Besides cooking, microwaves have various other practical uses:
Thawing frozen items: Microwaves are excellent for quickly and safely defrosting frozen foods, such as meat, vegetables, and fruits. They can do this without partial cooking, which can occur when using other methods like room temperature thawing.
Warming items: Microwaves are handy for warming items that should not be fully cooked, such as baby bottles, breast milk, and leftover food.
Sterilizing: Microwave sterilization is commonly used for baby bottles, pacifiers, and some medical equipment. It can help eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Disinfecting sponges: Wet sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Microwaving a wet sponge for a short time can help kill some of the microbes, reducing the risk of contamination.
Reheating beverages: Whether it's a cup of coffee or tea, a microwave can quickly reheat cold beverages.
Softening certain foods: Microwaving can help soften certain foods like butter, cream cheese, and ice cream, making them easier to use in recipes or enjoy.
Proofing dough: Microwaves can create a warm and moist environment suitable for proofing yeast dough, helping it rise faster.
Melting ingredients: When you need to melt ingredients like chocolate, butter, or marshmallows for recipes, a microwave can be a fast and controlled method.
Removing labels and stickers: Microwaving a sticker with a little water can help loosen the adhesive, making it easier to remove from surfaces.
Drying herbs: Microwaves can be used to quickly dry herbs and flowers for culinary or craft purposes.
Testing if something is microwave-safe: If you're unsure whether a container is microwave-safe, you can place it empty in the microwave for a short time to see if it gets hot. If it remains cool, it is likely safe for microwave use.
While microwaves have a wide range of practical applications beyond cooking, it's essential to use caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and damage to the microwave or the items being used. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for using specific items in the microwave.