Comments on: Casserole Science (With Built In Profit) https://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2009/06/casserole-science-with-built-in-profit Lollards in the high church of low culture Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:15:10 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 By: Malcolm https://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2009/06/casserole-science-with-built-in-profit/comment-page-1#comment-920813 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:15:10 +0000 https://freakytrigger.co.uk/?p=14527#comment-920813 It’s not necessarily going to cause problems (though I wouldn’t try it!).

The reason that microwaving metal objects can be a bad idea is that the electromagnetic wave used to transmit energy into your food creates potential differences across the surface. Because metal is a conductor, this results in current flowing through the object as electrons move to neutralise the potential difference.

If your object has poor conductivity (eg. if it is thin) this will result in large amounts of heat, which can damage the metal object, your microwave, or (most ghastly of all) your dinner! Metal objects that converge into points can result in relatively close areas of different potential being separated by air. Sparks will fly as electrons bridge air gaps to equalise potential.

Cast iron pots are relatively conductive and don’t converge to points, so should safe in a microwave.

Conductive surfaces also reflect electromagnetic waves. This will prevent your food from being heated if you leave the lid on your pot – also, if there is nothing to absorb microwaves while the unit is being operated, you will eventually cause damage to the magnetron.

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By: Z https://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2009/06/casserole-science-with-built-in-profit/comment-page-1#comment-626578 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:27:14 +0000 https://freakytrigger.co.uk/?p=14527#comment-626578 They’ve got quite a range of pots and pans that they call ‘microwave safe’. I wonder who will be the first person to blow up their microwave and sue.

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By: Kalebarkab https://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2009/06/casserole-science-with-built-in-profit/comment-page-1#comment-626386 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:05:25 +0000 https://freakytrigger.co.uk/?p=14527#comment-626386 I want to find good pop music. Help me please.

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