A microwave can cause burns or a fire if it is damaged or used incorrectly. Food or sealed containers can burst, and overheated liquids can erupt. These are different hazards; a cup of water erupting does not mean the whole appliance has exploded.
Avoid Sealed Containers and Unsuitable Foods
Do not heat sealed containers or eggs in their shells. Pressure can build up inside them. Follow the microwave and food instructions for other foods and containers.
Use cookware approved for the selected mode. Metal racks or limited foil use may be permitted by a particular manual, but that does not make arbitrary metal containers or utensils safe. Stop if sparking occurs and follow the manufacturer’s guidance. The Panasonic NN-SU158 manual provides one model-specific example of cookware and food warnings.
Be Careful With Hot Liquids
FDA warns that water can become hotter than its boiling point without visible bubbling and then erupt when disturbed. Do not exceed the recommended heating time, and follow the manual’s standing and handling precautions.
Do not perform grape, metal or superheated-water demonstrations in a kitchen microwave. There is no need to create a hazardous effect to test whether the appliance is working.
Use Qualified Service for Damage
Do not use a microwave with a damaged door or latch, or one that appears to operate with the door open. Unusual burning smells, damaged wiring or repeated faults require manufacturer guidance. The FDA’s microwave guidance explains door and interlock precautions.
Do not open its cabinet or attempt an electrical repair. A safety mark is not a guarantee that a damaged appliance is safe.
What Should You Do if Food Catches Fire?
Keep the door closed and switch the oven off if you can do so safely. Do not reach through flames or move burning contents. If you are unsure whether the fire is contained, leave and call the local emergency service. The U.S. Fire Administration advises keeping the door closed when food catches fire.
Do not assume that the flames are guaranteed to die out when the fan stops. Keep the appliance out of use until the cause and any damage have been assessed.
Prevent Problems During Normal Use
Keep the interior clean according to the manual, use suitable containers and supervise cooking. Follow the correct time and power settings instead of repeatedly adding long heating intervals. Handle hot food and steam carefully even when the appliance itself is functioning normally. Consult the manufacturer’s safe-use guidance along with the manual for your exact model.
Related Reading
- The Basics of a Deep Fryer
- Exploding Deep Fryers: Causes and Prevention
- Will Putting Your Rice Cooker in the Dishwasher Damage It?
- Can Operating a Rice Cooker Lead to an Explosion?
- Is Airflow Required for Microwave Ovens?
- Overcoming the Problem of Internal Rust in a Microwave Oven
- Finding the Right Oil for Deep Fryers
- Should You Leave Your Rice Cooker On for an Extended Period?
- Examining When it is Appropriate to Use A Blender Instead of A Mixer
