Slightly OT: Microwave Potato Bags

I don't have any statistics, Pauline, but we have a Sharp microwave that is so high-powered that I'll bet it could set ice cubes on fire. Oh my how we miss our dear old gentle 1983 Amana. She could do a roux or a sugar syrup without setting off a panic at the fire department. Polly

There have been reports of the bags catching fire. However, a lot of people have used the bags without problems. I have a bag made with cotton batting, fabric, and thread. I have used it for several years without a problem. I have been told that the problem is mainly with older microwaves that may develop hot spots. I don't have a turntable in my microwave, but I do turn the bag half way through the baking time (3 to 4 min per potato depending on the size of the potato). Also both the bag and the oven should be kept clean. Spots may be more likely to catch fire. And one should always stay close by when using the microwave for anything.

Julia > I know this has been discussed MANY times over the years. One of the

One thing that helps any type of burning while using the microwave is to put a small micro-proof container of some sorts that contains water. I do that all the time when I heat up my 30 inch ricebag to warm up my neck. No worries ever about a fire.

What in the heck is a microwave potato bag? Is this a new way to cook potatoes or does one actually end up with a tater sack? And if that's the case, are there really people who would carry a potato bag? ;0

Donna in WA

The instructions I had said DO NOT poke and wrap each potato in a paper towel before putting in the bag. They really do come out a lot like oven-baked potatoes, though I really like the crispy skins that oven-baked potatoes get.

Julia > A microwave potato bag is a fast way to bake a potato. You make a "quilt

My microwave has a special button for baked potatoes - you press it, enter the weight, and off you go. However shortly before the end of cooking time a grill in the roof of the oven comes on and crisps the skin. Anyone using a microwave bag in this type of oven without putting their brain in gear, would have a fire!

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

Julia > The instructions I had said DO NOT poke and wrap each potato in a paper

My compromise for baking potatoes is to nuke them in the microwave for just a few minutes - depends on the size of the potato & how hot your microwave gets. Generally, I cook them for 4 minutes on each side. While they are cooking, I turn on my oven to about 400 degrees & when I take the taters out of the microwave, I put them in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes & I get the nice crispy skin. I like this method, because not only do the skins get crispy, but the potatoes are nice & fluffy.

Pauline Northern California

That's what I do too, though only if I'm switching the oven on anyway, if I'm not I compromise and have not quite so great baked potatoes! Has anyone done it this way and tried a bag? Anne

A microwave potato bag is a fast way to bake a potato. You make a "quilt envelope" (using all cotton fabric /batting/ thread). Wash the taters, and (at least I do) poke them a few times with a fork. Stick them in the bag. Nuke on high for 3-4 minutes per potato till done.

The advantage to this : BIG savings on power (AND time) when you don't have to heat an oven to 350* and bake for 45-60 minutes - especially if there's only one or two potatoes to be baked!

These make great gifts! ME-Judy

I made several, gave most away and used one for several months. Made the best baked potatoes ever.

It caught fire and ruined my microwave. Ovens are so cheap now, that it didn't bother me and I don't know that even if I hadn't been paying attention, it would have caused any other damage. I mean, there weren't great flames or anything. There were glowing embers and charred fabric. The potato didn't burn, but it wasn't done yet, so I pitched it.

I used cotton fabric, thread & batt, and it appeared that the fire started in one of the thick seams. I think I had done them like French seams where you enclose the raw edges.

I think if I had one and wanted to try it again, the cup of water thing would be the best bet. Oh, and the microwave had a turntable.

Polly, I had one of those early Amana Radar Range. Great silver thing. I know it was before 1982 because I remember how easy it was to heat DD's bottles. When the ones with the turntables came out, I wanted one so bad. I didn't think that Amana was EVER going to die. I remember that it cost a small fortune.

Cindy

Cindy, I hope you kept your Amana cookbook. I can still make potato salad, confetti beans and other stuff better than the 'stove' can. Of course, I have to back my new and Much smaller model down to about half power. We don't even want to know what it would do if allowed to blast off . Polly

"teleflora" I made several, gave most away and used one for several months. Made the