clever idea, dunster

My neice's cosy caught fire. It was made from 100% cotton everything. But it had food residue on it. We think that is why it caught fire.

I would not sew anything metal onto the cosy because there will be someone somewhere that would still put it in the microwave and cause a worse problem. Maybe one of those signs with a microwave in a circle with a red line thru it sewn into the bottom?? I'm sure there would still be people who would not get the message.

I don't mess around with anything that could cause a fire. The limit I have seen for all cotton cozies is 2 minutes. I never go over that. See sentence 1.

I thought the purpose of them was to put the bowl of food in them, put them in the microwave to heat up the food. The cozy acts as a pot holder so you don't burn your hands. If you can't put them in the microwave than what's the point of using them.

You should not use polyester in the microwave - both melting and a fumes issues. And, check the labeling - some are named cotton but when you look at contents, you will see 10% poly. We make and sell dozens per month and always include a tag saying 'for reheating only, please use only 3 - 5 minutes'. We still have some folks who want a refund after using for 10 minutes and having them get hot! One lady left the pin in and it had 2 burn marks where the pin had been. She said she had removed the pin (?!?) and wanted a refund and yes, we gave it to her and told her to keep the cozy.

I have had a potato baker bag for 10 years and have used it quite abit. Time my potatoes for 6-1/2 minutes and have never had a problem. I have made the microwave bowl holders for 5-6 years now using warm and natural only for the batting inside and have never had any problems but have never warmed anything for longer than 2-3 minutes. They are used for warming and not cooking and one must remember that. I have never heard anyone that I have gifted them to or sold to complaining about any problem but I stress the warming and not cooking aspect.

One of the first ones I made included polyester and it caught on fire. That was before I knew to only use cotton fabric, batting and thread.

WOW....you all are so wonderful!! I appreciate your comments so much. I keep testing and testing in my microwave and the polyester doesn't get even warm. I've gone up to 10 minutes while watching closely.....I feel so sure they will not burn, but still am frightened by the comments that polyester will burn. I've never smelled any fumes either. I'm sure spilled food would burn. Maybe it's best to just tell them not to put it into the microwave, but that is what makes it so great.....Keep the comments coming...Love hearing from you all!!!!

I, too, have made many, many bowls and potato bags. Must use 100% cotton as everyone has said. Make sure batting does not have poly scrim in it. My info on the bowl says to make sure it has been laundered frequently as spills can cause burning. My son had some soda on his counter, and apparently set the bowl on it and when he used it next time, he had a burn (no fire) from the sugar in the pop. Potato bags: let them dry 100% after EACH use and wash them frequently as the starch in the potatoes accumulates and can cause a problem.

I use mine all the time for hot food, but I never put them in the microwave. Really need to wash mine and need to make some more.