CAN YOU PUT ALUMINUM FOIL IN THE MICROWAVE?

IS IT SAFE TO PUT ALUMINUM FOIL IN THE MICROWAVE?

When used properly and following your microwave’s product manual, you may be able to safely put aluminum foil in your microwave. However, safe use of aluminum foil in the microwave requires very specific conditions, so it’s generally best to avoid it.

Aluminum foil is sometimes used in microwaves to shield or cover dishes to prevent splatter or create steam during the cooking or reheating process. When using foil as a shield in the microwave, it must remain completely flat.

Microwaves work by using electromagnetic energy to stimulate the molecules inside food and produce heat. When used improperly, aluminum foil can disrupt the electromagnetic energy and result in undercooked food or even damage to your appliance. Some safety precautions for using aluminum foil in a microwave include: 

• Keep the foil as flat as possible. Crumpled or bent foil can cause electric sparks to shoot across the surface.

• Don’t attempt to microwave food wrapped in aluminum foil, as the foil will reflect the waves rather than absorb them.

• Ensure that the edges of the aluminum foil are at least one inch away from the walls, ceiling, or floor of your microwave at all times.

• Don’t allow the aluminum foil to contact other metals while inside the microwave.

• Always use the turntable.

• When in doubt, avoid placing any kind of metal, even aluminum foil, in your microwave.

CAN ALUMINUM FOIL CATCH FIRE IN THE MICROWAVE?

Aluminum foil can lead to sparking inside a microwave when used incorrectly. These sparks may ignite materials around the tinfoil, which could result in a fire. Always follow instructions in your owner’s manual and use extreme caution. If there is no guidance provided in your manual on aluminum foil, do not use it in your microwave.

CAN YOU PUT METAL IN THE MICROWAVE?

In general, metal should be avoided in microwaves. Metals reflect microwaves, carrying a risk of causing sparks in the interior. Items containing steel, iron or copper should not be used in a traditional microwave. It is also not recommended to use aluminum bowls or trays inside your microwave. 

However, if you have a convection microwave, you may be able to use metal cookware or containers while using the Convection setting. Select Maytag^® microwaves come with metal racks and bakeware that can be used following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

CAN ALUMINUM FOIL GO IN THE OVEN?

Aluminum foil is often used in ovens for cooking, baking and covering surfaces to catch spills. However, it's important to make sure it's not touching any of the heating elements and to maintain some space between the foil and the food to permit airflow.

WHAT KINDS OF MATERIALS CAN GO IN THE MICROWAVE?

The safest materials to use in the microwave are those that absorb microwaves effectively, such as glass, paper, and some ceramics (with no metal accents). 

• Glass and ceramics: Most ceramic and glass dishware like mugs, plates, bowls and cups can be microwaved. However, crystal and some handmade pottery may not be microwave safe.

• Some plastics: Some plastics, like cups or containers meant for longer-term use, can be microwaved safely. Avoid microwaving single-use plastics like yogurt containers, plastic to-go boxes or any plastic that doesn’t explicitly state that it is microwave safe. 

• Paper plates: As long as they aren’t coated in a thin layer of plastic, you can safely microwave most paper plates. Always check the manufacturer's packaging for the microwave-safe symbol.

• Paper towels: The majority of paper towels are safe for microwave use and commonly serve to minimize food splatters while cooking.

Always ensure materials used in the microwave are labeled as such and follow the manufacturer's instructions.