What is Allowed in The Microwave and What is Not? An Overview

What can go in the microwave?

The microwave defrosts frozen food in minutes and can eliminate any flavor from the food in record time. Some things shouldn’t go in the microwave, but others should. Our overview provides information:

• In principle, you can put (almost) any food in the microwave. We show the exceptions in the next paragraph.
• However, it is important in which container you put the food in the microwave. With plastics, it is very important that they are microwave safe and do not warp in the microwave. Homo-polypropylene can withstand a maximum temperature of 120°C. Polybutylene terephthalate and polysulfone can even be heated up to 160°C. Polyetherimide and polyethersulfone even withstand temperatures up to 200°C.
• However, the best is liquid crystal polymer, which you can heat up to 230°C. Only put plastic in the microwave that has been given the OK by the manufacturer.
• Porcelain plates can also be put in the microwave. However, not all porcelain is suitable for the microwave. This also applies to glass: it can only be put in the microwave if the manufacturer expressly says so.

What is not allowed in the microwave?

Much more exciting and important, however, is the question of what should not be put in a microwave:

• Potatoes should never be warmed up, as the heat can cause the bacterium Clostridium botulinum to multiply. This leads to food poisoning. You should also never reheat mushrooms, as this damages the protein enzymes. You should also eat poultry on the same day and not reheat it. Beetroot, turnips, celery, pepperoni, rice, and pasta also do not belong in the microwave. Foodstuffs that contain a lot of water and do not allow the water vapor to escape are also not allowed in.
• In general, you should also not heat wine bottles and beverage cans in the microwave, as they may explode.
  Eggs also do not belong in the microwave because of the risk of explosion.
• Gas bottles and other tightly sealed objects should not be placed in the microwave.
• In addition, you should not heat fireworks, matches, and radioactive substances in the microwave. Actually a matter of course, but we’ll list it again just to be on the safe side.