Can Non-Microwave Safe Plates Cause Explosions in a Microwave Oven?

[Rothiemurchus]

Would plates that are not marked "microwave safe" explode in a microwave oven or crack slowly?

 

[Danger]

Some might crack, but I suspect that there would have to be a significant moisture content in the material. I routinely nuke stuff on china, Corelware, Tupperware, and even some 45 year-old melmac plates that are already cracked half to death. There's never been a problem with any of them. There is, however, the possibility of toxic fumes and/or fluids being released.

 

[russ_watters]

They could also just burn your food or damage the microwave.

 

[Meir Achuz]

Test any plate by putting it empty in the MW on high for 10 seconds.
If it feels warm, don't use it.

 

[Danger]

Good idea. Also, don't use one with a pattern... particularly if it looks metallic.