Microwaves may seem like a mundane appliance in your kitchen, but don’t let that fool you. With these 10 tips, you can transform your microwave from a simple reheating machine to a kitchen superstar.
We get it, you’ve been using your heater friend for years, and you might think you’ve already mastered it. But hold on, we have some clever hacks to help you get the most out of your microwave. Trust us, it’s not just about pressing the “start” button. Let’s get to the 1st microwave tip right away!
Tip 1: Use a Microwave Cover
Microwave covers may seem like a small accessory, but they can actually make a big difference in your microwave experience. Not only do they keep your food moist and prevent it from drying out when reheating, but they also prevent those messy splatters when heating up liquids. Imagine no more cleaning up the aftermath of a soup explosion or baked bean massacre!
However, it’s important to note that not all microwave covers are created equal, and you’ll want to make sure that the one you choose fits your specific microwave. If you have a smaller microwave, you may need to search for a smaller size. But trust me, once you find the right size, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Just head to Amazon and find the best microwave cover that fits your taste and budget. They are very cheap and have a lot of options for you to choose.
Tip 2: Look for Sensor or Auto Programs
Well, well, well, look at you, trying to up your microwave game! Tip number two is all about taking the guesswork out of cooking or reheating your food. How, you may ask? By using sensor or auto programs on your microwave, my dear! Some brands call them different names, but the idea is the same: let the machine do the work for you.
With the sensor option, you select what you’re cooking, like a frozen meal, and the microwave works out how long to cook it based on the steam given off. The auto program, on the other hand, has a range of different options for reheating or cooking, like quiche, pasta, or even rice.
Just set the weight of your dish, and the microwave will do the rest. No more guessing how long to cook or reheat something! Trust me, using these programs can make a big difference in the quality of your meal.
Tip 3: Leave the Door Open
Tip number three is an easy-peasy one, my friends! All you have to do is leave the door of your microwave open after you’re done using it until it’s bone dry inside. Trust me, it’s not just about being extra tidy.
If you don’t leave the door open, you could end up with a rusty or peeling interior cavity. And let’s be real, nobody wants that! So take an extra 10 seconds to give the inside a quick wipe and leave the door open. Your microwave will thank you, and so will your wallet when you don’t have to replace it prematurely.
Tip 4: Revive Stale Bread
If you find yourself with some stale bread or cobs that have seen better days, don’t throw them out just yet! A handy tip to revive stale bread is to wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave it for a short amount of time.
To do this, simply take a sheet of kitchen roll or kitchen towel, make it slightly damp and wrap it around the bread. Place the wrapped bread in the microwave and set it to high for around 10-15 seconds. You’ll be surprised at how much this can revive your stale bread, making it soft and fresh again.
Tip 5: Choose correct power level
When it comes to microwaving food, it’s important to choose the correct power level. Don’t be one of those people who just puts everything on high and sets the time!
The high setting is only meant for certain things like soups or drinks. For vegetables, poultry, and certain types of meat, you can use the high setting, which is normally 800 watts and above. But for larger pieces of meat or reheating ready meals, it’s much better to use a medium to high setting, around 600 to 800 watts.
This will make a huge difference in the quality of your meal and prevent it from drying out. And if you’re heating up porridge, lower the power level to a medium or even low setting for a nicer result. So, choose wisely and enjoy your perfectly microwaved meals!
Tip 6: Spread your food
Tip number six – spreading your food! It’s like giving your food a little room to breathe, you know? Don’t crowd it all together in the middle like a bunch of people in a crowded elevator. That’s just gonna make for some uneven reheating.
Instead, take that food out of the pot and onto a plate, and spread it out like the perfect picnic spread. You’ll find that it’ll heat up more evenly and a lot quicker too. Plus, your taste buds will thank you for it. Trust me, your food will appreciate the extra space and love you even more for it.
Tip 7: Stack ‘em up
When it comes to reheating your food, sometimes it can be tempting to just pile everything into one bowl and stick it in the microwave to speed up the process. But hold on there, champ! There’s a better way. Tip number seven is all about stacking them up.
If you’ve got two dishes to reheat, don’t cram them into one. Instead, try spreading them out between the two. If your microwave is too small for both dishes, don’t fret. Grab a microwavable glass cup and pop it on top of one of the dishes. As long as it balances okay, it’ll heat up pretty evenly between the two.
So don’t be lazy and just pile it all in, take the extra time to stack ’em up and you’ll be rewarded with evenly heated and deliciously warm food. Too lazy? Don’t worry, just go to Amazon again and get a microwave plate stacker. (Yes, buying after clicking the link gives me a small piece of commission. Thank you so much!)
Tip 8: Don’t use square container
Well, well, well, here’s tip number eight for all you microwave mavens out there: don’t use a square container! Yeah, you heard me right. If you want your food to reheat evenly, avoid those pesky corners that will mess everything up.
Stick with a nice round container or dish, and you’ll be golden. And hey, if you absolutely have to use a square container, make sure it’s microwave-safe, especially if it’s made of plastic. We don’t want any melted messes in there. So, remember folks, round is the way to go, and always check your containers before nuking your food.
Tip 9: Cleaning the microwave the easy way
Ah, cleaning the microwave. It’s one of those things we all know we should do, but somehow never quite get around to. Well, fear not, because I’ve got a tip that’s going to make your life so much easier.
Grab yourself a bowl, some water, and a lemon. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water, and pop the two halves in too. Then stick it in the microwave for three minutes on high. When it’s done, leave it to sit for a few minutes, then carefully remove the bowl (it’ll be hot, so be careful!). Grab some kitchen roll or a cloth and give the inside of the microwave a quick wipe down.
You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to clean, and you won’t have to use any harsh chemicals. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Need more tips for avoiding smell in the kitchen beyond the microwave? Read this blog post Small Kitchen, Big Smell? No Problem!
Tip 10: Don’t put everything in the microwave
Not every food can be nuked in the microwave, folks! As much as we love the convenience of microwaving, there are some things that just don’t come out right.
Take potatoes, for example. Reheating them in the microwave can turn them into a soggy mess. And don’t even get me started on reheating pizza. It’s a crime against food. Pop that sucker in the oven for 10 minutes and you’ll thank me later.
And when it comes to defrosting meat joints, it’s a bit of a toss-up. Some people swear by the microwave, but I personally think it’s better to defrost in the fridge or under running water.
And let’s not forget about the great rice reheating debate. Some say it’s a no-go, while others are willing to take the risk. But hey, if you’re worried about bacteria buildup, it’s probably best to skip the microwave.
Bottom line: not everything is microwave-friendly, so choose wisely, my friends.
To wrap up
That’s it for today’s microwaving my friends! Thank you for reading this blog on 10 tips for getting the best out of your microwave. I hope you found it helpful and informative. Remember, by following these tips, you can ensure that your food is heated evenly, efficiently, and safely in your microwave.
Related post: Where to Put a Microwave in a Small Kitchen? We Have 13 Best Options for it!
There are many other tips out there for using a microwave, so if you have any additional tips or tricks that you use at home, feel free to share them. Your feedback is always appreciated, and it may help other readers improve their microwave cooking skills as well.
If you found this blog useful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family. And don’t forget to check out our other blogs for more helpful tips and advice on a variety of topics. Thank you again for reading, and happy microwaving!
