Microwaving hard-boiled eggs can lead to an explosive mess. (source) The steam buildup inside the egg can cause it to burst, sometimes even after it's out of the microwave. For safety and sanity, stick to reheating eggs on the stove.
While it might be tempting to nuke leftover chicken, the microwave doesn’t heat it evenly. This can leave you with cold spots where harmful bacteria like salmonella could thrive. (source) Reheat chicken in the oven or on the stove to ensure it's cooked all the way through.
It’s crucial not to microwave breast milk, as the heat can destroy its valuable nutrients. Plus, the microwave heats unevenly, which could result in hot spots that burn your baby’s mouth. (source) Warm it in a bowl of hot water instead.
Due to iron content, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can spark when microwaved. Experience has shown this to happen particularly with pieces kale. (source) Stick to sautéing or steaming them for better results.
Reheating rice in the microwave can lead to food poisoning if not stored and reheated properly. Rice contains spores of bacteria that survive cooking, and microwaving may not heat it enough to kill them. To avoid this risk, reheat rice with a bit of water and check the internal temperature.
Fish has delicate oils and fats that break down easily when exposed to microwaves. It not only smells bad but also becomes rubbery and dry. The best way to reheat fish is to gently warm it in the oven.
If you've ever microwaved bread, you know it quickly turns into a tough, chewy mess. The microwave evaporates moisture from bread, leaving it dry and unappetizing. Opt for toasting or heating in the oven to keep it soft and warm