Top 10 Microwave Cooking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

[{"selector":"#anim-19bd59b5-7db6-4016-8da5-58297eebf3c9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fac9632b-d7fb-4764-9f3e-efcf99fc8570","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-269deg) translate3d(0px, 4832.47827%, 0) rotate(269deg)","rotate(-269deg) translate3d(0px, 0px, 0) rotate(269deg)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Reviewed by: Viraj Gupta Written by: Aquib Nawab Credits: Haier India Home Solutions

1. Ignoring power levels

[{"selector":"#anim-d40ea1e3-5d23-452d-906d-fa02aefae4ae [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-698d50ae-7979-4a7a-8045-3447dad69bcf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e652851e-f2b8-416a-9c72-1930fc5dbf72","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.42038%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9d41eefa-aaf2-4303-a982-76fcb7a3b257","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0d954e0c-a0b6-436d-ae14-b9cdd1d711be","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.02532%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-92266375-b026-4ee8-857f-949b567f0ae2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c6a6b4ac-e0b4-4cbe-aad3-f331829e447c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-368.86789%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Many users cook everything on high power. It offers multiple power levels. Use lower settings for delicate foods to prevent overcooking. For example, use medium power for reheating to ensure even warming. Credits: Haier India

2. Skipping defrost cycles

[{"selector":"#anim-c4f6a340-d0e9-46cb-8b19-e6cf2e337dc0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a10b23c7-59d9-41df-93f9-233ab55072ca","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b8bfad00-3d07-4d3a-baad-67cc68b691f2","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.78981%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d9755266-0538-40ea-ac43-c01526a8bc8a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9251f43b-2346-4f54-977e-aa8627307f51","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.35443%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6b097d3f-7581-4394-905d-2e7cc711715c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a3bccd5d-b348-414e-8a5d-fae8887942af","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(119.81129%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Improper defrosting leads to uneven cooking. These microwaves have dedicated defrost functions. Use them to safely thaw frozen foods, ensuring they're ready for cooking without partially frozen centers. Credits: Haier India

3. Overlooking standing time

[{"selector":"#anim-1ad86d82-7cff-40eb-a3e1-5c79410e5876 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-34dd2229-f95d-45e5-93d7-a719259aa66b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-080cfcaa-b457-405e-9852-c11f1daa8876","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.42038%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4bb608ee-b7a7-4ad9-9c04-6374c0be8b42","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-14652c8b-4513-4606-9a43-c1fbe99a3d66","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.02532%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-12cd0d4c-320c-4c44-8289-0dd8f5fab998","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-21e399a0-bfc9-4477-aadc-36371fa8a467","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-368.86789%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Foods continue cooking after the microwave stops. Some models have a Keep Warm function. Use it to maintain food temperature while allowing standing time, ensuring even heat distribution. Credits: Haier India

4. Use microwave-safe containers

[{"selector":"#anim-83fb4c43-cdbc-4744-b126-a435a18bcf01 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1631f4bf-5584-411e-951b-c6dbfb799d4c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d5d692eb-b392-494c-a3e7-1a3e0bcb091f","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.78981%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-df32054b-8574-4d30-a8a2-853a97fcb893","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f84cb144-8921-45d0-ac0d-4b926322efd6","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.35443%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3d1de925-47dd-4060-8b07-8ee37b328fd1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-63f1eba5-93bc-4edb-a0e9-e26996183d59","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 610.18463%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Using inappropriate containers can lead to melting or harmful chemical leaching. The stainless steel cavities work well with microwave-safe glass, ceramic, and plastic containers. Credits: Freepik

5. Failing to cover foods

[{"selector":"#anim-e547ea5b-e243-4291-a56b-5a05f73cab5e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fa038978-2676-40a4-8c28-86b41bf2dfc8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-59bd4d09-3d0a-4c77-bc9e-5267569747cc","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.42038%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-aaedc279-a9ac-4869-99a9-a88aac772c88","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7064f29a-a754-4a05-be65-f99f814c1edb","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.02532%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a22a1cd9-2153-43fe-83fb-e1d270bc8f49","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4af5933e-62bf-427c-82fd-b894a40a0756","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(119.81129%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Uncovered foods can splatter and cook unevenly. While some models have deodorizer functions to remove odors, it's best to use microwave-safe lids or paper towels to prevent messes and retain moisture during cooking. Credits: Haier India

6. Overcrowding the microwave

[{"selector":"#anim-58096e65-c5b4-41d9-ae59-d1c6ed6d3903 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8ecda8d4-b431-48ed-8a71-62419b3d0c66","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-294dd131-6c4b-42fb-96dd-da38a6b1e0bb","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.78981%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8ab3e626-1770-49da-be80-49075330940f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-01ffcc7d-f27c-453c-a5ee-e1ace8dc51c2","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.35443%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6dfa7b47-0ca7-48fd-b76f-1bba83de6a2e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-40b69ebe-7491-4394-896d-443aab4b5e11","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 610.18463%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Cramming too much food hinders even cooking. These spacious models provide ample space. Arrange food in a single layer with space between items for optimal results. Credits: Haier India

7. Not stirring or rotating food

[{"selector":"#anim-f46f3897-9f54-4a8c-8e83-421e60a41f12 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cebd558b-b4cc-4739-90a8-ad6949e153f0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-215b58f1-346e-4794-935f-015d3f97ce13","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.42038%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-39705590-2ab6-4515-a01c-f3b62b5397de","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e68cb505-bfa4-47f7-b7f8-00724d1e08cc","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.34177%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3e9132ab-9241-43ae-8881-6855547cf370","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-00640eae-5ecc-4434-92d6-9f365a498672","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(119.81129%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] This leads to cold spots and uneven cooking. Some models feature motorized rotisseries, but for other foods, pause cooking midway to stir or rotate dishes for even heating. Credits: Haier India

8. Never Microwave These Foods

[{"selector":"#anim-c1836bdc-48f8-44af-ab7a-f3a4484d12fb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1674d34d-a694-4ab4-9422-979cd1650be3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0615b473-3da8-4792-b7ac-276246059a6b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.78981%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8ccccea9-c16d-4030-949c-33c629377893","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-319e833b-de23-4d1c-87c9-933a3b7d44bb","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.35443%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ac6c7372-c32f-4c6a-b9c3-594ec422cb03","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-19c4b31b-a100-4534-bf2f-41efce9533e4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 610.18463%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Some foods don't microwave well. Instead, use the air fry option for crispy foods, or the convection mode for baking and roasting in models that offer these features. Credits: Haier India

9. Overlooking cleaning

[{"selector":"#anim-7017bbf3-d772-4c55-9ae5-f03c96b90222 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-800953fa-44b7-40e9-a6a9-637e5a758040","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5a8fc11e-946d-465a-ac07-8f4bd4ee7ce3","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.42038%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8159ad6f-54c3-46e5-a868-b1e955a55000","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-75e326c6-8e4e-4a46-bcff-1d2b10e92e83","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(112.34177%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1b72f022-6671-4a4d-98ba-0abb8fca77dd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-680e0341-8690-46d0-bb52-3562458029e2","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(119.81129%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Food residue can affect performance and hygiene. The stainless steel cavities are easy to clean. Regularly wipe down the interior and clean the turntable to maintain optimal functioning. Credits: Haier India

10. Not using pre-programmed

[{"selector":"#anim-14f025fe-15a4-447f-a81b-c588cc4b9792 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5b00e40a-ef65-4710-ac35-40a3caae5feb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-320b7fb0-6ab4-4d6d-9a47-31ddbf93d8a8","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.78981%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-79b4795b-4cd9-4c8f-8667-24dcdaa3ab84","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c3fbd65e-e4b3-4c6b-b92b-0cf270f84ce0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.35443%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3dd55f7c-e16a-40bc-ad05-1f3901f58643","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-419b3623-938f-44b8-9940-3971f3c41bfe","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 610.18463%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":700,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Many users ignore auto-cook menus. Some models offer 400 auto-cook menus. Utilize these for perfectly cooked dishes without guesswork, especially for complex recipes or unfamiliar foods. Credits: Haier India

Best Refrigerators with Auto-Defrost Function for Easy Maintenance

[{"selector":"#anim-e29885ef-4f78-4972-a2eb-592fa293be0c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"fill":"forwards"}] Thanks for Reading Thanks for Reading Read Next!