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New Microwave

HenryGCC

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Stephanie
Hello,

I am a new member to the forum, but I have been browsing for many years. Thank you for all of the help over the years. Henry is my 10 year old green cheek conure and he is the love of my life.

I need a new countertop microwave since my current one that I’ve had for many years is broken. I researched PFAS quite a bit and I’m saddened to find out how many products still contain it. I’ve reached out to Whirlpool, GE, and IKEA to contact their manufacturers to find out if the interior coating, inlet cover, or bulb have PFAS. All have responded that they do not comment specifically on the product content because it is confidential. All of the customer service representatives reached out to a “higher” representative and were denied providing me with the exact content in the products.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone was willing to provide me with a model number of any brand that is currently available that you know to be safe. My concern is that some PFAS compounds are weaker than others and I’m worried that they might off-gas at a lower temperature than previous nonstick coatings. The current model that I have is no longer available and I bought the same brand and size but it has many changes to the interior including a bulb that has a shine to it that has me worried it’s coated. Thank you!
 

Respect

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As far as I’m aware, microwaves aren’t generally known to be made with PFAS. Even if a microwave oven did contain coatings made with PFAS, I don’t think they would break down from heat (like with nonstick coatings used in pans and other ovens, for example) as the inside of a regular microwave (i.e. not a convection-microwave or other hybrid) does not get hot aside from the minimal heat that may be generated by the inner electrical components or the steam released through cooking.

Though, I am not an expert and could very well be wrong; so if you can find a model that is proven not to contain any PFAS, that would be great. But if you can’t, I wouldn’t worry too much. Good luck! :)
 

Shezbug

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I honestly did not even bother checking when I got my latest microwave. I kinda figured if the microwave was gonna heat up enough for it to be a concern if it has pfas in it then I dare say the larger issue will be that I have somehow (my mum is an expert at this) set a fire in it. Microwaves themselves (from my understanding of how they work) do not heat up like the insides of an oven so when used as directed they should not get to a temp that is of concern- the things that cause me issue are some of the cheaper microwave dishes as they do have non stick properties in them and some of them smell horrible to me so I am pretty fussy about what plastics I will use in my microwave- we also need to be aware there are some other products out there now (sandwich toasters for example) that are made with non stick surfaces that are designed for micro use. I have used my microwave pressure cooker in our microwave for like 20 mins but the sides of the microwave itself were room temp where the dish was steaming and boiling away. I dare say the reason most companies do not want to share the secret ingredient to their micro making is because it most likely does have teflon/non stick in it somewhere- it is used for many things including moving parts in some motors and itis also on many non heating appliances too.
 

HenryGCC

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Stephanie
Thank you for your input! I will definitely keep in mind what microwave use products are out there.
 

Jayced!!

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As far as I’m aware, microwaves aren’t generally known to be made with PFAS. Even if a microwave oven did contain coatings made with PFAS, I don’t think they would break down from heat (like with nonstick coatings used in pans and other ovens, for example) as the inside of a regular microwave (i.e. not a convection-microwave or other hybrid) does not get hot aside from the minimal heat that may be generated by the inner electrical components or the steam released through cooking.

Though, I am not an expert and could very well be wrong; so if you can find a model that is proven not to contain any PFAS, that would be great. But if you can’t, I wouldn’t worry too much. Good luck! :)
Seconding both this and Shezbug's replies! Generally microwaves tend to be pretty safe and aren't something that a lot of bird owners even consider (Unless they are buying a new one like you are)!
Microwaves don't generally have PFAs (Though always check to make sure!) In pots and pans the PFAS supposedly will only start to break down at a pretty high temperature with prolonged exposure. (hence why you see some uninformed owners birds still living despite having PFAS in their pots and pans... But I wouldn't risk my bird's lives over a stupid pan TBH)

I'm a Fire Science nerd so I'll try not to make this explanation too convoluted... Feel free to let me know if this ends up being too wordy! :lol:For the sake of simplicity, pots and pans primarily heat food by conduction. The stove generates the heat via flame or electricity running through the burner (which doesn't generally have PFAS). The heat from the burner conducts through the pan and into the food, and by nature the pot/pan will get hotter for longer periods of time. Whereas microwaves heat food via radiation. They generate little electromagnetic waves that reflect off of the walls of the microwave and get absorbed by the food (which agitates the water molecules inside of the food and this movement is what generates the heat). The walls of the microwave may get a little warm, but shouldn't be HOT like a pan would be, and thus they are safer due to the microwave itself not reaching temps both high enough and long enough for breakdown if there *were* PFAS inside.

Hope this helps!
 
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