Important Things to Do When Cooking in a Microwave | Food Safety Temperatures | Containers and Wraps | Microwave Oven and Nutrition

PD V20 FD001677 Microwave ovens do not cook food like other appliances. In a regular oven, hot air makes both the food and its container hot, while in a microwave, the air is cool. The microwave oven emits microwaves which cause food molecules to vibrate. The resulting friction causes heat. This heat can get hot enough to kill the bacteria in foods. However, there are a few limitations.

These microwaves heat the molecules on the outside of the food. This can, in turn, heat further inside the food, but usually there are cold spots. These cold spots are uncooked or unheated food where bacteria can survive. But, there are some things you can do to prepare food safely and deliciously in a microwave.

Important Things to Do When Cooking in a Microwave

These guidelines are important whether you are cooking raw food or reheating a meal.

Food Safety Temperatures

It is important to become familiar with your microwave. Different ovens will take longer to cook the same food. All foods should be cooked right away after defrosting. Never partially cook food and store it for later use.

  • Large cuts of meat should be cut smaller. If that is not possible, then meats should be cooked on 50% power (medium) to allow the heat to reach the center without overcooking the outer areas.
  • Use a food thermometer to verify that the food has reached a temperature where the bacteria have been destroyed. Safe cooking temperatures:
    • Red meat: 160˚F (71°C)
    • Poultry: 165˚F (74°C)
    • Pork: 160˚F (71°C)
    • Leftovers: 165˚F (74°C)
  • Cooking a stuffed poultry in a microwave is not recommended.

Be especially careful when heating baby formula in a microwave, as it may result in a scald to the baby's mouth or throat. Even though a bottle might not feel warm to the touch after it has been microwaved briefly, there may be hot spots within the formula.

Containers and Wraps

It is important to cook food in a container that will not melt. If the container melts, harmful chemicals can leak into the food.

Use cookware made of:

  • Glass
  • Ceramic
  • Other containers labeled specifically for microwave use

Never use:

  • Aluminum foil
  • Plates made of Styrofoam or plastic plates that do not say they are microwave safe
  • Storage containers such as margarine tubs and take-out containers with metal handles

Plastic wraps are commonly used to cover food while cooking in a microwave. Some wraps have chemicals that would be harmful if they leaked into the food. Precautions should be taken to make sure that the plastic wrap does not touch the food at all. Never reuse plastic wrap. Alternatively, a paper towel or a lid for a microwave-safe container might be the safest way to go.

Microwave Oven and Nutrition

Microwaves themselves do not destroy nutrients. However, heat can cause the nutrient level in foods to be reduced. Water can dissolve and wash away some vitamins. This is true of any type of cooking. There has been some speculation that microwaved food can be harmful to people. There is no credible experimental evidence to back up that statement.