It is generally not safe to use steel bowls or any other type of metal containers in a microwave oven. Microwaving metal can lead to potentially dangerous situations due to the way microwaves interact with metal objects.
When microwaves are emitted, they are absorbed by the food, causing water molecules to vibrate and generate heat. However, metal objects reflect and trap the microwaves, resulting in the concentration of energy in specific areas. This can lead to a few problems:
Fire hazard: The concentrated energy can cause sparks, leading to a fire hazard and damage to the microwave oven.
Damage to the microwave: The sparks and arcing caused by the metal can damage the microwave's interior, affecting its functionality and potentially rendering it unsafe to use.
Risk of injury: If the metal container becomes hot enough, it can burn anyone handling it, leading to potential injuries.
For microwave-safe options, it's best to use microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or certain types of microwave-safe plastics specifically labeled as such. Always check the manufacturer's instructions or labeling on any container before using it in the microwave.
If you accidentally put metal in the microwave, immediately turn off the appliance, and do not open the door until the microwave has completely stopped and any sparking or arcing has ceased.