Preventing kitchen fires: EPRA shares safe microwave cooking tips

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority shared guidance on the safe use of microwave ovens in Kenyan households

- EPRA outlined key limitations of microwave cooking, including uneven heating and the risk of overcooking food

- The authority listed specific usage tips covering containers, covers, settings, and stirring techniques

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued practical guidance on the safe use of microwave ovens, warning that improper usage can lead to fire hazards and other kitchen risks.

EPRA noted that a microwave oven works by using microwave radiation to heat and cook food, a method that differs significantly from conventional stove-top or oven cooking.

What are the advantages of microwave cooking?

According to EPRA, microwaves offer considerable benefits for modern households.

The appliances heat food far more quickly than traditional cooking methods, making them well-suited for busy schedules and quick meals.

They are also particularly useful for reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen food. Unlike stove-top cooking, microwaves do not require constant supervision, allowing users to attend to other tasks while food is being prepared.

What are the limitations of microwaves?

Despite these benefits, EPRA cautioned that microwave ovens come with notable limitations that users must be aware of.

The authority pointed out that heating is often uneven, creating hotspots in some areas while leaving other parts of the food cold. Stirring or rotating food during cooking is typically necessary to address this.

EPRA also highlighted textural issues, explaining that foods such as fried items and meat tend to lose their crispiness because the microwave process does not allow for browning or crisping.

Additionally, the speed at which microwaves cook food increases the risk of overcooking or drying it out if cooking times are not monitored carefully.

Which safety tips did EPRA recommend?

To reduce the risk of accidents and ensure food is cooked properly, EPRA recommended four key practices.

Users should stir food halfway through the cooking process to promote even heating throughout.

Food should be covered with microwave-safe lids or covers to prevent splattering and to retain moisture.

Critically, EPRA warned that only microwave-compatible containers should be used, as incompatible materials can cause chemical leaching or trigger a fire.

"Use microwave compatible containers to prevent leaching or fire hazards," it stated.

The authority also advised users to select the correct settings when defrosting food, as using the wrong setting can partially cook the food rather than simply thaw it.

How did Kenyans react to EPRA's fuel announcement?

In other news, EPRA's latest announcement on fuel prices sparked significant backlash from Kenyans, who questioned why prices remained high despite falling global oil costs.

The frustration among consumers was palpable, as many expressed their disillusionment with the apparent disconnect between international crude prices and local pump rates.

The dissatisfaction led to a viral conversation on social media, amplifying calls for accountability from the government and regulatory bodies.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.