Paper towel starts fire in MW (frozen, shrimp, steam, turkey)

[old_cold]

Maybe I'm the only one that didn't know a paper towel can catch fire in a microwave but just in case there are others, let me tell you, it can be an shock to turn around and see flames inside the oven!
The only possible answer I have found is that recycled paper can contain minute specks of metal.
I can't check mine since the packaging is long gone so just be aware.

Added.....just checked new roll and there is a big warning on the package. Guess I've just not been paying attention.
Do have to say, I've used them over the years and it never did happen before.

[DawnMTL]

That's scary and never, ever occurred to me. I use paper towels in my microwave all the time.

[Nomadicus]

I do to. I will check before I by now. I know there are non microwavable wraps. Thanks for posting.

[lubby]

Hmm I did not know that either. I rarely use paper towels anyway. I use those sham wow cloths. But I do use an occasional napkin in the microwave.

[tortoise]

Originally Posted by old_cold

paper towel can catch fire in a microwave

Something to be vigilant for I guess . . frequently prepare jerky-like niblets using a weighted paper towel over a paper plate to dehydrate sliced (eBay spam slicer) turkey franks (boiled to reduce sodium) in a microwave for around 2½ minutes, and have not experienced any sparking or combustion so far. The paper towel allows steam to escape better, as compared to something like a microwave omelet maker that traps the condensation inside.

[jtur88]

I would imagine that one single paper towel blazing away inside a closed microwave is pretty likely to burn itself out before it sets your house on fire. Light one with a match and throw it in your MW and slam the door shut, and see what happens.

[calel]

Good to know. I don't typically use paper towels to microwave things on, but at work, I'll wet one down and cover a bowl with it to help keep the food moist and prevent splatters.

[lubby]

Never ever microwave styrofoam . We had a co-worker do that when I worked in daycare. She was microwaving a hot pocket on a styrofoam plate, it caught fire and left smoke. It stunk for 2 days. Fire department had to be called to bring in fans.

[hueyeats]

If & when I use microwave (rarely)...
I do use (moistened) paper towels to create steam to help cook my foods (mostly asian style items like siumai, shrimp rice noodle dimsum or frozen sticky rice etc.).
Never do I have any paper towel catch fire on me... but touch on wood, never wanted that to happen either.

[mrs.cool]

I've never heard of this either. My husband always puts a paper towel on top of his food. I complained so many times when he blew food up all over my microwave he finally started covering it. I think the chances of me training him to use the "6" power setting instead of "10" isn't going to happen, but at least I got him to cover stuff now.