Essential kitchen tools, appliances, and everyday cooking equipement that make food prep easier, faster, and more efficient at home.
Yes, it’s safe to run a microwave without its turntable. Your food just won’t cook as evenly, since nothing is rotating it through the machine’s hot and cold spots, but the microwave itself isn’t damaged by running without one. I’ve had a turntable crack on me before, and I panicked for a second thinking I’d
To microwave a bagel, slice it in half, cover it with a damp paper towel on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds until warm. I reach for this trick on mornings when I’m too rushed to wait on the toaster, and it gets me a warm, soft bagel without any real
Yes, you can microwave a hot dog. It’s fully cooked already, so you’re just reheating it until it’s steaming hot, which usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. I microwave hot dogs more than I’d like to admit when I’m short on time. It’s fast, it works, and once you know why hot dogs sometimes split
No, a noisy microwave usually isn’t dangerous. Most of the sound comes from the fan and turntable motor, which is normal. The exception is a grinding or sparking noise, which can signal a part that needs repair. My microwave has always hummed a bit louder than I’d like, and I spent a while assuming that
Most microwaves have a dedicated sound or mute button on the control panel, usually held down for a few seconds to toggle the beep off. If yours doesn’t, unplugging it or opening the door before the timer ends will stop the beeping too. I have a microwave in a small apartment where the beep wakes
Microwave a standard El Monterey burrito on high for 1 minute 15 seconds, flipping halfway, then let it stand for 30 seconds before checking that it’s hit 165°F inside. I keep a box of El Monterey burritos in my freezer at all times. They are fast, filling, and cheap enough that I never feel bad