Can you put aluminum foil in a microwave? Is it safe to microwave aluminum? Learn the truth about microwaving aluminum foil, trays, and safety risks.
Can You Microwave Aluminum? Will Aluminum Spark in the Microwave?
From leftover turkey wrapped in aluminum foil to takeout in aluminum trays, we need quick solutions for busy cooking tasks. Whenever we encounter cooking tasks like these, we always wonder — Is aluminum microwave-safe? Will aluminum foil spark in the microwave?
In this blog post, we will walk you through the truth and risks of microwaving aluminum. Read on, so you can keep your food warm and your kitchen safe.
Can You Microwave Aluminum? The Truth About Microwaving Aluminum
Can you put aluminum foil in a microwave? Is it safe to microwave aluminum? The short answer to these questions is NO!
The truth is you CANNOT safely microwave aluminum foil or most aluminum containers. Great chances are they would spark in the microwave and even cause fire. When this happens, it will easily destroy your food and damage your microwave oven.
There could be some exceptions. Some modern “microwave-safe” aluminum trays are designed for low-power reheating.
However, we would never recommend you take risks when it comes to cooking, for it could lead to microwave oven damage and serious fire hazards.
Therefore, it is always a better idea to use safer alternatives for microwave cooking. For example, glass, ceramic, and labeled microwave-safe plastic.
Why You Cannot Use Aluminum in the Microwave Oven
Microwaves heat food using electromagnetic waves that excite water molecules. Metals like aluminum reflect these waves instead of absorbing them.
What Happens When Aluminum Hits the Microwave?
- Arcing & Sparks – Thin edges of aluminum foil concentrate electric fields, creating plasma sparks.
- Fire Hazard – Sparks can ignite nearby paper towels, food, or grease.
- Microwave Damage – Reflected energy can burn out the magnetron (the part that generates microwaves).
Fact: The USDA and FDA explicitly warn against microwaving aluminum foil. A 2023 study by the Journal of Microwave Power found that even crumpled foil caused arcing in 94% of tests.
How to Microwave Leftovers Without Aluminum: Step-by-Step Guide
If your takeout or leftover comes with aluminum foil or an aluminum tray, here’s what you should do to safely reheat them in the microwave:
- Remove all aluminum foil/trays. Even a tiny corner can spark in the microwave, so ensure all aluminum is removed.
- Transfer the food to materials that can be safely heated in the microwave, like glass or ceramic. A microwave-safe plate or bowl is recommended.
- To mimic aluminum foil’s moisture lock, you can cover the food with a damp paper towel.
- Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir halfway for even warming and to avoid hot spots.