186
Definitely Do Not Put Plastic in the Microwave
(www.bonappetit.com)
Studies, research findings, and interesting tidbits from the ever-expanding scientific world.
Subcommunities on Beehaw:
Be sure to also check out these other Fediverse science communities:
This community's icon was made by Aaron Schneider, under the CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
Are there glass lids that can be used to cover food so it doesn’t scatter when it explodes? We already don’t use plastic/tupperware in the microwave but don’t have a lid if we need to cover it.
Damp paper towel.
Why damp?
It makes it much easier for it to stay in place. Mainly from the spinning, but if your food explodes a damp towel stays put way easier than a dry one.
Probably to prevent it from burning and to make it heavy enough to stay in place.
Unless you really really really go nuts with way too much time on timer, a dry paper towel is not going to ignite in your microwave.
It helps hydrate the food. Helps out with rice in particular
This is a good question, already covered in the other comments.
I will add here that exploding food has been much less common since I figured out how to choose a reduced power level on my microwave. (But I still cover the food anyway.)
I've always just used a bigger plate/bowl to cover things. They're much easier to clean than any plastic lid.
In the microwave, I always use the lid of a bigger glass bowl on top of my large, wide, glass, measuring-pitcher. It doesn't fit perfectly, but I turn the lid upside down so it doesn't slide when I carry it.
Pyrex/borosilicate dishes work pretty well here. Both Pyrex and IKEA do little single serving casserole dishes with a lid that work fantastic. Been using them for decades now
Alternatively you could upend a plate on-top of your bowl