We all hate having the inside of our microwave coated with splatters of food, right?
If only little Sophie or Uncle Joe had remembered to cover that bubbling bowl of soup.
And let’s not even think about eggs, which explode within seconds causing a mess in your microwave.
In this article, we will answer the question “Is it safe to microwave food without a cover”.
Is It Safe To Microwave Food Without Cover?
It depends on the type of food you are microwaving.
Generally, it is safe to microwave food without a cover if it is a solid food with low water content, such as vegetables, meat, or bread.
However, if the food is high in water content or contains a lot of oil, it is recommended to cover it with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splattering and uneven heating.
When food is microwaved without a cover, there is a risk of splattering, which can cause a mess in your microwave and potentially burn you.
Without a cover, your food may also dry out or overcook in some areas, while remaining undercooked in others.
Why Do We Cover Food in the Microwave?
We cover food in the microwave for several reasons:
To prevent splattering
When food is heated in the microwave, it can sometimes splatter and make a mess inside the microwave.
Covering the food with a lid or microwave-safe cover can help prevent this.
To retain moisture
Covering food in the microwave can help trap moisture, which can prevent the food from drying out.
This is especially important for foods like vegetables and meats, which can quickly become dry if overcooked.
To speed up cooking time
Covering food in the microwave can help trap steam, which can speed up the cooking process.
This is particularly useful for foods like rice or pasta, which can take longer to cook without a lid.
What’s the Right Way To Cover Food in the Microwave?
Here are some tips on how to cover food in the microwave:
- Use microwave-safe materials
Make sure the cover you are using is microwave-safe.
Avoid using metal or plastic containers that are not labeled microwave-safe. Metal causes sparks while plastic releases harmful chemicals into your food.
- Use a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap
A microwave-safe lid is the easiest and most convenient way to cover food in the microwave.
Alternatively, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap, but make sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape.
- Use a microwave-safe dish
Make sure to use a microwave-safe dish with high sides to prevent splatters.
Avoid using plates or bowls that are not specifically labeled for microwave use.
- Leave space for steam to escape
If using a lid, make sure to leave a small gap for steam to escape.
This will help to prevent the cover from becoming too tight and potentially exploding.
- Use a paper towel
If you are reheating a small amount of food or something with a high moisture content, such as vegetables, you can cover it with a damp paper towel.
This will help to keep the food moist while preventing splatters.
The Downsides of Microwaving Food without a Cover
Microwaving food without a cover can have several downsides, including:
- Splattering
When food is microwaved without a cover, it can cause food to splatter and make a mess inside the microwave.
This can make it difficult to clean and may also cause a burning smell to linger.
- Uneven heating
Without a cover, the microwaves may not distribute evenly across the food, leading to some parts of the food being overcooked while others are still undercooked.
- Drying out
When food is microwaved without a cover, it can lose moisture quickly due to the heat, which can result in dried-out, tough, or rubbery food.
- Losing nutrients
Microwaving food without a cover can cause nutrients to escape from the food, leading to a loss of nutritional value.
This is especially true for foods that contain high levels of water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C.
- Radiation exposure
Although microwaves are considered safe when used properly, some studies suggest that exposure to microwaves can be harmful to human health over time.
Covering food can reduce the amount of radiation exposure.
What Can Be Used To Cover the Food Within the Microwave?
There are several options to cover food in the microwave:
- Microwave-safe plastic wrap
This is a convenient option for covering food in the microwave.
Look for plastic wrap that is labeled as microwave-safe, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Microwave-safe lid
If you have a microwave-safe lid that fits your dish, this is a great option for covering food.
- Microwave-safe plate
If you don’t have a lid or plastic wrap, you can use a microwave-safe plate to cover your food.
Make sure the plate is large enough to cover the dish and microwave-safe.
- Paper towel
A paper towel can be used to cover food in the microwave, but it’s important to note that it’s not completely airtight.
This means that it’s not the best option for cooking or reheating foods that need to be steamed.
- Microwave cover
You can also find microwave covers specifically designed for covering food in the microwave.
These covers are often made of microwave-safe plastic and can be reused many times.
- Microwave-safe silicone covers
These are reusable covers that can be placed directly over the food in the microwave.
They are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
No matter what you use to cover your food in the microwave, make sure it is labeled as microwave-safe to avoid any potential hazards.
Be sure to also leave a small vent to allow steam to escape, as too much pressure can build up and cause the cover to pop off.
Which Materials Cannot Be Used To Cover Food in the Microwave?
Some materials should not be used to cover food in the microwave because they may cause a fire or release harmful chemicals into the food.
Here are some materials to avoid:
- Metal
Metal can cause sparks and fires in the microwave.
- Aluminum foil
Aluminum foil can create sparks that can lead to a fire hazard causing damage to your microwave.
- Plastic containers not labeled “microwave-safe”
Some types of plastic can melt or release harmful chemicals when heated in the microwave.
- Paper bags
Paper bags can release toxic fumes that can start a fire in the microwave.
- Styrofoam
Styrofoam can melt and release harmful chemicals when heated in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Covering Food in the Microwave Reduce Radiation?
No, covering food in the microwave does not reduce radiation.
Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to heat and cook food.
The microwaves produced by the oven are absorbed by the food, causing the water molecules inside the food to vibrate and generate heat.
The radiation is contained within the microwave oven and does not escape into the surrounding environment. So, covering the food will not reduce the amount of radiation produced by the oven.
Can You Get Cancer From Not Covering Food in the Microwave?
No, you cannot get cancer from not covering your food in the microwave.
There are, however, some precautions you can take when using the microwave to minimize your exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
You can, for example, stand a few feet away from the microwave when it’s in use, or use microwave-safe containers and utensils to avoid any harmful chemical reactions with your food.
Why Shouldn’t You Seal the Cover or Close the Lid Tightly When Microwaving?
It is not recommended to seal the cover or close the lid tightly when microwaving because it can create pressure inside the container, which can cause it to explode.
This is because when food is heated in a microwave, steam is produced, which can build up pressure and cause the container to burst.
In addition, if you seal the cover or close the lid tightly, it can prevent steam from escaping, which can cause the container to overheat. This can potentially cause a fire.
To avoid these risks, it is recommended to use microwave-safe containers with vented lids or covers that are loosely placed on top.
This allows steam to escape, thus, preventing pressure from building up inside the container, ensuring safe and even heating of the food.