing a fire in the oven ...” Yikes!

2. Yoghurt containers

One-time use plastic containers — such as yoghurt, margarine or sour cream — shouldn’t be used in the microwave. They’re intended just for one time use and aren’t equipped to withstand high heat, even just for a short period of time. The containers could warp or melt in the microwave, which can release chemicals into your food.

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet about eggs ... Source: Supplied

3. Eggs

Don’t let the internet fool you — making hard boiled eggs in the microwave oven is trouble. If you try to hard boil eggs in your microwave you’re likely to end up with a big mess to clean up. The rapid heat from the microwaves creates a lot of steam in the egg. The steam has no where to go except to explode out so that’s exactly what it does.

4. Plastic storage containers

Most food storage containers are made of plastic, and we’ve already gone over what happens to plastic in the microwave. There are specifically labelled plastic storage containers that are microwave safe - just be sure to double check.

5. Styrofoam Containers

Most of us have heard this before, but just in case a few of you are still reheating your takeaway in these containers, keep this in mind: styrofoam is a type of plastic. And plastic doesn’t play nice in the microwave — unless otherwise marked on the container.

6. Fruit

Some fruit might be able to withstand the heat, but not all. Grapes will explode. And raisins will smoke. Careful guys.

Grapes explode in the microwave. Who knew? Source: News Limited

7. Plates With Metallic Trim

Think about it. IT’S METAL. The metal can react to the heat and damage your microwave (and china).

8. Chilli

Nothing bad will happen to the chillies — except that they’ll maybe catch on fire — but when you open the microwave door after nuking hot peppers the chemical released from them will sting your eyes and burn your throat. No fun.

9. Travel Mugs

Many travel mugs are not safe to put in the microwave. If it’s made from stainless steel, don’t nuke it. The stainless steel will block the heat from warming your coffee or tea and can damage your microwave. If it’s plastic, check the bottom of the mug to see if it’s marked as microwave safe.

10. Aluminium Foil

We just want to be sure you fully understood that putting any metal, even the foil that’s covering your leftovers, should not go in the microwave. It could start a fire in there.

Keep the aluminium foil away. Source: Supplied

11. Nothing

If you turn the microwave on with nothing in it you’ll possibly blow the whole thing. Since there is nothing to absorb the microwaves, like food, the magnetron — the thing that makes the microwave function — ends up absorbing the microwaves and essentially self destructs.

BONUS: Never put anything in without a lid. It’s just not worth it, guys.

You should have covered that in gladwrap.