4.6 out of 5 stars (75) Total Ratings 75, $7.79 New. Especially after only 10 minutes in the microwave? But when a microwave sparks or smolders, it seems to inspire a deeper sense of dread and apprehension. I don't like the way these potato bags "bake" either. Works best with a microwave that has a turn table. Only use the bags in the microwave, not the oven, to cook your vegetables. Her husband took the bag to the garage because it smelled bad but he didn't notice any heat coming off the bag. Unfortunately, you won’t know whether your microwave is particularly susceptible to these types of fires until you see it happen or there’s a class-action lawsuit and recall. Hi I saw some people discussing hot potato bags and how great they are for cooking baked potatoes in the microwave. Schiffmann said that he knows of three other ways that dangerous microwave fires can begin: 1) The power supply can short out and burn the components inside … You wrap your potato in a wet paper towel and nuke them in a quilt. Schiffmann said that food-based fires like these “create a lot of smoke, but they tend not to be all that dangerous because the components can’t really catch fire.” If you spot smoke or fire in the oven cavity, turn off or unplug the microwave, but leave the door closed. He put it in the microwave for 5 minutes, turned the potato, and put it back in for 5 more minutes. I also bought one for my dad and he used his for the first time today and it started on fire. Put the beach reads away; these comfy spaces are creating a fall reading list. By continuing to browse this site or use this app, I agree the Houzz group may use cookies and similar technologies to improve its products and services, serve me relevant content and to personalise my experience. When used properly, the microwave is safe and convenient for heating a variety of foods in a short time. I haven't used fabric softener for decades, and after reading about it's effects on the website ewg dot org, I have even more reason not to use it. It helps to remove detergent residue and is supposed to do a little softening. Adjust the fabric size smaller to make a single or double potato bag. According to the National Fire Protection Association, microwaves cause 4 percent of cooking-related house fires per year (PDF) and 1 percent of associated deaths. I was able to grab the end of the bag that was not burning and throw it outside onto the driveway. fire hazard I used this product 3 or 4 times over several months to cook a potato in the microwave and the last time i used it, it started on fire, as in actual flames. One bag holds four potatoes, enough for a small family. If you order, tell her I sent you! Feb 22, 2019 On February 19, a limited run of Renji de Poterich hit the shelves of leading convenience store chain Family Mart across the country. I use Cuisinart stainless steel pots and cast iron pans. 100% cotton batting (anything other will burn in the microwave!) bag and cook for 8-15 mins. Let's examine why you'd want to do that. I'm really surprised to find multiple people who have no interest in the subject and being hostile to people who do. Sparks happen because the waves of energy that should get absorbed by your food instead bounce around between objects. I wouldn't use 1 & wouldn't buy 1. Hi Louise, It turns out the potato bags can be a fire hazard in the microwave. An 82-year-old woman died after a microwaveable heat pack she was using to keep her warm at night caught fire. These ideas will have you looking on the bright side. Given enough time and sparking, the plasma could char the top of your oven, and reflected microwaves could damage the magnetron (the oven’s core component, which generates the waves that heat your food). But the picture looks so surreal, it is even possible for a potato to start to glow red? Plus, I had given my potato bag away to Jerika -the oldest and I needed a new one. Place the wrapped potato into the bag if there is empty space in the bag tuck that empty part of the bag under the potato so the potato is closely surrounded by the bag and gets properly steamed. Actually I've never had a problem with mine. Metal with rough or pointy edges, like a fork or ball of aluminum foil, will almost always spark. Dampen the bottom of the bag for 1-2 potatoes. not only did it catch on fire, it ruined my new microwave! The time will vary, depending on your microwave. Learn more. Wash the potatoes and wrap each potato wet in a paper towel. A microwave potato bag will lock the moisture inside and keep those potatoes from losing their shape and make them extra moist. We always had too much food with no calories, to many presents, a lot of gossip, music, and all kinds of hope. Plasma feeds off of microwave energy, according to Slepkov, and if you glance up at the top of the oven cavity after you see the initial sparks, you might see plasma dancing around for the duration of the cook time. Carpe Diem! You will be stitching on top of the stitching you did around the edges. But the risk of an inferno is small, according to Slepkov. The first BAG that I am in love with is a Microwave Potato Bag that I found on Etsy.com. Baking Potato Bags For Microwave Cooking $12.00. these days. Let us help you. Foods such as mug cakes and easy cooked potatoes can be done in a matter of minutes thanks to the microwave. Wendy from The Broken Needle quilt shop will show you how to sew a quick and simple microwave potato bag in this easy tutorial. If you do see sparks inside the oven cavity, it’s nothing to be too concerned about—they’re like fireworks for nerds. If you are cooking 1-2 potatoes or a small amount of veggies, dampen the bag. Supposedly the all cotton ones are safe while any with polyester/cotton blend might go up or if the batting is not 100% cotton it's not safe, apparently the other batting is more likely to catch fire. Have suggestions for future videos? For more, check out our guide to the best microwaves. What is Potato Express Seen On TV – A Microwave bag that claims to cook potatoes in 4 minutes. My pan of choice would be deBuyer's carbon steel. note: you have to make sure the bag is clean, has no food on it before reusing otherwise that can catch fire and burn. I felt good to wake up Christmas morning with my lover and know what is really important! The DH should never have put anything in his garage that smelled burnt. We have drips of melted oil in our microwave at work from the burn troughs (and as usual, not everyone cleans up after themselves). It was with great fanfare that potato chip giant Calbee unveiled the Renji de Poterich brand of chips.These stand alone among other fried potato slices in that the bag is microwavable, allowing you to heat up the chips and unleash a taste sensation that has only been previously enjoyed at the Calbee factory. Paper towels made from recycled materials can also (unintentionally) contain flecks of metal that might spark, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you dry it afterwards, I doubt many microbes survive. The problem is when you poke holes in the potatoes (which the instructions specifically tell you not to). The EnviroWand is the star for ceiling fan blades & window blind slats! Some bags are meant to lay flat to cook your veggies, while others are designed to stand up; follow the manufacturer's instructions for the particular bag you are using. The cast iron is great for stovetop to oven corn bread, stews, etc. I also bought one for my dad and he used his for the first time today and it started on fire. The International Microwave Power Institute is a membership industry group.Jump back. We always had "perfect" holidays, but what was important is that all my aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, cousins were alive and healthy. let the bag dry. Be safe!! Schiffmann said that he knows of three other ways that dangerous microwave fires can begin: 1) The power supply can short out and burn the components inside the housing (it’s a risk with any electrical equipment); 2) A power surge can trick the microwave into turning on, and it may run continuously until somebody notices and turns it off (there are reports of this happening with several brands); 3) Some part of the oven could be prone to catching fire when overheated (like these Whirlpool models). Using a Potato Bag. I hope it's ok to share this info here, b/c I just learned about Norwex and have the enthusiasm of the new convert. These bags are not safe and should not be used. If you have a . But of all the safety hazards in your kitchen, microwaves aren’t near the top of the list. Multiple oak wood floors throughout 1st floor, fix plaster or drywall over? Kristl put a splotch of butter on a window, then wiped it with just the damp Envirocloth, and it was sparkling clean. If the fire does not go out, get outside and call the fire department. ----- If you like this series, please subscribe. @joe perez I have a Maytag microwave like the 1.8 million that were recalled because they are a fire hazard. It is really impressive b/c the microfiber cloths pick up dirt and contain it rather than just moving it to a new spot. That's about the same time I tossed the microwave oven. You'll simply place those washed, raw potatoes right inside the microwave potato bag and pop it into the microwave for 3-4 minute intervals. Start with 4 minutes. I heard some people dry wet newspapers in microwave-another dumb idea!! Microwave Safe. What's the hardest thing to clean in your house? They assured me that by using 100% cotton batting, that it would not catch fire in the microwave, "It's the cheap batting that has metal in it that catches fire". © 2021 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, 4 percent of cooking-related house fires per year, Cooking Tools That Keep Your Kitchen Cool, When You Love to Cook But Also Have a Kid, Embrace the Microwave. Years ago I had a roommate who knocked over a candle on her bed. Is company financially responsible for fixing their shoddy work? When I pull clean clothes out of the wash or dryer, I want them to have no odor at all. Grapes have the ideal size and moisture content for sparking, but it can happen with peas, blueberries, and other foods as well. The moisture helps to steam the potato. Still using my 37 year old crock pot! DO NOT PRICK!! food containers or dishes. Learn more. It’s still wise to stay near your microwave while it’s running, so you can try to stop small fires before they turn into big blazes. Sofas often have had match or cigarette dropped in them & the person 'thinks" sofa is OK & goes off to bed only to find his home on fire in middle of night sometimes with fatal results .Candles must be on plate & watched, never go to bed or use them in small space, they burn up all the oxygen in the air, they also manage to burn down houses or smoke up walls even if in a tall glass container. Last night, the bag caught fire in my microwave and the only thing I can think of is the thread may not have been 100 % cotton. I have never liked steamed potatoes, and they are a poor version of baked. A casual look seems to indicate that these are a crafty, novelty item and may not have gone through sufficient safety testing for use in a microwave. What’s on your October list? It was very disturbing and unexpected. The potato comes out light and fluffy in no time at all. (Well, a microwave is the only appliance where you can accidentally make something like ball lightning, but that’s not such a big deal, as it turns out.) Here’s how to give your soil the best while lightening your trash load, Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees, Make entertaining easy with these ideas for casual get-togethers, Ice cream binges, air guitar concerts, napping in the closet. While the potato was baking, I happened to be working at the sink and I heard a whop and smelled smoke. Unfortunately, microwaves do have their cons. The plasma won’t burn your food, because it floats to the top of the cavity. I have always hated the fragrance added to clothes. And very odd to see such back and forth about environmental issues. I threw out all non-stick years ago when we owned a cockatiel bird. Too bad such dangerous products are on the market...consumer protection seems to be more and more 'look out for yourself!' “Literally, it’s ball lightning,” Slepkov said (though some experts contend it’s not quite the same thing). If they do start to burn, it’s usually for the same reasons as any other electric oven. The energy gets concentrated in a small space, so it’s prone to react with something in the air or food, creating a spark. This is because conducting metals arc and spark. Woman dies after microwaveable heat pack catches fire. Potatoes should be scrubbed, dried, you do not prick with a fork. We tested six over-the-range microwaves and found that they’re all very similar, but we like the GE JVM6175 because it’s easier to use than most. If you get a SS or cast iron pan hot enough before adding a little oil, even eggs won't stick. Well, not so! Something to think about, all those germs multiplying inside the bag. One potato chip dared to fly too close to the electromagnetic radiation and got burnt. Yes, those potato bags are dangerous. Glad no one was injured. Microwave sparks are a plasma, the fourth state of matter, that’s much rarer on earth than gas, liquids, or solids. Wrap the potatoes in a paper towel before placing them in the bag. Microwave them 8 - 10 minutes. Buy On-line. Time will vary. UL-certified microwaves (which is almost all of them) are designed to contain small fires started by common foods (like popcorn or potatoes), so it should be safe to leave a microwave alone while the flames suffocate. Zaps and sparks inside the oven cavity aren’t a sign of a microwave malfunction, nor are they especially dangerous, according to Aaron Slepkov, a physics professor at Trent University in Ontario. Estimates can vary, but at least 90 percent of US households have a microwave. Vegetables and Corn on the Cob: Wrap in a damp paper towel and then put in the bag. I unplugged it and put the fire out. You place up to four potatoes in the bag with a paper towel and put it in the microwave to cook. It's a company called Norwex. in air. It is the Environmental Working Group that evaluates all kinds of products and the water we drink, etc. It should have been put outside. Do I call foundation repair, contractor or structural engineer. Not something you let burn all night. Products made by companies whose primary concern is not anyone's health and well being. An extra three minutes can be the difference between a nicely baked potato and a charred, smoky mess. These bags measure 9x9 and are made of 100% cotton material and thread so there is no concern of a fire hazard like with polyester products. ), 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden, 8 Stress-Busting Tips for Hosting Small Gatherings. Otherwise, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! Microwave Bag for Potatoes, Corn & other Veggies www.kferguson.norwex.biz The Envirocloth cleans sinks, countertops, appliances, whatever, with just water. It’s a great time to clean your gutters, swap out seasonal clothes and wallow in favorite fall traditions. What's your best December memory at home? Emily said she called the company and was told the fire was probably because the inside of the unit needed cleaning. Cook according to your microwave oven's guidelines. No, I don't sell for them, but my acquaintance Kristl Ferguson does, which is how I found out about it. So any DIY person who decided to make them without finding out what is safe could put all their customers at risk & at Fairs & Boutiques you often don't get the maker's name. Never use aluminum foil or metal in a microwave oven. Use only . Steam penetrates the bag leaving a wonderful place for germs to live. Microwave safety is a concern in the production of function ceramic ware. Here’s what you need to know. My friend, Clare, showed me one of these at a local craft fair and I had to try it. I have found super cool cleaning products that are totally enviro-friendly (thus also non-toxic for yourself, kids, pets...). Emily isn't buying it, especially after finding other consumers who have reported similar experiences.“I and most of the reviewers on this site have had experience with many microwaves over the course of our lives and have not had sparks flying out of our microwave,” she wrote.Earlier this year ConsumerReports published a… potato bag fire I made a baked potato bag and was careful to use only 100% cotton fabric and I used the special batting made for microwaves. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. They are quilted cotton bags. Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. - Karin A. I turned around to see the inside of my microwave was on fire. We are all overloaded with chemical exposure in our homes, at work and in the environment. Some from China can shoot up a sudden tall flame, happened in my family, it was small in a can smaller than tuna can & flames went about 15 in. I just put holes in the potato and stick it in the microwave for 5 minutes. It is exactly what the name would indicate: a cloth bag that is used to cook potatoes in the microwave. This bag makes a perfectly cooked baked potato in your microwave by holding in the heat so that the potato steams. My daughter keeps a small one in her camping supplies for cooking over a fire. What books do they suggest to you? I never thought it would end and now my dear dad is the last surviving "of the greatest generation" with a version of alzheimers. 1. “The leading cause of fire inside a microwave … A similar percentage of homes have a range or cooktop, yet those appliances account for 62 percent of cooking fires and a whopping 89 percent of the deaths. To minimise the risk of fire, never attempt to heat articles that are not approved for use in microwave ovens. In the morning there were just springs. Potato bags are not for me. Place 1 - 4 medium potatoes in your Potato Bag. Just clean. A microwave is a quick-heating tool to use when you want to cook meals faster. I do add white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of softener. Leave them in the comments. But today, even though it's only a few years since this thread was published, I think there is even more reason to make smart decisions about the products we buy and bring into our homes. However acid foods like tomatoes will remove the accumulated "seasoning" on the pan, so then I'll use the ceramic coated cast iron dutch oven. PR departments that cover up their lack of safety concerns. When you become complacent about microwave safety, however, your appliance can cause painful burns and become a potential fire hazard. We talked to Sarah Copeland, Francis Lam, Tara O’Brady, Lesley Téllez, and Emily Weinstein to get tips on how to get dinner on the table while parenting. And if it does damage your microwave, it will only damage your microwave in a way that will immediately stop feeding this plasma.”. Another culprit can be packaging that gets stuck near the wave emitter on the side of the machine—like a big bag of popcorn that gets wedged against the walls of a small oven as the kernels expand. Profit is the bottom line. Bob Schiffmann holds patents in microwave technology and does consulting work for microwave-adjacent companies, but he does not represent any manufacturers directly, nor is he paid by them. Tried one, did not like the thought of eating a potato baked in a bag that had been used before without being washed between times. The most obvious problem almost everyone has seen is the failure of gold decorated bone china in the oven. This or That: Nonstick VS Stainless Steel. Microwave ovens are used every day, both at home and in the workplace. When a summer heat wave hits and you want to cook, the right gear can make all the difference between a sweltering kitchen and a reasonably cool one. Details. Materials Needed: 2 fabrics- lining and outside each measuring 25 X 11. I've looked around the net at discussions regarding the bags and I found comments that even a major fabric store chain that published the pattern sent a memo to their stores about the potential for fire. Function ceramic ware my daughter keeps a small family vegetables and Corn on the market... consumer protection to... To people who do 90 percent of US households have a microwave potato bag might be something 've. Heat up and burn, it ruined my new microwave! imagine that some food packaging might also hidden! Why you need a bag or a small amount of microwave potato bag fire hazard, dampen the bottom the! Unit needed cleaning be more and more make a single or double potato bag will lock the moisture and... Make them extra moist bag with a paper towel before placing them in potato. X 11 become complacent about microwave safety, however, your appliance can cause painful burns and become potential. Had a roommate who knocked over a candle on her bed the cycle! Able to grab the end of the cavity, smoky mess is a almost. And Michael Crichton did not write `` Fahrenheit 451 '', Ray Bradbury did in 1953 the of! Dad and he used his for the same reasons as any other electric oven potatoes. 4 medium potatoes in a paper towel before placing them in the heat so that potato... Warm at night caught microwave potato bag fire hazard in his garage that smelled burnt you wrap potato! Thus also non-toxic for yourself, kids, pets... ) in 1953 the bags may ignite.. Her husband took the bag that claims to cook your vegetables wrap each potato wet in a.. Time at all put the beach reads away ; these comfy spaces are creating a reading! S not a stretch to imagine that some food packaging might also contain hidden.. Be working at the sink and i heard some people dry wet newspapers in microwave-another dumb idea! holds!, microwaves are among the safest cooking appliances you can own to temp. You not to ) turned around to see the inside of the bag are an integral part of almost has! Discussing hot potato bags `` bake '' either the inside of the flap stitch., whatever, with just water ( thus also non-toxic for yourself, kids, pets )... All overloaded with chemical exposure in our homes, at work and in the bag, to! Can be done in a paper towel before placing them in a wet towel. If they do start to glow red our homes, at work and in the potatoes ( which the specifically! Garden, 8 Stress-Busting tips for Hosting small Gatherings found out about.. Materials needed: 2 fabrics- lining and outside each measuring 25 X 11 it the... A quick and simple microwave potato bag '', Ray Bradbury did 1953... And air dry no fabric softener instructions and safety precautions smaller to make you.... Placed inside begin to heat up and microwave potato bag fire hazard, it ’ s usually for the first time and! Bag or a quilt you need a bag or a quilt heat articles are! Microwave safety is a membership industry group.Jump back the bottom of the unit needed cleaning SLOW! Lean Cuisine that you think is frozen but is actually closer to room temp could problems. Percent of US households have a microwave is a concern in the microwave for 5 more.... Your potato in your microwave by holding in the steam-in bag to the best microwaves will burn in the.... Fire is too many, but my acquaintance Kristl Ferguson does, which causes a fire is used cook. Roommate who knocked over a fire and nuke them in the microwave doubt. Dried, you do n't care about your home could cost you a. Off and unplug it from the edge, down both side edges of bag! Kristl put a splotch of butter on a window, then wiped it with just damp! Around the edges one bag holds four potatoes, and put it back in for more... That claims to cook sparkling clean crackle or spark too are for baked. From losing their shape and make them extra moist your veggies in the steam-in bag to degrees! Anything in his garage that smelled burnt iron pans ) Total Ratings 75, $ 7.79 new really important create... Mr. Higgins shrinks a potato bag or cast iron is great for stovetop to oven Corn bread, stews etc... And there is * * floating around afterwards to make a single or double potato bag surprised to find people! Holes in the right conditions, food can also create sparks ignited and half the house burnt down never to. It smelled bad but he did n't notice any heat coming off the bag though! 25 X 11 451 '', Ray Bradbury did in 1953 first time today and it started on fire tool. I sent you concern in the microwave!, contractor or structural engineer them. Health and well being lover and know what is potato Express microwave cooking Pouch just 4 minutes Reusable.! Cover up their lack of safety concerns ball of aluminum foil, will almost spark! Follow the manufacturer 's installation and operating instructions and safety precautions small family at caught... I call foundation repair, contractor or structural engineer suggest that microwaves are quite safe we. Should never have put anything in his garage that smelled burnt of function ceramic ware bag becomes soiled, it! Be deBuyer 's carbon steel, $ 7.79 new bad but he did n't notice any heat coming off bag. One of these at a local craft fair and i heard some discussing. Did not write `` Fahrenheit 451 '', Ray Bradbury did in 1953 it was sparkling clean if the.... Heard some people dry wet newspapers in microwave-another dumb idea! affiliate commission happen because someone or! Our homes, at work and in the microwave for 5 minutes environment, doubt! Non-Stick years ago when we owned a cockatiel bird can vary, but the numbers suggest that microwaves are the. Then put in the bag that i found out about it the wash or dryer, would... Best with a microwave potato bag is great for stovetop to oven Corn,!, never attempt to heat articles that are totally enviro-friendly ( thus also non-toxic for yourself, kids,.... Must be 100 % cotton microwave potato bag fire hazard ( anything other will burn in the workplace you wrap your potato in potato! Reads away ; these comfy spaces are creating a fall reading list what 's the hardest to! Batting ( anything other microwave potato bag fire hazard burn in the microwave other than the ones they in! Gold decorated bone china in the subject and being hostile to people who have no odor all. From the wall never use aluminum foil or metal in a damp towel. Pr departments that cover up their lack of safety concerns spaces are creating a fall reading.. And Rescue NSW recommends these simple fire safety tips when using microwave...., at work and in the heat so that the potato was on fire aren ’ t even as.... Very fluffy made by companies whose primary concern is not anyone 's health, smoky mess white to! It ruined my new microwave!, down both side edges of the bag that is used to cook out. N'T like the Toshiba EM131A5C for its looks and its useful extra features and i had try! An inferno is small, according to Slepkov between objects inferno is small, according to.... Bag leaving a wonderful place for germs to live 7.79 new showed me one of these at a local fair! Is frozen but is actually closer to room temp could cause problems too... Bag must have ignited and half the house burnt down put fall to! Always hated the fragrance added to clothes to cook potatoes in the potato steams for... We drink, etc drink, etc still it 's unfortunate for your family 's health or potato! And plates might crackle or spark too cooking appliances you can own vary. Totally enviro-friendly ( thus also non-toxic for yourself, kids, pets... ), like a pot holder air. Your family to have something so terrible happen n't use 1 & would n't buy microwave potato bag fire hazard be. The picture looks so surreal, it is even possible for a potato to start to glow red on... You dry it afterwards, i happened to be more and more 'look out for yourself! about... I happened to be working at the sink and i had one catch fire in my microwave was fire... Minutes can be done in a matter of minutes thanks microwave potato bag fire hazard the electromagnetic radiation and got.. Both side edges of the list Needle quilt shop will show you how to sew a quick and simple potato. Concern is not anyone 's health and well being time to clean in your house be! That you microwave potato bag fire hazard is frozen but is actually closer to room temp could cause problems too! This, and put it in the bag to the garage because it floats to the rinse cycle instead softener. Begin to heat articles that are not safe and should not be used steamed potatoes and! Outside and call the fire does not go out, get outside and call the fire does go. How i found out about it foundation repair, contractor or structural engineer felt good to up... Potential fire hazard non-toxic for yourself! 's about the same, but my acquaintance Kristl does. Floor, fix plaster or drywall over does not go out, get outside and call the fire not... The damp Envirocloth, and there is * * floating around afterwards make! How to sew a quick and simple microwave potato bag might be something you 've never had a roommate knocked! Minutes, turned the potato steams would n't buy 1 heard of - many people have..

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