Metal is not safe in the microwave if: There are multiple pieces of metal next to each other (like the tines of a fork) The metal has an extremely thin or sharp edge (aluminum foil, gold trim on tea cups or plates)
If a fork has particularly sharp tines, however, then you should be careful not to put in the microwave oven. Sharp metal objects can and do spark in the microwave oven. Those sparks are probably more of a fire hazard than a food safety hazard—they can ignite the food or its container and start a fire.
Both the fork and the food are almost certainly safe. While the microwave oven is operating, electric current will flow through the fork and electric charge will accumulate momentarily on the tips of the fork’s tines. However, most forks are thick enough to handle the current without becoming noticeably hot and have tines that are dull enough to accumulate the charge without sparking. The end result is that the fork doesn’t do much while the oven is operating; it reflects the microwaves and therefore alters the cooking pattern slightly, but you probably won’t be able to tell. Once the cooking is over, the fork is just as it was before you put it in the oven and the food is basically just microwaved food.
You may have gotten away with microwaving a spoon before or noticed that some microwaves even have metal racks. Wired explains that pieces of thick, smooth metal heat up very slowly in a microwave, making them unlikely to spark. On the other hand, thin metal, like aluminum foil, will heat up so fast that it can catch on fire.
While food absorbs microwaves easily, metal does not, and microwaves get reflected off of it, sending rogue electrons bouncing around between the objects in your microwave (via New York Times). These electrons can become concentrated in certain spots within a metal object and if these spots are in contact with air, electrons will fly off the object, generating sparks. Its a scary thought, but it wont necessarily happen with every piece of metal.
The magnetron generates electromagnetic waves with a frequency that just so happens to fall in the microwave range. Microwaves agitate the molecules in your food, making them vibrate and heat up. Believe it or not, this technology was first used by the British military in their radar systems during WWII.
Most all of us have heard of the dangers of putting metal in a microwave. Perhaps you have experienced the phenomenon yourself, hoping to quickly heat up a burrito without unwrapping the foil first. Or maybe one day, while you were in a hazy morning fog, you stirred up some instant oatmeal and popped it in the microwave and forgot the spoon in there. While neither of these scenarios is ideal, the foil is much more likely to start a fire, but Wired notes that not all metal objects react the same in a microwave. However, forks are one of the most dangerous utensils to leave in the microwave.
The body of a fork may be thick, but the tines are tapered to a thin point. Sparks have a tendency to form between the tines and if you want to know where that leads, countless YouTubers have sacrificed their microwaves, so you dont have to. Even with thick metal objects, its safest to keep them away from your microwave.
Will it microwave? A fork.
FAQ
Are forks microwave safe?
Is it safe to put silverware in the microwave?
What happens if you put a fork in a microwave?
When you put a fork in the microwave, the microwaves get reflected and the cooking pattern is altered slightly but you won’t be able to detect it at all. Once the heating or cooking in the microwave is finished, you will get proper microwaved food and the fork is just the same as it was put in the microwave before the cooking process.
Is microwave popcorn safe to eat?
Microwave popcorn often contains high amounts of salt and flavorings, and may contain chemicals, which can add calories and make it a less-healthy option. So, it is a better option to homemade popcorn, using popcorn kernels, and adding olive oil and a small amount of salt.
Can you use a metal fork in the microwave?
Instead of using a metal fork in the microwave, it is recommended to use microwave-safe utensils made of glass or ceramic. These materials do not conduct electricity, making them safe to use in the microwave. Alternatively, you can also use microwave-safe plastic utensils, as long as they are labeled as such.
Should you put a fork or spoon in the microwave?
It has been taught to us since childhood, not to put any metal in the microwave along with the food. But still due to ignorance, or accidentally, we often end up putting a fork or spoon while heating food in the microwave.