Using the microwave is a quick and convenient way to reheat meals, but not all foods are safe to microwave. Certain foods may become toxins when microwaved, release dangerous chemicals or lose their texture and flavor.

Here are 30 foods that you should avoid reheating in the microwave:.

1. Hard Boiled Eggs

Microwaving boiled eggs can result in a steam buildup inside the egg, causing it to explode. It’s better to peel them and reheating in hot water or oven instead.

2. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken loses its crispiness when heated in the microwave and can become chewy. It’s better to reheat fried chicken in the oven or on a stovetop with a little oil.

3. Chinese Takeout

The oils used in Chinese food can become rancid when reheated in the microwave, causing an unpleasant smell. It’s better to reheat Chinese takeout on the stovetop or in the oven.

4. Steak

Reheating steak in the microwave can result in tough and dry meat. It’s better to reheat steak in the oven or on a stovetop on low heat.

5. Rice

When reheating rice, it can become dry and hard. It’s better to add a few drops of water and reheat on a stovetop or in the oven for best results.

6. Pasta

Pasta can become mushy and lose its texture when microwaved. It’s better to reheat pasta in a pot on the stovetop with a little water and sauce.

7. Pizza

Microwaving pizza can result in soggy crust and uneven heating. It’s better to reheat pizza on a stovetop or in an oven to make it crispy.

8. Mashed Potatoes

Microwaving mashed potatoes can make them dry and tough. It’s better to reheat mashed potatoes with a little bit of milk and butter on a stovetop or in an oven.

9. Bread

Breads can become rubbery and tough when heated in the microwave. It’s better to reheat bread on a stovetop or in an oven to make it crunchy.

10. Grilled Cheese

Reheating grilled cheese in the microwave can make the bread soggy and the cheese greasy. It’s better to reheat grilled cheese on a stovetop or in an oven to make it crispy.

11. Processed Meats

Processed meats like sausages and bacon should be avoided in the microwave because they contain nitrates that can become carcinogenic when exposed to high heat.

12. Oily Fish

Fish with high oil content like salmon and tuna can become greasy and unappetizing when heated in the microwave. It’s better to reheat fish in the oven or on a stovetop with a little butter or oil.

13. Chili

Microwaving chili can result in uneven heating and loss of flavor. It’s better to reheat chili on a stovetop or in an oven for the best flavor and consistency.

14. Cream-Based Soups and Sauces

Cream-based soups and sauces can become unevenly heated and curdled when reheated in the microwave. It’s better to reheat them on a stovetop on low heat and stir often.

15. Tomato-Based Soups and Sauces

Tomato-based soups and sauces can become acidic and lose their flavor when reheated in the microwave. It’s better to reheat them on a stovetop on low heat and stir often.

16. Potatoes

Potatoes can become dry and tough when microwaved. It’s better to reheat potatoes with a little bit of butter and milk on a stovetop or in an oven.

17. Casseroles

Casseroles can become unevenly heated and dry when microwaved. It’s better to reheat casseroles in an oven with a little bit of sauce to keep them moist.

18. Breast Milk

Breast milk should be avoided in the microwave because it can cause hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth. It’s better to warm breast milk in a hot water bath or bottle warmer.

19. Whole Vegetables

Whole vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes can take a long time to cook in the microwave and can become overcooked or unevenly heated. It’s better to cook them on the stovetop or in an oven.

20. Foods in Aluminum Containers

Aluminum containers can cause sparks in the microwave and release dangerous chemicals. It’s better to transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish before reheating.

21. Plastic Containers

Plastic containers can release BPA and other harmful chemicals when heated in the microwave. It’s better to use glass or ceramic dishes for reheating.

22. Breast Milk Formula

Breast milk formula should not be microwaved because it can cause hot spots and uneven heating. It’s better to warm the formula in a hot water bath or bottle warmer.

23. Grapefruit

Grapefruit can become bitter and unappetizing when heated in the microwave. It’s better to eat it at room temperature or chilled.

24. Mushrooms

Mushrooms can become rubbery and lose their texture when microwaved. It’s better to sauté them on a stovetop with a little bit of butter or oil.

25. Frozen Foods

Frozen foods can become overcooked and mushy when microwaved, and can also retain pockets of cold that can cause foodborne illness. It’s better to thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or on the stovetop.

26. Broccoli

Broccoli can become mushy and lose its texture when microwaved. It’s better to steam it on the stovetop for best results.

27. Burger Patties

Reheating burger patties in the microwave can make them dry and tough. It’s better to reheat them on a stovetop or in an oven with a little bit of oil.

28. Tofu

Tofu can become rubbery and lose its texture when microwaved. It’s better to pan-fry or stir-fry it on the stovetop for best results.

29. Spinach

Microwaving spinach can cause it to release oxalic acid, which can reduce its nutritional value. It’s better to steam spinach on the stovetop for best results.

30. Nuts

Nuts can become burnt and lose their texture and flavor when microwaved. It’s better to roast them in an oven with a little bit of oil for best results.