Can We Use Steel Utensils in Microwave Convection – Best Tips

Despite the fast growth in the use of microwave ovens, there is still a lot of confusion regarding their proper usage and maintenance. Are we to believe that it’s safe to use steel utensils in microwave ovens? Here we will discuss this topic in detail.

A convection microwave oven makes the best choice because it has the ability to perform multiple functions like baking cake and cook food in a quick manner. You can even convert it into a traditional oven and then cook your meals with the use of your favorite cooking pots and pans.

It is never a good idea to put anything in a microwave that’s not designed for it. Metal is not good for microwaves because it blocks the waves from penetrating the food. You can use other safe baking sheets for convection microwave and you can also use aluminum foil in a microwave, but you definitely should not put metal skewers or cooling racks in there. if they aren’t already in a dish, place the food directly on the floor of the microwave or on a table next to it.

Using Stainless Steel Utensils in Microwave Convection

Cooking in the microwave with steel utensils is not what you should do or even try to do. The microwaves cannot penetrate the metal well enough to heat your food to a proper temperature and cause harmful chemical reactions.

Metal will leave little or no energy to cook your food. You can use aluminum foil for cooking if cut properly and still allow for room to cook. When cooking with plastic, you should not try and break it open to make it bigger. Put it in a baking dish or on a plate before heating.

Can steel be used in convection mode?

Metal is one of the most versatile materials for cooking, but it does have its limitations. At high temperatures, metal can react with certain foods or release compounds that can affect taste or smell. Therefore, metal should not be used in convection mode since the food will absorb this reaction.

Why steel is not used in microwave?

The inorganic compounds inside the food can absorb specific frequencies of microwave radiation and be activated by it. That is why we need specific materials to cook food in the microwave. Materials such as glass, ceramics, and some plastics can be used in microwave ovens.

The material has to be nonmetallic because metallic materials reflect microwaves, thereby heating the interior of the metal object, instead of or in addition with a food product that it is supposed to heat.

Q: Can putting metal in a microwave make it catch on fire?

No, microwaves cannot catch on fire because of any external interference or internal malfunction. However, if you put something like aluminum foil in the oven and touch one side to an exposed wire (like touching your phone charger’s plug across the foil), that could easily spark and start a fire.

Related:

How to choose the best cookware for convection microwave oven 

What Pans Can You Use in Convection Microwave

Q: What happens if you put metal in a microwave?

Attempting to heat metal in a microwave oven will damage the oven. This can be caused by arcing, sparking, or other electrical events that occur when the metal makes contact with the electric currents that are used for cooking. Leaving any type of metal inside an operating oven may result in fire or injuries due to electrocution.

Final Thoughts

We hope that the discussion above has given you some useful insights into using steel utensils in microwaves. It is not advisable to use these metallic cooking tools in a convection microwave oven. As they lead to blocking of waves, hot spots, and sparks when cooking food. Therefore, it would be better if you avoid using them until it becomes absolutely necessary. There are certain safety practices that need to be followed when you’re cooking food in a microwave. For example, never put aluminum foil on top of your dish while microwaving, as it blocks the microwaves from heating your food. Also, avoid putting plastic containers under high heat or standing on them with metal shoes or coins.

Read More:

Can You Bake In a Convection Microwave?