We should all understand that a microwave is a delicate device that resists some materials, and these materials may damage it. I know you wouldn’t like to spend money replacing your microwave.
So, some days ago, it was a Sunday morning, and I had just finished prepping breakfast. My eyes drifted to the shiny Sharp microwave on my countertop, which I used for quick meals and heating leftovers.
But on that particular day, I made a nearly catastrophic mistake. I grabbed a leftover sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil, tossed it in the microwave, and hit start. Within seconds, sparks flew, and I yanked the door open in a panic.
That incident taught me a lesson: while the microwave is a modern marvel, it can quickly turn dangerous if used improperly.
Like many people, I hadn’t given much thought to what should or shouldn’t go in the microwave. But after my brush with a potential disaster, I knew it was time to get educated.
The Sharp microwave, renowned for its efficiency, still follows the same rules as any other microwave. However, not all materials are safe to use, and using the wrong ones could lead to fires, chemical leaching, or even a broken microwave.
Here are five materials you should never put in your Sharp microwave to keep both your appliance and your home safe.
1. Aluminum Foil
We’ve all been there. You’re in a hurry, and wrapping your food in aluminum foil seems like a quick fix for keeping things clean. But one thing you should never do is microwave food wrapped in aluminum foil. Trust me; I learned this the hard way.
Aluminum foil reflects the microwave’s waves, causing the sparks I saw during my near-mishap. In more severe cases, it can lead to a full-blown fire. Even small pieces of foil left on food can create sparks, which could permanently damage your Sharp microwave’s internal components.
It’s tempting to wrap leftovers in foil to preserve freshness, but always remember to remove it before reheating your food. If you’re concerned about keeping your food moist or preventing splatters, microwave-safe lids and covers are a much safer alternative. Never risk a spark show in your kitchen—leave the foil out.
2. Plastic Containers
Not all plastics are created equal, especially when it comes to microwaving. Most of us have plastic containers stashed away for meal prepping or storing leftovers.
But did you know that only some plastic containers are safe to microwave? Those that aren’t labeled microwave-safe can melt under the intense heat, releasing toxic chemicals like BPA into your food.
A close friend of mine had this issue when she heated soup in a flimsy plastic container. Halfway through, the container began to warp, and the smell of burning plastic filled the air. What could have been a quick meal turned into an emergency kitchen cleanup.
To avoid such disasters, always check for a microwave-safe symbol on your plastic containers. If there’s any doubt, transfer your food to a glass or ceramic dish before reheating. Avoiding harmful chemicals and melted plastic is always worth the extra step.
3. Styrofoam
Styrofoam may seem convenient—after all, it’s lightweight and often used for takeout—but it’s another material that doesn’t belong in your Sharp microwave.
Like plastics, Styrofoam contains chemicals that can leach into food when heated. However, Styrofoam can break down even faster, posing an even greater risk to health.
A friend once made the mistake of heating coffee in a Styrofoam cup, thinking it was just for a minute. But in that short time, the Styrofoam began to melt, creating a gooey mess. More alarming was the thought of what chemicals could have seeped into the drink.
To avoid similar issues, always transfer food or liquids into a microwave-safe container before reheating. This small change can prevent melted Styrofoam and potentially harmful chemicals.
4. Paper Bags
We’ve all had moments when grabbing a paper bag to reheat food seems like a quick solution, especially when you’re in a hurry.
But paper bags—those that don’t explicitly state they are microwave-safe—should never go into your Sharp microwave. While it might seem harmless, paper bags are highly flammable and can easily ignite under microwave heat.
I once witnessed this happen to a neighbor. She had a sandwich in a simple brown paper bag and popped it into the microwave without a second thought.
Moments later, the bag caught fire, filling her kitchen with smoke. The flames weren’t the only danger—the chemicals from the burning paper released harmful fumes into the air, posing an additional health risk.
Plain paper bags are not designed to withstand the intense heat generated in microwaves. If you need to reheat something quickly, opt for a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
Using proper containers ensures that you avoid fire hazards and potential health risks. To prevent these kitchen nightmares, keep the paper bags far away from your Sharp microwave.
5. Metal Utensils
It should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how often people accidentally toss a plate into the microwave without noticing the metal fork or spoon sitting on it.
Even the smallest amount of metal in a Sharp microwave can cause sparks and fires. Metal reflects the microwave’s waves, which can lead to dangerous sparks that could potentially damage the appliance—or worse, start a fire.
I remember a family dinner when someone hastily reheated their food and left a spoon inside the bowl. As soon as the microwave started, the sparks began flying. Fortunately, we caught it in time, but it’s a mistake that can have much more severe consequences.
It’s not just utensils either—some plates and bowls have metallic trim or gold leaf decorations. While they might look decorative, these, too, can create sparks when microwaved.
Always double-check your dishware and ensure there’s no metal in or on anything you’re heating. When in doubt, stick with plain microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers.
Conclusion
Your Sharp microwave is a powerful and efficient kitchen tool, but it must be used wisely. As I’ve learned through personal experience and shared stories, putting the wrong materials into your microwave can lead to accidents, kitchen damage, or worse—serious health risks.
To ensure the safety and longevity of your microwave, aluminum foil, certain plastics, Styrofoam, paper bags, and metal utensils should all be kept far away from it.
Next time you’re reheating a meal, take a moment to double-check the material you’re using. Opt for microwave-safe alternatives like glass, ceramic, or specific microwave-safe plastics.
These simple precautions will help you avoid kitchen disasters and keep your Sharp microwave running smoothly for years to come.