Microwaving food (frozen, pizza, defrosting, bread)

[VTsnowbird]

I know you are not supposed to put metal in the microwave - it arcs. I have never done that.

In the past I have seen sparks from fresh beets and zucchini.

With my latest microwave (Rival 700 watt) I have seen arcing from defrosting frozen bread, trying to warm up a brownie, and melting butter. I don't know if I have a defective oven or what. So far it is OK with boiling water.

Anyone else have weird arcing stories?

[StrkAliteN]

Originally Posted by VTsnowbird

I know you are not supposed to put metal in the microwave - it arcs. I have never done that.

In the past I have seen sparks from fresh beets and zucchini.

With my latest microwave (Rival 700 watt) I have seen arcing from defrosting frozen bread, trying to warm up a brownie, and melting butter. I don't know if I have a defective oven or what. So far it is OK with boiling water.

Anyone else have weird arcing stories?

Are you certain you are removing any small stickers that may be on the produce ?

I cannot imagine any foods you describe that would create an electrical arc in the microwave oven

Something is amiss here ..........

[elnina]

Of course your veggies or bread can make sparks in the microwave. I saw it many times.
Why? Read here:
Why vegetables sometimes make sparks in the microwave;

Some foods such as raw carrots and hot dogs can cause arcing while being microwaved. In hot dogs, this can be due to the uneven mixing of salts and additives. In carrots, it can be due to the minerals in the soil in which they were grown.
Yup! There is metal in the food! Seriously. Mineral content, especially foods high in iron will spark. These minerals include iron, magnesium and selenium. The minerals act like tiny pieces of metal and create arcing effects in a microwave. The sparks result as the microwaves reflect or bounce off the metal. The arcing does not harm the food but it does prevent it from heating thoroughly. Extensive arcing can damage the oven's magnetron tube.
Whatever the cause, turn off the oven immediately to end the sparks.

[greatblueheron]

Well thanks elnina...very interesting




[/b]

Originally Posted by elnina

Of course your veggies or bread can make sparks in the microwave. I saw it many times.
Why? Read here:
Why vegetables sometimes make sparks in the microwave;

[elnina]

Yeah. I was intrigued when I saw it for the first time.

[StrkAliteN]

Originally Posted by elnina

Yeah. I was intrigued when I saw it for the first time.

That absolutely astounds me as I have NEVER seen that arcing affect ever.

And I have microwaved a lot of meals - left overs etc ... thru the years.

Learn something everyday

[elnina]

Maybe you just never really paid attention? Some sparks are quite tiny.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by VTsnowbird

I know you are not supposed to put metal in the microwave - it arcs.

Well... it's a bit more complicated than that. After all, some microwaves have metal racks, and have you ever wondered how that microwaveable pizza box gets the bottom of the crust crispy?

[VTsnowbird]

Originally Posted by StrkAliteN

Are you certain you are removing any small stickers that may be on the produce ?

I cannot imagine any foods you describe that would create an electrical arc in the microwave oven

Something is amiss here ..........

Vegetables were from my garden, so....

I ALWAYS stop it as soon as I see the arcing.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Originally Posted by elnina

Extensive arcing can damage the oven's magnetron tube.

Is that the major negative effect of arcing?