Putting metal things in a microwave

[Ilovehills]

I`ve got a round metal baking sheet that I always use as a tray, and the other evening my meal wasn`t hot enough, so I put it in the microwave for a few minutes - including the metal tray, without thinking.......

No problem whatsoever, no sparks, flames, disasters - NOTHING.

Makes no sense to me, I`ve seen what can happen, but in my case nothing did. Don`t want to try it again though!

 

[Sbudge]

We used to pop CD/DVD's in an old microwave for 'secure destruction'. The results were quite pretty. No idea if it was safe or sensible but I can guarantee that media was erased!

 

[Markymark]

I`ve got a round metal baking sheet that I always use as a tray, and the other evening my meal wasn`t hot enough, so I put it in the microwave for a few minutes - including the metal tray, without thinking.......

No problem whatsoever, no sparks, flames, disasters - NOTHING.

Makes no sense to me, I`ve seen what can happen, but in my case nothing did. Don`t want to try it again though!

It’s the fine peaks and troughs that can cause sparks. Smooth tray should be fine. Metal container stops the microwaves penetrating the food. If it’s on metal rather than in metal, again, should be fine.

 

[rikki]

From observing others using microwave ovens in communal kitchens (i.e. not their own microwave)

Aluminium foil trays for takeaway meals cause no problems. However, the cardboard lid with the thin foil coating will catch fire, so leave that off.
The ovens did not appear to be harmed by this treatment which occurred numerous times every day.

I've been told by an electronics engineer that problems arise if there are two different types of metal or metal of varying thickness. So a copper based saucepan is a definite no.

 

[slowmotion]

I once tried to dry a wet piece of paper in the microwave. It caught fire.

 

[Ilovehills]

It’s the fine peaks and troughs that can cause sparks. Smooth tray should be fine. Metal container stops the microwaves penetrating the food. If it’s on metal rather than in metal, again, should be fine.

Oh right, you learn something new every day, didn`t know that!

 

[Threevok]

BTW : You can't cook a Fray Bentos pie in the microwave

Especially when it's still in the tin

 

[snorri]

I reheated a cup of tea in a microwave and noticed sparks flying off the rim. It had gold-coloured paint on it so must have contained something metallic.

Yes, done that!
There was no apparent damage but I never allowed it to happen again and the oven continued to function satisfactorily for many years after.

 

[PeteXXX]

Metal in a microwave is how scientists discovered the Hadron Collider!!

 

[Threevok]

Metal in a microwave is how scientists discovered the Hadron Collider!!

Really ?

I thought they just banged their heads together and came up with it

 

[PeteXXX]

Really ?

I thought they just banged their heads together and came up with it

Well, maybe not really

 

[Julia9054]

I once tried to dry a wet piece of paper in the microwave. It caught fire.

Reminds me of the 2 A'level physics students who managed to set the school on fire. Debating due to water content whether paper would set alight in the microwave or not, they decided to try it in the microwave in the 6th form common room. Due to an utter lack of common sense, instead of trying it with a small piece of paper, they put in a whole pad. It set on fire.
Panicking, they took it out and quickly threw it in the bin. Which set on fire.
The best course of action at this point was to throw the bin out of the window and run away.
Unfortunately, the window was above a flat roof. Which set on fire!
Result? - several fire engines and a two week exclusion each!
I believe one of the lads went on to study at Cambridge!

 

[Profpointy]

But we ain't got nuffin worth nickin mister! I'll watch your car for two bob...….

"my rotweiller will watch the car sonny !"

"is he good at puttin' out fires too?"

 

[Profpointy]

I once tried to dry a wet piece of paper in the microwave. It caught fire.

A pal of mine tried to dry his trousers in the microwave. "liar, liar pants on fire" was mentioned a couple of times but it did happen

 

[classic33]

BTW : You can't cook a Fray Bentos pie in the microwave

Especially when it's still in the tin

Use a sidecutter and you're left with a smooth metal container!!