Microwave Sparking: How to Prevent This Leave a comment
There are a lot of people who have complained about their microwave sparking and burning. In most cases, it is because they’re not using it the right way.
The microwave is a kitchen appliance notable for quickly heating up meals and cooking up wholesome delicacies.
When you start seeing sparks in the appliance, then it means that something is wrong as sparking is definitely not part of its features.
Failure to deal with this problem can cause irreparable damage to the appliance and might even pose a fire hazard in the worst-case scenario.
Here are some tips on how to avoid sparking and burning in your microwave:
How to prevent microwave sparking
Take advantage of the valuable tips below to prevent your microwave from sparking and possible damage.
1. Make sure you choose the right kind of cookware
According to the American Association of Meat Processors, it’s important to use stainless steel, cast iron or enamel-coated cast iron cookware when cooking in the microwave.
Generally, this cookware is safer than other types of cookware because it can prevent sparks or ignition that may occur if the cookware comes into contact with water or other fluids.
Using this kind of cookware will also ensure that your food is cooked properly. You can use any metal pan, such as aluminium, copper, or brass to cook in the microwave, but the more reactive the metal the more easily it will spark and burn.
2. Make sure the cookware has tight-fitting lids
Just like any other type of cookware, you should use a lid that fits tightly over the pot to prevent steam from escaping while it’s being heated. Avoid using loose-fitting lids because they can burn easily and cause sparks or explosions.
3. Never wash your cookware in the dishwasher
It may be tempting to clean pots and pans in the dishwasher, but you should never do this because the lid of your cookware may fall off and become damaged. Also, if your lid is not secure, it is more likely to become dislodged and cause a spark in the microwave.
4. Don’t leave food sitting for too long
You should always make sure that there’s plenty of space between the food and the sides of the microwave before you begin cooking. You should also remove any condensation that may have formed on the inside of the glass before cooking your meal.
5. Check for leaks regularly
If you notice that steam is leaking from the bottom of your microwave, you should remove the dishes immediately to prevent any damage from occurring.
6. Keep the door closed at all times
You should keep your microwave door closed while the food is being cooked. If you open the door while it’s in use, you may cause a spark to occur because the air in the oven will rush out and collide with the food.
7. Don’t put glass, ceramic or plastic in the microwave
These items should never be used in a microwave because they may become too hot or melt while your food is cooking.
8. Clean the microwave thoroughly after each use
Your microwave can get very dirty over time and it’s important to clean it often to prevent it from smelling bad. If you clean it on a regular basis, it should be in good working order for years to come.
9. Use an exhaust fan to remove steam
It’s important that you use an exhaust fan to remove excess steam from your microwave in order to prevent it from damaging the walls or ceiling of the room.
10. Never leave food (in the microwave) unattended
Leaving food in the microwave can be dangerous because it can become very hot very quickly.
11. Upgrade your microwave
If your microwave has lasted for more than five years with regular use, then it’s probably time to upgrade to a new one.
Long-serving microwaves may tend to have corroded components that may not be visible to you. This can result in sparks within the unit. Getting a new one would be your best option for resolving this.
Final Words
A microwave that sparks is never a good sign. It’s either you’re doing something wrong or a component is faulty in the appliance.
Old microwaves are also prone to bringing out sparks due to wear and tear over the years. Fortunately, there are plenty of new microwaves in the market you can get to replace your old ones.
