The short answer is yes, you can technically put aluminum foil in the microwave, although the use of aluminum foil in microwaves has been heavily debated. With a few tips and tricks it is doable. However, let’s breakdown when it’s safe to do so and why you may, or may not, want to use aluminum foil in your microwave.
Aluminum foil can be so handy. We love to make hobo dinners and foil packs in the oven. It is also a great replacement for plastic wrap, wax paper, or brown paper bags, especially for your sandwiches.
How Do Microwave Ovens Work?
We need to take a dive into how a microwave oven works to fully understand how it will affect aluminum foil. Microwaves work by using electromagnetic waves. Microwave radiation works similar to the sun’s rays.
Microwave energy generates electric fields and this energy penetrates foods and converts electromagnetic energy to thermal energy. Basically, these short-form radio waves penetrate foods and excite the molecules such as water molecules which makes them vibrate faster, thus generating thermal energy.
Certain containers reflect electromagnetic energy while others allow it to pass through. Metal containers reflect the electromagnetic rays which is why it is usually not recommended to use aluminum foil in your microwave oven, even other thin metals, not any metal cookware.
However, things like glass and plastic do not reflect the energy and instead allow it to pass through and heat your food, which is also why these containers tend to stay cooler during microwave cooking.
How to use aluminum foil in the microwave?
Always use smooth foil when using it in the microwave. Never reuse old foil or crinkle it up beforehand. Avoid having sharp edges.
Do not use aluminum foil at all if your microwave has a metal turntable or metal shelves.
Do not use aluminum containers such as aluminum trays, aluminum pans, and aluminum cookware.
Generally, a small amount of foil is best and is also best placed over on 1/4 of the food item on the surface. Make sure the foil does not touch your microwave oven walls, in fact keeping it at least 1-2 inches away is best. Always check if the foil has a microwave-safe label or a non microwave-safe label and listen to manufacturer’s safety precautions. If it has a non-microwave-safe label, then it is specifically not meant for microwave use.
Why microwave aluminum foil?
Tossing your aluminum foil product right into the microwave can be a convenient way to cook your food right from the fridge or freezer. Aluminum foil is known to be a great conductor of heat.
Aluminum can also help to make things crispier, like pizza crust when placed underneath it.
It can also speed up cooking time and make food items more tender. Some store-bought products have aluminum foil packaging and can work great for cooking in or on so long as you follow the package heating instructions.
Tips for Using Foil in the Microwave
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook or reheat your food, using foil in the microwave might be a tempting option. However, it’s important to know the proper way to use foil in the microwave to avoid any potential hazards.
Follow Safety Precautions if you plan on using aluminum foil in the microwave.
Do Not Use Aluminum Foil in microwaves equipped with a metal turntable or some sort of metal shelving.
Make sure the foil is smooth. Therefore, you should use only a fresh sheet of foil without any wrinkles. This will reduce the risk of fire and sparks.
Do not let the foil touch the walls or ceiling. Aim for at least 1-inch of clearance.
Check for a microwave-safe label on containers that have a thin sheet of foil at the top or bottom. Often chicken pot pie boxes and pizza in a microwaveable box contain thin pieces of metal foil as it helps the crust get crispy. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Food will not cook if you put aluminum cookware, like pie plates, cake pans or bread loaf tins in the microwave. Further, it is unsafe.
Stay close to your microwave oven so you can turn it off right away if you see or hear any sparks!
Why not put aluminum foil in the microwave?
While we can see how tempting it is to put aluminum foil into the microwave, we just think it is too dangerous to do so. Although it can be done safely, we do not recommend using it with a microwave as there is too much room for user error leading to risks of fires or burns.
Besides, with many other good options to use, why bother if there is a better choice? You should also be careful to check cups and other containers like takeout containers for metal pieces. Metal twist ties and tea bag stapes should also not be microwaved.
Alternatives to using Aluminum Foil in the Microwave
Here are some alternatives to aluminum foil that are microwave safe.
- Paper Towel (best alternative)
- Parchment Paper
- Some types of Plastic Bags
- Microwave-Safe Container
- Plastic Containers made for the microwave
- Glass Containers
- Silicone Baking Sheets
Can you use tin foil in the microwave?
Tin foil is very similar to aluminum foil in that it acts as a way to preserve and store food. It was a kitchen staple for many years. However, it has since been mostly replaced by aluminum foil. You can treat is similarly to aluminum foil in the microwave as they are both thin sheets of metal, but it is usually recommended against.
Can Use Aluminum Foil in a Convection Microwave Combination Oven?
Yes, it can. According to GE Appliances, when using the convection cooking feature, you can use metal and aluminum foil.
What is the difference between microwaves and microwave convection ovens? The biggest difference is how they heat the food. The microwave convection oven uses electrons to heat, while the microwave uses a magnetron tube to heat food.
Having a dual combination microwave and convection microwave is a great way to save space in your kitchen with appliances. When using the feature that switches the heating from a microwave method to a convection oven, it acts like a mini oven. The heating element and fan work together to heat the food evenly and quickly.
Can You Put a Yeti in the Microwave
No, it is not advised to put any metal or a Yeti cup in the microwave. It can cause sparks and catch on fire. Additionally, the metal becomes very hot to the touch and you can burn yourself. The insulated tumbler could explode. If the lid is on the inside could build up pressure due to the insulated design of the container.
Further microwaving the insulated tumbler could cause damage to the cup and insulation itself. No, you should not microwave an insulated tumbler.
Unless a metal cup such is designed specifically for the microwave, it should not be used in the microwave. Insulated tumblers are designed to keep contents hot or cold but are not for use in microwaves. The Ball Yeti cup is designed for using in the microwave.
How to use aluminum foil in the microwave
Kitchen Essentials
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Materials
- Microwave
- Aluminum Foil
- Microwave Safe Containers
Instructions
- Follow Safety Precautions if you plan on using aluminum foil in the microwave.
- Do Not Use Aluminum Foil in microwaves equipped with a metal turntable or some sort of metal shelving.
- Make sure the foil is smooth. Therefore, you should use only a fresh sheet of foil without any wrinkles. This will reduce the risk of fire and sparks.
- Do not let the foil touch the walls or ceiling. Aim for at least 1-inch of clearance.
- Check for a microwave-safe label on containers that have a thin sheet of foil at the top or bottom. Often chicken pot pie boxes and pizza in a microwaveable box contain thin pieces of metal foil as it helps the crust get crispy. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Food will not cook if you put aluminum cookware, like pie plates, cake pans or bread loaf tins in the microwave. Further, it is unsafe.
- Stay close to your microwave oven so you can turn it off right away if you see or hear any sparks!
Notes
Alternatives to using Aluminum Foil in the Microwave
Here are some alternatives to aluminum foil that are microwave safe.• Paper Towel (best alternative)
• Parchment Paper
• Some types of Plastic Bags
• Microwave-Safe Container
• Plastic Containers made for the microwave
• Glass Containers
• Silicone Baking Sheets
