Think back to the last time you used a microwave oven. Perhaps it was for reheating coffee or popping popcorn. While these are convenient uses, the microwave is also a fantastic tool for saving money. By leveraging its versatility, you can cook healthy meals from scratch, reducing your reliance on expensive convenience foods and dining out. This article explores the best ways to use your microwave to save money while enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals.

Reheat Leftovers Efficiently

One simplest yet most effective way to save money with a microwave is by reheating leftovers. In the U.S., households waste an average of over $600 worth of food annually. Using a microwave to reheat leftovers turns them into another meal, significantly reducing this waste. If you have access to a microwave at work, packing pieces for lunch can save you from spending, on average, $11 on a meal out, translating to considerable annual savings.

Thaw Meat Quickly

Forgetting to thaw meat for dinner is a common issue. Rather than opting for expensive takeout, use your microwave to thaw meat quickly and safely. Most newer models have a “defrost” cycle, but if yours doesn’t, setting it to 20-30% power for 8-10 minutes per pound of meat does the trick. This feature saves time and prevents you from spending extra on last-minute dining options.

Cook Veggies Perfectly

Microwaves are excellent for cooking vegetables quickly while retaining their nutrients. Despite myths about nutrient loss, microwave cooking is one of the best methods to preserve vitamins in veggies. The process is simple:

• Chop veggies.
• Place them in a covered glass bowl.
• Microwave for 30-45 seconds on high.

This method is healthy and economical, encouraging you to eat more home-cooked veggies instead of opting for less healthy and more expensive alternatives.

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Dry Fresh Herbs

Buying fresh herbs can be costly, especially when you need only a small amount. The microwave offers a quick and easy way to dry herbs, helping you save money and reduce waste. Rinse, dry, and remove the leaves from the stems. Microwave them on a paper-covered plate for 30 seconds until dry. This method is perfect for preserving home-grown or store-bought herbs, lasting up to a year.

Froth Milk for Homemade Lattes

Fancy coffee-shop drinks can quickly add up. With your microwave, you can froth milk for homemade lattes and cappuccinos, saving you significantly over time. Just shake milk in a jar, microwave for 30 seconds, and voilà – you have frothed milk for your coffee without needing expensive gadgets.

Make Your Own Potato Chips

Store-bought potato chips are not only expensive but also unhealthy. Use your microwave to make your own chips. Slice a potato thinly, rinse, dry, and microwave them on a paper-covered plate. This method takes longer but produces healthier and cheaper chips with fewer preservatives and fats.

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Popcorn Without the Bag

Instead of buying expensive microwave popcorn bags, pop your own using a plain paper bag or a glass bowl. This method is much cheaper and allows you to control the amount of salt and butter, making it a healthier and more budget-friendly snack option.

Quick Breakfast Sandwiches

Microwave a beaten egg in a mug for a quick and easy breakfast sandwich. This saves you from spending on overpriced convenience store sandwiches and is a healthier option. Add cheese, herbs, or other toppings for a delicious, on-the-go breakfast.

Single-Serving Desserts

Craving something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire cake? Mug cakes are your answer. Mix simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa, and an egg in a mug and microwave for a quick and satisfying dessert. This method prevents food waste and the temptation of having an entire cake lying around.

Abby Chung

Final Word

These tips are just the beginning of what you can achieve with your microwave. It's not just a reheating tool; it's a versatile appliance that can cook a wide range of dishes quickly and efficiently, from rice and pasta to bacon and corn on the cob. Moreover, its usefulness extends beyond cooking – it can freshen up stale bread, sterilize kitchen sponges, and even help with craft projects. Embracing these microwave life hacks saves you time and a significant amount of money.