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!
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