20 Surprising Uses For Your Microwave That Will Make Life Easier

Want to cook without the mess?

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• March 27, 2024

In countless households around the globe, the microwave oven has become an indispensable kitchen appliance, a fixture as common as the refrigerator or stove. On any given day, it's likely humming along, reheating slices of pizza, or warming up pre-packaged meals.

However, this culinary workhorse is often underutilized, relegated to the simple task of heating rather than being explored for its full culinary potential.

The invention of the microwave oven is a tale of serendipity dating back to the 1940s. It was discovered by Percy Spencer, an engineer working on radar technology, who noticed that a candy bar in his pocket had melted during experiments with microwave radiation.

This accidental discovery led to the development of the microwave oven, revolutionizing cooking by using microwaves to heat food efficiently and quickly. Beyond the mundane routine of thawing frozen food or reviving leftovers, microwaves hold a trove of ingenious hacks that can simplify and enhance culinary practices.

From softening brown sugar to proofing yeast and even making quick snacks like potato chips, the microwave can be a tool for creativity and convenience in the kitchen. Additionally, it's capable of non-culinary wonders such as disinfecting kitchen sponges or speeding up the drying process for herbs.

As we uncover these microwave hacks, we're reminded of the innovation and unintended discovery that brought this appliance into our homes. It's a prompt to not only appreciate the microwave for its intended purpose but to experiment and unlock new uses, making our daily routines both easier and more interesting.

So, next time you stand in front of your microwave, remember that there's much more to this device than meets the eye. Explore its capabilities, and you might find yourself thanking not just us, but Percy Spencer for his fortuitous discovery.

Just take a look at these hacks to make your life easier...

1. How to keep your bread nice and moist.

2. Quickest way to clean a microwave oven.

3. How to make sure if your containers are safe for the microwave.

4. Softening your sugar...

5. How to have a soothing hot compress FAST.

6. When you forget to soak your beans overnight...

7. Poached eggs without the mess.

8. Toasty nuts and spices

9. Pierce the skins to avoid explosions.

10. Tear-free experience of chopping onions.

11. Restore a jar of honey.

12. Dry herbs in the microwave.

13. How to peel garlic quickly.

14. For an easier peeling...

15. Re-crispify those potatoes

16. For easy cleaning...

As the microwave hums in the background, warming yet another cup of coffee, it’s clear we’ve barely scratched the surface of this kitchen wizard’s potential. From its accidental chocolate-melting origins to our daily reliance on zapping frozen dinners, the microwave has patiently waited for us to realize its true capabilities.

It's not just a reheating relic; it's a culinary Swiss Army knife hiding in plain sight. So next time you push that start button, remember: you’re not just reheating leftovers; you’re harnessing a legacy of serendipitous science.

Here’s to cooking, experimenting, and occasionally blowing up a few eggs in the pursuit of microwave mastery!

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Sophia