Can You Put Metal in the Microwave?
No, you should not put metal in the microwave in most cases. Metal reflects microwaves and can cause sparking, fires, and damage to your microwave. This includes utensils, aluminum foil, twist ties, and containers with metallic trim. Some microwaves have specific metal accessories designed for use with them.
Key Takeaways
- Microwaves heat food by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules to vibrate.
- Some modern microwaves include metal racks or crisper plates designed to be safe in that specific unit.
- Metal-rimmed dishes and plates with metallic decorations should never be microwaved.
Explanation
Microwaves heat food by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules to vibrate. Metal reflects these waves instead of absorbing them, causing the energy to bounce around inside the microwave and potentially arc between metal edges.
When microwaves arc, you see sparks that look like tiny lightning bolts. This can damage the microwave's magnetron (the component that produces microwaves), burn holes in the interior, or start a fire if sparks ignite nearby food or paper.
The shape of metal matters significantly. Sharp edges and thin metals (like twist ties and foil) are most dangerous because they concentrate electrical charge. Smooth, thick metal with no sharp edges is less likely to spark but still not recommended.
Things to Know
- Some modern microwaves include metal racks or crisper plates designed to be safe in that specific unit.
- Metal-rimmed dishes and plates with metallic decorations should never be microwaved.
- If you accidentally run the microwave with metal and nothing happens, stop it immediately and consider yourself lucky.