Metal and Microwaves. What's the Problem?

Metal, we are told, should never be used in a microwave. Yet that is exactly what the oven is made from, right down to the reflective mesh in the window.

So what's the big deal?

To understand the relationship between microwave ovens and metal, it helps to know a little about how these modern cookers work. Most people who own one are already aware that the oven itself never heats up; so how does it cook food?

The answer lies in the power source, which is a device called a magnetron. This bombards the interior of the oven with electro-magnetic waves similar to those found in sunlight. These 'microwaves' bounce off the metal sides of the oven, as well as any other metal object placed in their path.

In the course of doing this, they will pass through any non-reflective containers and agitate the water, fat and sugar molecules of any foods they find there, thus beginning the cooking process. And therein lies our first clue.

If the waves bounce off metal, it should be obvious that any food inside such a container will remain unaffected and therefore will not cook - or at least will only cook very slowly.

This phenomenon can actually be used to the cook's advantage. By wrapping parts of unevenly sized food particles in baking foil - for example, the ends of chicken legs - we can slow down the rate at which these cook and produce a more even finish.

Of course, when doing this it's important to ensure that the foil does not touch the inside surfaces of the microwave and cause electrical arcing. While this may not be harmful to you, it could be lethal as far as the oven is concerned.

Food can also be cooked in shallow foil containers, with the same proviso as before; these must not be allowed to touch the interior surfaces of the oven.

With these, the effect is for the food in them to be cooked from the top down, with practically all the heating of the bottom layer taking place through convection. Again, the crafty cook uses this to advantage.

When the bottom of any metal container used in this way feels hot, it follows that the food sitting on top of it must be at the same temperature since that is what is providing the heat. There is no need to guess.

To sum up, contrary to popular belief and some uninformed comment, metal can be used in a microwave providing it is used sparingly and with caution. Most often you will not want to use it at all for the reasons given above, but just occasionally it can be your staunchest ally.

Michael Sheridan is an acknowledged authority and published writer on cooking matters. His website at http://www.all-about-cooking.com contains a wealth of information, hints, tips and recipes for busy home cooks.

Microwave Popcorn Health Scare

New York, NY (ContentDesk) May 9, 2006 -- A recent news piece on CNN Prime News Tonight with Erica Hill revealed evidence that microwave popcorn could be harmful to your health. In the news piece it was discovered that Fluorooctanoic Acid was shown to be in high levels in microwave popcorn bags.Fluorooctanoic Acid, which is added to the microwave-popcorn bags as a resistant coating, releases onto the popcorn when the bag is heated up and is then absorbed into the bloodstream and stays there for a long time. This chemical appears to be carcinogenic in lab animals. The FDA is now studying the effects of this chemical in greater detail.In addition to the problem above, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is studying a different problem associated with the butter flavoring in microwave popcorn. NDTV.com had this to report: Exposure to vapors from butter flavoring in microwave popcorn has been linked to a rare lung disease contracted by factory workers in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. The companies who manufacture the harmful Teflon chemical stated they will eliminate the chemical by the year 2015.So what can you do in the meantime? Popcorn has become a staple and is also an affordable luxury in these troubled economic times.

A new company has come up with an affordable, practical and convenient solution that will help ensure you and your family arent being exposed to toxic chemicals when eating this delectable treat.Grannys Natural Popcorn comes with natural FDA approved microwave popcorn bags, a recipe booklet and more. There are no additives, preservatives and/or chemicals that are now being found in the microwave-popcorn you're used to. You and your family deserve to know you are safe before 2015. To find out more about Grannys Natural Popcorn go to:http://www.grannysnaturalpopcorn.comTo find out more about the toxins your family may have been ingesting please go to:http://www.environmentalnutrition.com/pub/29_5/update/151350-1.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012502041.htmlhttp://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/2004/Microwave-Popcorn-Toxic28feb04.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acid.

 

Exploding the Microwave Myth

Despite the fact that microwave cookers have been with us for over 30 years, they still tend to be treated as a secondary method of cooking in many kitchens.

Part of the reason for this stems from some ill-informed comment made about them when they first appeared, much of which persists to this day and is still often repeated by those who should know better.

First of all it's important to understand that microwave cookery is perfectly safe. In fact, it's probably the safest form of cooking, given that the oven never heats up and has no sharp edges. You cannot burn or cut yourself on a microwave oven.

Food is cooked by exactly the same source of power that is found in sunlight; i.e. short waves of electro-magnetic energy that, in the case of a microwave oven, are converted from electricity. And although this can be described as a form of radiation it is not, as some people seem to think, radioactive.

On the contrary, this is the same short-wave energy that is used in TV sets, some medical equipment and even FM radio. It's also found in ordinary light bulbs, sun lamps and fluorescent tubes.

It cooks food because the microwaves are attracted by water molecules as well as those of fat and sugar. In turn, it causes them to vibrate, creating friction and therefore heat. It's a process not unlike someone rubbing his, or her, hands together.

In many cases, only a part of the food is cooked in this way because the microwaves only penetrate up to a depth of about 5cm. Heat is spread to the rest of the food by convection and distribution, which is why stirring the food is important, as well as leaving it to stand for a few minutes after the oven switches off.

The speed with which microwaves cook has also given rise to the idea that they are unable to change the appearance of food and in particular that they fail to brown meat.

The truth is that most of the time meat is cooked before it has time to brown. This is particularly true of poultry and small joints. Using cooking bags can help to overcome this problem - if that's what it is - as well as 'painting' with soy sauce, paprika, butter and the like.

On the plus side, meat cooked in the microwave will remain moist and succulent, retaining most of its nutrients, which in turn will give rise to enhanced flavor.

Vegetables, too, will benefit from the rapid cooking in very little water, which keeps both their color and their nutrients intact.

In short the microwave is not just for reheating leftovers and cooking TV dinners. It has a respectable place in any modern kitchen and has many benefits to offer, not the least being the fact that, while it may not entirely replace a conventional oven, it is a lot cheaper to buy, economically far superior and a good deal more versatile.

Michael Sheridan is an acknowledged authority and published writer on cooking matters. His website at http://thecoolcook.com contains a wealth of information, hints, tips and recipes for busy home cooks

What You Need To Know Before You Shop For A Microwave

The microwave oven is one of the most used appliances in most kitchens. Millions of people use them everyday to warm up leftovers, cook frozen dinners, and even make popcorn. As much as people use microwaves on a daily basis, most people only utilize a small percentage of a microwave ovens capabilities. Before you go out and purchase your next microwave oven, it is a good idea to have an understanding of everything a microwave can do for you as well as a knowledge of the types of microwaves that are available.

Most microwave ovens see the majority of their use coming from simple tasks such as reheating leftovers or thawing frozen food, but they are able to do so much more. Microwaves can also be used to cook complete meals in very little time. Because microwave ovens cook food much faster than a conventional oven or stove, more nutrients are allowed to remain in your food, making the microwave a healthy cooking option. Microwave ovens are also an economical choice because they save a lot of money in energy costs. With such quick cooking times, they will be at full power for much less time than a conventional oven or stove, using less electricity and saving you money on your utilities. They also are a wonderful alternative to cooking with your oven on a hot day. There is nothing worse than heating up the kitchen when it is already sweltering outside. Try preparing your whole meal using the microwave instead of the oven and not only will your house remain at a much more comfortable temperature, you will save money by not having to run a fan or the air conditioner to compensate for the heat the oven or stove caused.

There are several things to consider when buying a microwave oven. If you have an understanding of your cooking and reheating needs, you will be better equipped to choose exactly the right microwave oven for you. Capacity and power are the biggest differences in the microwave ovens on the market today. Before you shop around, it is best to determine what capacity and power your family needs.

If you plan to use your microwave to cook a lot of food for a large number of people you need to buy a microwave oven that is a higher powered unit. Look for a microwave with a wattage of at least 1000 watts. Compact microwave ovens run between 500-800 watts, midsize microwave ovens tend to range from 800-1000 watts, and full size microwaves are over 1000 watts. The higher the wattage, the more power the microwave has, which means faster cooking times.

The capacity of a microwave is almost as important as the wattage. You want to make sure that you get a microwave that is big enough to fit your favorite cookware. If you are planning to cook large casseroles in your microwave, you should consider buying a full size model. Compact microwave ovens have a capacity that is less than .8 cubic feet. Midsize microwave ovens have a capacity that is .8 to 1.2 cubic feet and full size microwaves are always larger than 1.2 cubic feet.

The last thing to consider when buying a microwave oven is storage. The size of the microwave will limit where you can place it, so it needs to be taken into account. If you have limited counter space, a full size microwave may be out of the question. If you are set on getting a high wattage microwave with the capacity to cook a roast, but your counter space is limited, there are a few alternatives. You can buy a microwave cart to set it on or invest in a microwave that fits over your existing range. You can also find microwaves that fit under cabinets or built in to your walls.

If you are in the market for a new microwave, carefully consider how much capacity you need, how high a wattage system you require, and how much kitchen space you can allot to your new microwave. Once you have figured out the three basics, you can easily narrow down your choices based on your list of needs. Buy the microwave that best fits all three of your criteria.

Daniel Smith writes about Home Appliances and Kitchen Appliances

Are You a Microwave or Crock Pot?

 Are You a Microwave or Crock Pot?

 by: Kimberly Chastain

In our fast paced society we often want everything done quickly or your boss wants it done yesterday. In your spiritual life are you a Microwave or Crock Pot? I think often we want God to answer our prayers in Microwave fashion. I prayed a specific request today and I want it answered today. If our prayers are not answered quickly, we often wonder, What is God doing? We also decide to go it on our own and not wait for Gods direction. Often it is difficult to wait on Gods timing.

When we are in Crock pot mode we pray and rest in the knowledge that Gods timing is best. Often, God may have to let several things simmer in our life before he answers our prayer. Many times in my life I have seen Gods handiwork after the situation is over. If God had answered my prayer the way I wanted him to, it would not have gone well at all. God knows what is best for us and when it is best for something to happen.

I look at Scripture and see God works in Microwave and Crock Pot mode. When Daniel was in the lions den God worked immediately to shut the mouths of the lions. I have to admit if I was Daniel I would want to know why God didnt act before I got thrown in the lions den. Daniel being thrown in the lions den was used to reflect Gods glory and power. God also works in Crock Pot mode. Do you remember Joshua and the battle of Jericho? The people of Israel were marching around a wall for 7 days. Dont you imagine they asked God, Why? During that time Rahab was getting her family ready to leave Jericho. Could it be that God took seven days of marching around Jericho, to save one woman and her family? Could it be that God took that time for one woman who was faithful to God in spite of her lifestyle, in spite of her whole community being against God to show his glory? Most of the Israelites did not know about Rahab, but God did. In Gods perfect timing he rescued the Israelites and Rahab, not in the way the Israelites would have wanted. God gave them victory in the battle in Crock pot mode.

So, I ask you are you in Microwave mode or Crock Pot mode in your spiritual life? Please remember God is always in control even when it feels everything is out of control. Trust Gods timing and know he only wants what is best for you.

© 2004 Kimberly Chastain

Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping Christian women make the most of their lives. She is the author of the on-line course, I Cant Say No and Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms, a free e-book. If you suffer from I Cant Say No Syndrome, visit Kimberlys site today for the details on an exciting email course thats sure to set you free! http://www.christianworkingmom.com/online.htm.

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