Microwaves

Is it just me or does anyone else feel uncomfortable in being subjected to microwave use at work. They are dangerous and exposure increases cancer risk.

[Nick.Shu]

probably there is a risk. How ever, there is considerable difference between ionizing and non ionizing radiation.

I do believe there is some risk as being exposed to non ionizing radiation i.e. RADAR.

However, given the known risk and the ability to shield against such radiation, i would consider the risk as being negligable.

Given that, in the pursuit of profits, in Australia, there is the well documented battle between miners and CSR p/l r.e. asbestosis and mesothelioma. In that regard, i would consider low level non ionizing radiation to be less a risk than say, a black lung type of disease related to chargrill work or perhaps due to particulate i.e. bakery - working with flour.

It has been hearsay that acids from flour can damage teeth and perhaps cause respiratory disfunction. A good example is "wheat dust allergies" causing rhinitis and mild to severe asthma.

The bottom line is: virtually everything has a detrimental affect/effect on someone. If you think that the risks outweigh the positive, then so be it. My allergies that did or didnt exist when i started cooking have been exacerbated since, but that will not diminish my skills or desire to cook. The important thing is that your customers allergies or sensitivities will guide your judgement rather than your own.

My allergies wont kill me, i know that, but you cannot ever know how sensitive your customer is.

[shroomgirl]

My microwave broke 4 years ago adn I didn't replace it....I used it to soften butter, blanch veg and reheat....some of the nuking talk had me wondering about the affects but I just didn't feel the need to have another.

[momoreg]

I use one to soften frozen stuff in a hurry, and that usually takes awhile. I try to go to the storeroom or the walk-in if I need something while the nuker is on. But a lot of times, I stay there, 'cuz it's right in my station. If anyone's gonna get cancer from it, it's me. But I try not to think of that too often.

I think there is probably very little danger from a modern microwave due to the shielding. I doubt if there is anything harmful from nuking anything. I find a microwave great for defrosting, and for cooking veggies and even fish. My microwave is also a convection oven which allows you to cook convection, microwave, or a combination. The convection cooks cookies perfectly. The combo does wonders on a roast. Unfortunately, finding a micro/convection these days is somewhat difficult unless it is a built-in.

[shroomgirl]

Yep those would be the options....we get our popcorn from local farmers so I don't have the convenience bags, but I like it so much more .....I really like it with olive oil as the cooking base...makes the corn richer thus no butter needed.
Actually I don't miss the microwave....I'm usually jamming in the kitchen, doing multitasking so what's reheating something on the stove an extra couple minutes?....I don't do microwave meals.

I use mine all the time to reheat leftovers...shroomgirl...do you reheat everything on the stove now or oven?

Two Fat Pigs doesn't use a microwave oven. Anything it can do a stove or oven or broiler can do better.

[Nick.Shu]

i think your standard household microwave wouldnt not be something to be too wary off unless it is not well maintained.

Your average home nuke box will give out approx 700watts of microwave energy as opposed to, to say, a military SPY2 radar which will spew out something well over 2 millions watts of microwave power (which would toast nearly anything in its path.

However, rather than like a mil spec radar that discharges into a open space, microwave ovens generally are well contained.

There are microwave detectors that you can purchase, if this unduly worries you, that will detect stray microwaves or poorly shielded ovens.

[Chef David Simpson]

I whole heartedly hate them!