Avoid Putting These Smelly Foods In The Microwave
The microwave makes reheating quick and easy, but not every food belongs in there. Some dishes release strong odors that linger long after you're done eating.
Whether you’re at home or in a shared space, it’s worth knowing which foods to avoid. Here are seven items that can leave your microwave smelling far from fresh.
Fish
Fish heats unevenly and releases a strong, lingering odor when microwaved. The smell can cling to the appliance for days and affect other foods.
If you need to warm up your fish, try using the oven or a skillet instead.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Microwaving hard-boiled eggs often ends in a bad smell or a small explosion. The sulfur in eggs reacts to heat, creating an unpleasant odor.
It's safer and fresher to eat them cold or warm them gently in hot water instead of the microwave.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
These vegetables are healthy, but when microwaved, they release strong sulfur smells. The odor can fill a room quickly and stick around.
Steaming them on the stove or roasting them in the oven brings out better flavor without the lingering scent.
Onions
Cooked onions smell delicious in a pan but harsh in a microwave. Their natural oils release strong, sharp odors when reheated.
The smell seeps into the interior and is tough to remove. A quick pan reheat works better and keeps the scent contained.
Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, or Kale
Microwaving foods like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, or kale releases strong, sulfur-like smells that linger long after.
A quick reheat in a skillet is a better choice, letting you keep their flavor without filling the room with odor.
Spicy Foods
Chili, curry, and hot sauces can turn microwaving into a coughing fit. The heat releases spicy fumes that will irritate your eyes and throat.
Reheating them on the stove with a lid helps keep both the flavor and the smell under control.
Bacon
Bacon in the microwave splatters and leaves behind a greasy, smoky scent. The smell can build up quickly and stick to the inside.
Cooking bacon in a pan or the oven gives a crisp texture and a cleaner kitchen.
The Bottom Line
Some foods just aren't meant for the microwave. Avoiding these common offenders keeps your kitchen smelling pleasant and your meals tasting better.
Simple changes, like reheating on the stove or in the oven, make a big difference. A little care goes a long way in keeping your microwave fresh and your home inviting.