Can microwaves still work if they have cooked metal?

Question

Our gas got turned off, but my daughter wanted to cook spaghetti. I didn't know that she had taken one of our saucepans and used it in our microwave to try to boil water. The plastic melted off, the metal was glowing red, and there was steam and a foul smell emanating from the microwave. Now it seems fine, but I'm afraid to cook anything in it in case somehing happens. What should I do? Serious answers ONLY!!!!!!!

Answer 1

I'd replace the microwave if I were you.

The melted plastic will keep stinking, and those fumes are not good for you.
It is unknown if the microwave cavity itself is still intact; microwave radiation is very bad for you, but you can't really feel it. If you absolutely have to use it, I'd recommend standing far away from it. Better yet, replace it. It's not worth the risk.

It is also possible that insulation on the wires inside the enclosure is damaged by the heat. It poses a danger of electric shock.

Answer 2

I have bought a couple used microwaves that didn't work
completely, like the timer/clock, but not the actual cooking
part where you set the time and push 'start'.
I now have a new unit, thanks to my daughter. So I no longer
have to worry. What I'd suggest is you try bringing water to
a boil in a plastic container or glass. Set it for what you believe with your unit as the 'boiling point', I'd guess around
2 minutes. The main thing is that you set it for enough time to
get it to a hot degree of temp. Me, I'd stick my finger in really
quick. Maybe you have a better idea. If you get the desired
results, try something you can cook that didn't cost much, like
a pot pie that you can cook from the frozen state to find out
if it cooks through correctly. But try the boiling water first to
see how well the heat works. Being they work off of a special light tube, I doubt now it will arc or spark since you know not to put in metal. I had a reminder once with arcing, and as soon as I removed the item, things were normal when I recooked the item with a microwavable container. I hope you have better luck a second time around. I'll cross my fingers for you that no permanent damage was done, as in my case also.
If it doesn't work, you can go to a good Goodwill store and
check out what they have in microwaves. They allow you to
plug them in and try them out. You may have to settle for an
older unit, but the main thing is that it works to cook with.

Answer 3

She burned the chemicals off of the metal that is for sure. You should try giving it a real good clean with disinfective materials. Most likely though you will have to get a new one if it is not working properly sorry! Putting metal into a microwave is like putting a metal spoon or fork onto a plate and placing it into the fridge, the chemicals rub off onto the food or in your case onto the microwave if it still works just give it a real real real good clean.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 4

If it is still working then it may eventually give out all together. Someone I know went through many micro waves for that reason and they just stop cooking. As long as it still functions give a try until it stops.

Answer 5

No, its not safe. So your better off buying a new one. Don't take a chance.