Using a Rockcrok in the microwave is generally not recommended. Rockcroks are silicone cooking pots that are marketed as an alternative to crockpots and slow cookers. While they can be useful for stovetop cooking, there are a few reasons why microwaving them is not advised:
Silicone and Microwaves Don’t Mix
Silicone is a synthetic polymer that contains silicon, oxygen, and other elements. It is considered microwave-safe to an extent, meaning it won’t melt or leach chemicals when exposed to low-powered microwaves briefly. However, silicone doesn’t react well to prolonged microwave use at high temperatures.
The material can become damaged, deformed, or even melt under extreme heat. Rockcroks are thicker than silicone microwave cooking accessories. Their dense walls retain more heat than thin silicone microwave covers. Subjecting a Rockcrok to high-powered microwaves could potentially damage the silicone.
No Temperature Regulation
Microwaves cook food unevenly by exciting water molecules. This leads to hot and cold spots. Crockpots and slow cookers have thermostats to help distribute heat. Rockcroks have no built-in temperature controls.
In a microwave, the silicone walls would get extremely hot directly under the magnetron. Food near the walls would burn or overcook. The center would not get hot enough. You cannot control the temperature in a material like silicone in a microwave.
Risk of Melting Handles
Rockcrok lids and handles are often made of plastic rather than silicone. The plastic components could melt or release chemicals when microwaved. This poses a safety risk to the user when removing the hot pot after microwaving.
Microwaving any plastic that is not labeled as microwave-safe runs the risk of melting, burning, or leaching. Rockcrok handles would likely not hold up well as they are not designed for microwave use.
No Browning or Crisping
Microwaves heat food efficiently but cannot brown or crisp foods. Rockcroks are meant to mimic slow cooking, roasting, braising and other cooking methods that depend on getting nice caramelization and texture on foods. Microwaving meat or vegetables in a Rockcrok would cook them but leave them looking bland and soggy.
Risk of Damage to the Microwave
Heating an oversized silicone vessel like a Rockcrok could also be risky for your microwave. The pot takes up a large amount of space and has thick walls that obstruct airflow. This can lead to uneven heating patterns in the microwave.
The confined space and lack of ventilation could potentially cause the magnetron or other internal microwave components to overheat. This can shorten the lifespan of your appliance over time.
Safe Microwave Uses for Rockcroks
While microwaving an entire Rockcrok is not recommended, the pots can be used in microwaves safely in some limited ways:
- Heating small amounts of food like leftovers on a microwave-safe dish placed inside the Rockcrok. Use the pot as a stand or hot pad.
- Melting butter, chocolate or small amounts of liquid inside the Rockcrok.
- Using the lid only in the microwave to cover food.
Best Uses for Rockcroks
Rockcroks really shine when used for their intended slow cooking purpose. Their thick silicone walls retain heat beautifully when cooking over low, steady temperatures. Some best uses include:
- Slow cooking stews, curries, chillies and braised dishes.
- Making hot cereals and porridge.
- Cooking rice and grains like farro or quinoa.
- Poaching fish or meat gently.
- Serving dips and fondues at the table.
- Baking casseroles in the oven.
Conclusion
Microwaving Rockcroks is inadvisable due to the risks of damaging the silicone, handles, and microwave itself. The dense pots heat food unevenly and cannot brown or crisp. For best results, use Rockcroks for long, slow stovetop or oven cooking to take advantage of their heat retention.