I always grew up hearing that you should never put any type of metal in a microwave oven. As the common thinking goes, metal will heat up and cause sparks inside of a microwave oven. This could then damage the oven and catch fire. But is it actually safe to put an aluminum pan in the microwave?
In looking into this question, I found out that there are some different opinions about this.
Some people think it’s actually a good idea to cook a food item in an aluminum container in a microwave oven while others strongly caution against this.
If you want the short answer based on my research, I would say “yes, you can,” but there are some important things to keep in mind in deciding whether it’s best to do this.
I’ll show you why this is usually safe, but also give you my recommendation for other microwave-safe bakeware as an alternative to aluminum cookware.
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Usual bakeware or cookware that restricts microwave rays from passing through the material is not suitable to be used in a microwave oven. As a disclaimer it is always advised to check all your bakeware to ensure that they are microwave safe before purchasing and using it in the microwave.
How Does a Microwave Oven Heat Food?
Microwave ovens are one of the standard kitchen appliances found in most homes today. Some people even prefer to mostly microwave food instead of using a conventional oven.
A microwave oven emits electric fields (electromagnetic radiation) to heat food quickly and efficiently.
To understand how a microwave works, you first have to know about the specific type of electromagnetic radiation it emits, namely microwaves.
Microwaves are a type of radio wave (non-ionizing radiation) that have frequencies lower than infrared light but higher than regular radio waves.
Microwave ovens have a device called a magnetron that emits waves in the 2.4 GHz band.
When microwaves enter an enclosed chamber like an oven, they create standing waves that bounce off the oven walls and mix together in certain patterns.
This field produces electrical currents inside objects that are put inside the “cavity” of the oven.
The energy from these standing waves is absorbed by water molecules in food and causes them to vibrate rapidly.
As the water molecules move faster and faster, they generate heat which cooks or warms up the food inside without requiring direct contact with flames or hot surfaces.
Because microwave energy does not heat food evenly, you may notice hot spots in your food product.
Using a turntable greatly helps to more evenly distribute heat across areas of foods.
Pros of Using Aluminum Pans in the Microwave
Those who say it’s safe to use aluminum pans in a microwave oven point out several facts to support their view.
For one, metal cookware reflects most of the electromagnetic waves emitted by a microwave oven.
In addition, there are several types of microwave cookware made out of metal, such as metal crisper pans. This cookware has been safely used for many years.
Some microwavable foods (like pies or soups) also come with a thin layer of metal in the package. This layer takes advantage of the oven’s electromagnetic field to help heat and brown the food.
Not only that, but many microwaves come with a metal turntable and/or metal shelves or cooking racks used for two-level cooking.
So, obviously it is safe at least under certain conditions to use metal in a microwave oven!
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FAQ
Can you use a baking pan in a microwave?
What types of pans should you avoid in the microwave?
Can aluminium baking tray be used in microwave?
Is bakeware microwave safe?
When microwave-safe bakeware is exposed to the microwave rays, they should pass through its material and directly heat the food. Usual bakeware or cookware that restricts microwave rays from passing through the material is not suitable to be used in a microwave oven.
Can you put bakeware in the microwave?
Usual bakeware or cookware that restricts microwave rays from passing through the material is not suitable to be used in a microwave oven. As a disclaimer it is always advised to check all your bakeware to ensure that they are microwave safe before purchasing and using it in the microwave.
Is made in bakeware oven safe?
Made In’s ceramic bakeware in blue. Made In’s ceramic bakeware is made from high-fired clay that’s oven safe up to 482F. Its thermal shock resistant enameled surface creates a naturally nonstick, smooth baking surface, resulting in a durable dish that’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
What is microwave bakeware?
A Microwave Bakeware is a microwave-safe bakeware made from very strong materials that can work well with microwave rays. The material used to make microwave bakeware does not become too hot, change shape, cause damage to the appliance, or produce harmful chemicals that contaminate food when food is baked in the microwave.