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6 surprising things you can't microwave
By: Corporate Editorial Team

02/04/2025

Everyone knows to be careful about what they put in the microwave; polystyrene containers, metal and some plastics are definite no-nos. But what about food? Even if they're on microwave-safe dishes, certain things shouldn't be microwaved:

  1. Eggs. Unless the shell is removed beforehand, an egg could rupture or explode. Microwaves heat the egg's inside so quickly that the steam escapes by bursting through the shell.
  2. Hot peppers. Not only could peppers cause a fire in the microwave, but the capsaicin—a compound in spicy peppers—could burn your eyes and throat when you open the door.
  3. Grapes. Even if warm grapes sound appetizing, it's better to enjoy them cold. The fruit could explode or ignite in the microwave.
  4. Potatoes. There's an art to baking a potato in the microwave. If you don't poke holes in the skin, you could have an explosion on your hands; if you cook a potato too long, it could catch on fire.
  5. A cup of water. It's quicker than using a kettle or pot, but heating plain water is dangerous. The water becomes superheated and could erupt after it's removed from the microwave.
  6. Nothing. Turning the microwave on with nothing inside could damage your appliance—or even cause a fire. The microwaves, a type of electromagnetic radiation, have nothing to cook and heat the appliance instead.

Just because something is labeled as microwave-safe doesn't mean it can't harm you. Mugs and other dishes could be hot to the touch if heated too long, so take care when removing them from the microwave. If you're not sure if something is OK to heat, it's better to err on the side of caution.

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Corporate Editorial Team