We all know not to pop plastic or tinfoil into a microwave, but there are other things you should think twice about before shutting the door and switching on the timer.
Spicy peppers are near the top of the list as blasting them in the microwave should carry a health and safety risk.
This is because it could lead to the release of a rather nasty chemical, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Capsaicin, which is what makes hot peppers hot, is let out during the heating process.
The chemical is an irritant for mammals, including us humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact.
With many people enjoying varying levels of spiciness, there is a new demand for capsaicin-spiced products like chili pepper and hot sauces like Tabasco and salsa.
But after heating them up and opening the microwave door, you could feel a burning sensation in your eyes and throat.
The microwave releases the capsaicin into the air which can have an effect similar to that of pepper spray.
Other things you should not put in the microwave
- Fruit - never a good idea. For example, grapes will explode
- Eggs - well, you just can't hard-boil one as you'll be facing a big mess
- Water - the water superheats but is unable to boil because the vessel remains cool, so when you try to stir it or add a teabag it boils all at once, exploding upwards, right in the direction of your face
- Bread - a quoick way to ruin a slice. After more than 10 in a microwave, enough moisture leaves the bread to make it an inedible mess
