It can seem a little confusing when the timer on your microwave works fine, but the actual microwave just won’t start. In this article, I’m going to walk you through some of the causes of this perplexing problem. In each case, I’ll offer up either a solution or a way to diagnose the problem. The golden rule always applies though: If you’re in any doubt about fixing the appliance yourself, always get a professional in! With that out of the way, here are the likely causes of this perplexing problem. #1 A Faulty Door Switch Most modern microwaves are designed with a safety mechanism that stops th ..read more

It might not be the most sophisticated of meals, but I’m as guilty as anyone of tucking into cup noodles in a (hungry) pinch. They’re easy to prepare, they fill a hole quickly, and they don’t taste too bad – especially after a late night out! Even this simple meal requires a little care in the kitchen though, so why can’t you microwave cup noodles? What’s the worst that could happen? In this article, I’ll cover this topic in all the detail you need. I’ve also included some tips for getting round the problem too! The Problem with Microwaving Cup Noodles Cup noodles are already a pretty convenie ..read more

A key part of any microwave is the turntable – that rotating plate on the bottom of the appliance that keeps the plates spinning. As the turntable, well, turns, it ensures that the energy is distributed around your food, heating everything evenly. In this article, I’m going to explain why it’s crucial for the turntable to rotate smoothly, what might be causing your issue, and the steps you can take to fix it. Why A Smoothly Turning Turntable Matters A smoothly turning turntable is essential for several reasons: Even heating: The main purpose of the turntable is to distribute microwave energy ..read more

The idea of microwaving broccoli tends to split people right down the middle. Some argue that microwaving it reduces the nutritional value of the broccoli. Others argue that this is countered by the speed and convenience of getting these extra greens on your plate. Who’s right or wrong? The truth is that you’ll actually lose fewer nutrients by microwaving your broccoli – and it’s an easier way of increasing your intake at the same time. In this article I’m going to lay out my case. Yes, I think you should microwave your broccoli over other methods, and this is why… Is It OK to Microwave Brocco ..read more

Conventional wisdom says you need a container with a ventable lid to cook rice in the microwave. The good news is that with the right technique and a little practice, you can achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice without using any kind of lid at all! In this article, I’ll walk you step by step through the whole process, and give you some handy tips to get really good results too. Step #1 Rinse the Rice Measure the desired amount of rice and place it in a fine-mesh strainer.  Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents th ..read more

Can a microwave overheat? Like any electronic device, a microwave is susceptible to certain issues when it’s not used properly. Although microwaves are designed to cope with high temperatures during regular use, certain conditions can lead to overheating. When the microwave overheats, it not only becomes less efficient, but can also pose safety risks. In this article I’m going to walk you through the most common causes of an overheating microwave. In each case I’ve also included some essential tips to help you prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Armed with this knowledge, yo ..read more

Microwaves have been a revolutionary addition to home kitchens, providing a quick and efficient way to heat food.  As with any technology though, advancements have been made over the years to improve microwave safety and performance. Are older microwaves safe though, and can they pose a potential risk to your health? In this article I’m going to explore the safety issues around using an older microwave. I’ll give you some useful pointers for making sure your aging appliance is still fit for purpose too! The Science of Microwaves I won’t get too bogged down in the physics of microwaves her ..read more

Microwaves have revolutionized the way we all cook and reheat food, offering convenience and speed in our increasingly frantic lives. However, there’s much debate and concern over their impact on the nutritional content and safety of the food we eat.  In this article, I’ll delve into the workings of microwaves and explore how they affect the food we put into them. After reading my guide, you’ll have a much better understanding of how to maximise the pros and minimise the cons! The Physics of Microwaves Let’s start by answering the basic question here: What exactly do microwaves do to food ..read more

When it comes to buying a microwave for a small kitchen space, there are a few important things you need to think about. Size & Capacity: There’s no point buying a small microwave that isn’t up to the job you have in mind! Measure the space you have carefully, then look for microwaves that will actually deliver the cooking capacity you need for your own household. Power Rating: Just because we’re looking at small microwaves, that doesn’t mean we have to compromise on power. Even a small microwave should offer 700 watts of power at a minimum, and more is always better for efficient cooking ..read more

When it comes to choosing the best microwave for an office break room, there are some crucial buying considerations that need to be front and center of your thinking: Size & capacity – The microwave needs to fit the available counter space, of course, but also provide enough internal capacity to keep everyone well-fed! Power – 1,000 Watts is about the sweet spot for an office microwave, although with very low usage you’ll get away with around 700 Watts. Presets – These are helpful for getting common jobs done quickly, from reheating leftovers to cooking specific food. Ease to use – The ea ..read more