Microwave Myths

 

People love a good story and consumers seem to fall for even the most ridiculous of myths. Almost every kitchen appliance seems to have a myth or two surrounding it’s use. However, the microwave may be the appliance that consumers pass around somewhat believable, but untrue myths about most.

Also there are many things you should consider when you are purchasing a new microwave so don't let that these mythes influence on your decision and be careful in researching online comparison sites, forums, social media groups and other resources. Below are the most common myths and you should pay attention on them.

Four Myths Surrounding the Microwave:

1. You can get radiation poisoning if you stand too close to a microwave in use. It is true that microwaves do use radiation. It is also true that dangerous devices like bombs and power plants also use radiation. However, nuclear weapons use a type of radiation called ionizing radiation, while microwaves use nonionizing radiation. Therefore, microwave users will not get radiation poisoning from standing too close to a microwave or from eating food prepared in a microwave.

2. You cannot cook real meals in a microwave. While you will not be able to fry, roast, or bake foods in a microwave, you can cook a variety of foods. You can cook chicken and fish, make rice, steam vegetables, and make pasta, among many other dishes. Additionally, the microwave will not only cook these foods, it will generally do it faster than the oven or stove top.

3. Microwaving food eliminates all of the food’s nutrients.

Microwaving a meal does reduce it’s nutritional content. However, any type of cooking that uses heat, such as boiling, broiling, or poaching, also reduces a food’s nutritional content. Microwaves do not eliminate nutrients more than many other cooking methods.

4. Cooking a meal in the microwave for any length of time eliminates bacteria. While cooking a meal in the microwave can eliminate bacteria, a meal must be fully cooked for it to do so. Simply cooking meat or other foods for a short time will not magically make it bacteria free.

Geroge Pettit is a researcher about home appliances and similar products as air conditioners, cooktops, Microwave and Kitchen hoods.