If your microwave has broken down or is not functioning as effectively as it should, it can be frustrating to have to go without it, especially if you rely on it for your day-to-day cooking. However, with a bit of creativity, there are ways to work around the inconvenience until you can get it repaired or replaced.
How Microwaves Work (or Don’t)
The microwave oven produces microwaves that stir up the water molecules in your food, causing it to increase in temperature. It’s quite futuristic! Unfortunately, microwaves don’t last forever and may even have problems before they reach the end of their design life. Common problems with microwaves include failure to heat, uneven heating, sparking or arcing, turntable not rotating, control panel not functioning, and excessive noise or vibration. Other issues may include a broken door latch, blown fuse, faulty magnetron, or malfunctioning diode. These problems may be caused by a variety of factors, such as age, wear and tear, improper use, or power surges.
Heating Food Without a Microwave
But fear not, you can still enjoy a hot meal with the following tips.
- Use your pots and pans to warm up your food. Almost anything can be reheated on a stove, from scrambled eggs to rice. The key is to make sure to add a few tablespoons of liquid, usually water, to prevent your food from drying out or getting burnt. Once you get used to this method, you’ll be able to eyeball the liquid and know what type to use for which food.
- Ovens are also great for reheating leftovers such as pizza, pasta, muffins, bread, and anything doughy. Keep the temperature low to ensure your food doesn’t get burned on the outside or lose its taste. If reheating makes your food hard, sprinkle water onto your bread and muffins for that extra softness.
- If you’re heating jarred food items, you can use a large saucepan as an alternative. Fill a deep saucepan with hot water and leave the jar submerged for 10-15 minutes. It will easily warm up your food without making a mess.
- Another alternative is using an air fryer or toaster oven to reheat food. Food like fries, pizza, wings, and nuggets work great with an air fryer and come out crunchier. For best results, preheat the air fryer and keep the temperature lower to ensure your food doesn’t dry out. Leave room around the basket for better and faster results.
While these tips may not work as quickly as a microwave, they can surely help you lessen the blow of not having one while you wait on your repair. It might take a bit more time, but it will get the job done.
See our other articles on making do without your appliances: dryer, range, dishwasher, fridge, ice maker, and standalone ice machine.
For all your Columbia area appliance repair needs, give Appliance Professional a call or schedule online!
