Microwave bowls
 

Hi Guys,

Has anybody ever had a microwave bowl catch fire? ... I wanted to make some as gifts but not if they are a fire hazard.

hugs

Caroline

I've never had that problem but I make sure to use cotton batting and 100% cotton fabric .... and I only use for re-heating (meaning they are in the microwave for 1 minute or less). I usually use them as holders for hot or cold dishes and don't use them in the microwave.

I think there's no problem with 100% cotton fabrics. Just don't use Insulbrite batting because it has metal in it, which would cause sparks! Yikes!

The point is to put them in the microwave under your bowl, so it's easier to get the hot bowl out without burning your fingers. Like if you are making microwave oatmeal, the microwave bowl makes it easier to get the cereal bowl out while it's hot!

I love the concept of it but I've heard that even with the kits to make the potato bags there has been fires. You also have to watch what thread you use. If you make them for gifts and use the proper materials I would also let them know the warning. Like first of all, you can't put them in the microwave empty, dry fabric will catch fire, give the time limit, etc so the buyer can beware.

I tried the potato bags with all the right stuff and it caught fire, then someone told me to try using it very damp but I never did, I use them as hot pads!

As long as everything is 100% cotton you should not have a problem

I made some and have been using them with no problems (all cotton all around), but I made some earlier this year and when I tested one, it caught fire. What a stench and commotion with the smoke alarm going off. I'm pretty sure the thread I used had polyester in it. My bad. :(

I remember someone saying something on a previous post. I would tell them not to microwave longer than 3 minutes to be safe.

You have to use all 100% cotton. Fabric, batting and thread. Anything else will burn

I have made dozens of microwave bowls for family & friends and have not heard of any of them catching fire. I used 100% cotton thread, batting & fabric. I have put the bowls in the microwave for up to 5 minutes with no issues.

I use mine quite often. I lined them with cotton batting, but I only use them as bowl holders when I take the bowl out of the microwave. I haven't tried using them in the microwave.

Make sure your microwave bowl does not have spilled or boiled over food on it, as that can cause it to catch fire. I also prefer to use them to put hot bowls or mugs in after microwaving.

I found batting at JoAnn's, made by Pellon, called "Wrap-N-Zap" made especially for microwave use. It is 100% cotton and has no scrim in it. I used it to make a fabric bowl; zapped bowls of left overs twice and so far so good.

I don't think it's worth taking a chance. There's some science in recently on the dangerous effects of microwaves on the nutrients in food...the microwaves kill the vitamins or something like that...and adding a possibly flammable microwave bowl on top of it just makes it all seem to yucky to take a chance. Make mug rugs...people love them.

Anything will catch fire if you leave it in the microwave long enough. One missed number and flames. Example - popcorn - bag says 3 to 4 minutes, add an accidental "0" (30 to 40 minutes) you may have a fire!! Just use common sense.

I've used mine many times - cotton fabric, warm & natural batting - no more than 3 minutes. Pay attention. I won't make big ones, because I don't want people actually cooking in them for a longer period of time.

Hey Caroline, I asked a similar question about a year ago. http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t237794.html I wanted to know what batting was OK, since cotton batting often has a poly scrim in it... There were a lot of comments about fires and some links to people who had had fires

Gosh I have making and using these for a couple years now. I have not nor anyone that I gave them too said anything about catching a fire. As others have said make sure you use cotton fabric and cotton batting. I did learn about the potato bag but do not know why it catches fire. I do not use those.

I have literally made hundreds of these - Learned the hard way - the more powerful ovens will catch them on fire - never use more than 1000 watts. Also the moisture in your potato can cause a hazard. Potatoes that have begun to wrinkle will cause problems. Always use 100% cotton fabric, batting and thread. It's better to heat 2-3 minutes, wait a minute or so and then give it another minute or 2. My customers love the taste of potatoes cooked this way. I also cook sweet potatoes, corn on the cob and warm hard bread. For the bread just sprinkle with a few drops of water and only cook for 15 seconds or so. Again wattage of oven makes a huge difference.

If you are using left over batting like 100% cotton Warm and Natural be aware that it is only 87.7% cotton. The rest is not cotton and flammable. The Wrap and Zap is made for use in the microwave.

My experience also, frightening, I used the batting packaged & sold for potato bags & all cotton fabric & thread. Never again.

For you ladies who did have fires, out of curiousity, was it the first use or after starch got onto the bags a few times? What's the wattage of your oven?

I got my potato bag as a gift and according to the instructions that came with it, it's best to dampen the bag, I did, and never had any problems. There is batting just for them so that can be used for the microwave bowl holders. I got my batting from Connecting Threads.