Is it possible to put metal strings on a classical guitar?

Among acoustic and classical guitars, there is one specific option. It looks like a classical guitar with metal strings. This topic is the subject of controversy, and sometimes very aggressive. Now we will try to explain and tell what kind of beast this is, from our position, we are not talking about the ultimate truth. So, is it possible to put metal strings on a classical guitar?

A little history

Such guitars appeared as a legacy of the Soviet period, because at that time only classical guitars were on sale, with rare exceptions. These were mainly Czechoslovak Cremona and Musima Resonata, Musima Classic - what was brought from Germany.

All these guitars were classical, but it was impossible to get nylon strings; only metal ones were on sale. They put what they had on the guitars, without really thinking about whether it could be done or not. People of that period who bought such instruments and became accustomed to them now want wide necks and metal strings.

Is it possible to put iron on a classic?

The guitar in the video is almost 100% made like a classical one, with the exception of some nuances:

• An anchor with which you can level the bar. It is needed to compensate for the tension of metal strings, which is several times stronger than the tension of nylon strings. If you simply put iron strings on an unprepared classical guitar, the neck is guaranteed to bend, in this case you will absolutely not be able to play, and there is also a chance that the stand on the soundboard will simply fly off.
• Tuners with metal stems, not plastic ones. This was done for the convenience of winding the strings and their reliable fastening. Metal strings do not hold well on plastic rods, and nylon strings do not hold well on iron rods.

The rest of the guitar is absolutely classic: a thin body, a classic stand, a classic spring pattern. What are the dangers of installing metal strings on such an instrument? The only drawback that the manufacturers overlooked is that the stand is not strengthened or modified in any way. “Iron” easily tears off such stands, and they have to be re-glued.

We advise you to pay attention to classical guitars. If you like a louder, brighter sound, try using high or super high tension carbon strings. They are denser, harsher and more sonorous. The sound will not be equivalent to metal, but you will feel a significant difference from nylon.

What are the alternatives?

Typically, people who come to buy a classical guitar with metal strings get the same advice from us: choose standard guitars, either classical or acoustic. Yes, there is a slight difference in sound, but if we are talking now about Soviet instruments, they did not always have at least some sound. We don't see these guitars as actual instruments, it's just about the overall aesthetics. In the video you can hear the difference in the sound of the classic and the hybrid.

Alternatively, you can look at the OM series guitars. These are standard folkies, but with one interesting feature. The OM series guitars have a neck that is not as narrow as all other acoustics: not 43 mm, but 45. This is something between the neck of a classic and an acoustic, a kind of hybrid. You may not notice this visually, but when you pick up the instrument and start playing, the sensations are completely different, unusual and new. Literally after 10 minutes of playing, the guitar becomes like a native, an excellent alternative to the incomprehensible classic “monster”.

Conclusion

Of course, we cannot advise anything, and we will not. We're just saying that there are different options to consider if you're looking for a metal string classical guitar. Chances are, the right acoustic guitar can replace your favorite wide neck. You can also put super heavy nylon or carbon strings on the classics, and the feel of them will be comparable to the feeling of metal ones, it’s up to you.

It is convenient because it can very quickly cook, heat and defrost various dishes. However, this equipment requires careful care. Device owners need to pay attention Special attention choosing the right cookware. Is it possible to put iron utensils or dishes in foil in the microwave? This issue requires detailed study.

Metal and microwave

It is strictly forbidden to put it in the microwave. The reflective properties of the metal surface block the passage of microwaves through the walls of the container, which causes electrical discharge. If the impact is too strong, the oven mechanism will become unusable. In the most severe cases, an explosion may even occur, since the built-in magnetron cannot cope with the load.

When figuring out whether it is possible to put iron utensils in the microwave, stove owners must keep in mind that it is not only plates and bowls that cannot be used. It is also necessary to ensure that metal spoons, forks, and knives do not get inside.

To the question: “Can I put iron dishes in the microwave?” The answer is clear: “No.” Even plates and cups with gold or silver rims create sparks. A discharge of such force cannot damage the oven itself, but it will leave unsightly dark spots on the plates.

and dishes in foil

It is forbidden to place dishes wrapped in foil: this also leads to a similar result. Microwave owners should be especially attentive and careful when heating semi-finished products, for example, frozen pizza: such food is often packaged in aluminum foil. Before putting the treat in the microwave, the packaging must be removed.

In some cases, foil is necessary for cooking dishes to prevent individual parts from burning. For such recipes there is a special foil designed for the microwave. This packaging is heat-resistant, its composition differs from ordinary aluminum, and therefore is capable of transmitting microwaves. Often this foil has perforations.

It is not recommended to use ordinary food-grade aluminum foil instead of special one. In addition to sparking, there is another danger: aluminum does not have sufficient heat resistance, so when exposed to waves, the packaging interacts with food. The metal content in food leads to diseases of the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. If you cannot purchase special foil, you can use parchment or a baking sleeve.

Is it possible to turn on an empty microwave?

It is also strictly not recommended to start heating in an empty oven. In this case, the microwaves are sent directly to the magnetron, resulting in breakdown of the part. In addition, the waves are reflected from the internal surfaces and come out through the glass oven door. This is unsafe for people nearby.

The right dishes for the microwave

How to choose dishes for the microwave and not make a mistake? Any containers made of heat-resistant glass and heat-resistant plastic are suitable for microwaves. Ordinary ceramic cups and plates can also be used to heat food, but it is still not recommended to cook in them: excessive heating may cause the walls to burst and fragments will fall into the food. For the convenience of users, there are special disposable forms made of thick pressed paper. Plastic containers intended for storing food usually have markings on them that indicate whether the container can be heated in an oven.

Dishes used in the oven must be clean, free of greasy splashes or deposits. When heated, dirt can smoke, which will certainly spoil the quality of food. You also need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the internal walls of the microwave in order to maximize its service life. Regularly remove plaque from the internal walls, having first disconnected the device from the power supply. To soften the hardest stains, pour water into a large container, add 20 grams of baking soda and 20 ml of table vinegar. Place the liquid inside the microwave and boil for 3-5 minutes. After this, you can proceed directly to cleaning.

Now you know whether you can put iron cookware in the microwave. By abandoning metal in favor of ceramics, porcelain and plastic, you will extend the life of the microwave.

Good day to all visitors to my blog. Today I want to talk about what dishes can be used in the microwave. It turns out that in the wrong container, food takes longer to cook and heats up poorly. And it can also be harmful to health. Yes, yes, it is dishes that can harm our body. And not microwaves, which is what opponents of microwave ovens are so actively trying to prove.

To figure out which containers to use, let’s remember how microwaves work. As you know, dishes in a microwave oven are heated by microwaves. This is electromagnetic radiation that causes dipole food molecules to move. Move quickly and a lot. This creates friction and heats up the food. I have already described this in detail in an article about the principle of operation of a microwave oven.

To heat food, as well as for cooking, containers must be heat-resistant. If you have fireproof cookware, that's even better. Heat-resistant dishes and containers can be heated up to 140˚C. This is enough for a regular microwave. It heats food to the boiling point of water - 100 ˚С. Containers made of fireproof materials can heat up to 300˚C.

Heat-resistant cookware can be:

• glass;
• porcelain;
• ceramic;
• plastic;
• paper;
• silicone;
• made of thin foam.

Heat-resistant containers made of these materials are used in microwave ovens. Mode – microwaves only. Plastic boats must have a corresponding icon.

An equally important parameter of microwave cookware is the size and shape. It is better to choose a small height for the containers. This will allow you to cook the product faster. If you are going to cook cereals or pasta, there should be plenty of capacity in the container. This is due to the peculiarity of heating liquids by microwaves. When the water boils, its bubbles remain at the bottom for some time. After a certain time, the water may splash out. If you choose a bowl that flares upward, this will not happen. The water won't rise as quickly.

The choice of dishes for the microwave must be approached responsibly, as some materials become unsafe for food when exposed to microwaves. In addition, some products may be damaged or damage equipment.

Microwave cookware must be transparent to microwaves, heat resistant and non-conductive. electricity, do not contain metals.

Rules for choosing dishes for the microwave

You can determine whether a product is suitable for the oven using a test. To do this, take a glass made of thick glass without a pattern. In this case, a faceted glass is perfect. Pour water and put it in a bowl, and then put everything in the microwave.

Heat the water for a minute on the highest power setting. After this, the water should become hot, and the dishes, on the contrary, should not heat up. If the test products become hot, they are not suitable for microwave use.

On modern products You can find symbols that indicate whether these products can be used in a microwave to heat food. You may encounter the following markings:

It is allowed to heat and cook food in a microwave oven
Do not heat or cook food in a microwave oven

As a rule, you can heat items made of durable and thick glass, earthenware and porcelain without patterns or gilding, bamboo and parchment in the microwave. It is important that these are intact objects without cracks or chips. Use plastic and foil with caution. Let's take a closer look at what dishes can be used in the microwave.

What kind of cookware can be used

From possible options Glassware made from heat-resistant or fire-resistant glass is especially suitable. By the way, such products can also be used in a conventional oven. You can use standard thick-walled glassware.

These are plates, glasses and mugs, salad bowls. Durable thick walls allow microwaves to pass through and do not absorb, do not heat up or deteriorate, and can easily withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees, and fire-resistant glass - up to 300.

It is allowed to heat porcelain and earthenware products without patterns or gilding in the oven. Gold plated designs or edging will cause sparks to form when heated.

Ceramic and earthenware dishes can be placed in the microwave without harm to the material if they are coated with glaze on each side. In addition, products made of ceramics and clay, porcelain and earthenware should not contain chips or cracks.

Parchment paper or linen napkins are suitable for warming small foods, such as a bun or hot dog. Parchment is also used as a lining for the product when defrosting. Paper or bamboo dishes are used only for briefly heating food, as such products quickly get wet.

For microwave ovens They produce special dishes, including glass-ceramic products, special porous bags and films for frying, microwave foil and disposable aluminum containers.

In some cases, aluminum foil may be used. The material covers areas of food that easily burn during defrosting. These are the wings and legs of a bird, the tail of a fish, etc. However, aluminum foil cannot be used for standard heating of food.

Is it possible to put plastic dishes in the microwave?

Not every plastic can be put in a microwave oven. Apply plastic dishes only with special markings on the bottom. In addition, it is important that the material can withstand heating of 130-140 degrees.

Plastic that is not oven-safe will easily melt and warp when cooking. In addition, low-quality material decomposes and forms harmful elements that dissolve in food. This is dangerous to your health!

For the microwave, high-quality food-grade plastic with appropriate markings is used. These are polyamide and polypropylene materials. It is better not to use plastic products for ovens with a grill function.

In addition, such products are not suitable for preparing dishes using fat and sugar. Due to the heating of such components, the plastic melts and deforms.

What not to use in the microwave

• It is strictly forbidden to use metal and iron utensils or enamel products in the microwave. Microwaves do not pass through these materials, and as a result, the food does not warm up. In addition, they can cause sparks when the oven is operating;
• Items made of porcelain or earthenware with gilding and designs, as they sparkle when heated;
• Porcelain, earthenware and glass products with chips, cracks and other defects. This will cause the material to crack when heated, causing items to fly apart or break inside the oven or when removed;
• Cheap plastic and plastic that is not resistant to high temperatures;
• Plastic utensils made of PVC and polystyrene;
• Cardboard dishes are not microwave safe due to their waxy coating. With prolonged heating, the wax melts and gets into the food;
• Ceramic products without glaze coating on each side;
• Aluminum cookware with high sides, which is used for baking in a standard oven;
• Crystal objects that contain lead, silver and other metals, and also have an uneven surface. When heated in the oven they will break;
• Dishes made of thin glass, as it is not resistant to high temperatures and can shatter into fragments right in the microwave;
• Polyethylene film. Thin material will melt, and thick material will create an unpleasant odor;
• Wooden objects and products with wooden inserts or decorative elements, since wood shrinks and deteriorates when exposed to high temperatures.

Do not place food in a microwave oven that is tightly covered with a lid or film, otherwise an explosion may occur. If necessary, cover the food with film with holes to allow steam to escape. Or use a special microwave lid.

Don't want to throw away cracked plates or damaged containers? Then before cooking, find out what you can’t heat in the microwave.

The technical characteristics of microwave ovens do not allow the use of any utensils indiscriminately, so you need to be careful before placing them in the chamber. In this article we will look at which dishes are suitable for the microwave, and which ones are best kept away.

What not to heat food in a microwave oven

If, then for some kitchen utensils it is the worst enemy. Without worrying about the “compatibility” of new equipment and your favorite saucepans, you can ruin food, set fire to the stove, or cause an explosion. There are some materials that should never be placed in the chamber, and there are exceptions for others. How to distinguish them?

Plastic

When a plastic container is labeled with an approval sticker, it is best to ignore (or check) the manufacturer's permission. According to the law, he is not required to test his products during production.

When heated, plastic releases special toxic substances that easily penetrate food. Warming up your lunch for a long time in a low-quality plastic lunch box will cause it to come out of the oven melted. Heating using cling film has a similar effect: carcinogens from polymer materials get inside the food.

Gold plated plates

The “saucer with the golden edge” can sparkle if you put it in the microwave. The immediate danger is fire. Spare the electrical appliance, yourself and your home. Beautiful plates and dishes with gold patterns are not designed to be exposed to waves.

Why you can’t put gold plating in the microwave

The electrical appliance is made of metal, and there is a mesh on the door - have you noticed? There are no exceptions in any model! The design features prevent microwaves from leaving the housing; the metal serves as protection. A spark, an electric arc, or a fire will appear inside a microwave oven that contains an iron bowl by mistake or for fun.

But there are also specialized dishes created for the needs of microwave oven users. This includes the Aqua Cook Samsung set - the steaming set has a metal cap that protects food from exposure to microwaves.

Combination ovens

If you get an appliance equipped with a grill or heater, there are loopholes. Often a heating element or grill can be used independently, without radiation. Then cook in pots, pans, iron trays, salad bowls - the list goes on, but do not forget to turn off the microwave mode.

Porcelain

Porcelain utensils produced in the post-Soviet space contain lead. Heavy metals were mixed into raw materials for durability, excellent performance and elegance of products. Porcelain cups, glasses, bowls, salad bowls, tureens containing lead are very dangerous for microwaves.

Hardware

“Can I put iron cookware in the microwave?” - you ask. "No!" - experts and manufacturers will answer.

Metal reflects waves that can lead to an explosion - at best, you will throw out the stove, at worst, you can easily get injured. Do not assemble such a “bomb” with your own hands. Iron, aluminum, enameled and other metal utensils cannot be placed in the chamber, because they begin to spark. As with gold plating, this poses a risk of fire.

On a note! Avoid heating paper boxes, foil from fast foods or sushi bars. Best material for heating sandwiches and other similar foods - parchment paper for baking.

Crystal

If the crystal is not fake, it contains lead, and expensive crystal contains silver. In faceted products, the wall thickness is not the same, so the heating process will not be uniform. Metal impurities lead to a rapid increase in temperature - your favorite salad bowl or vase bursts. If crystal objects are dear to you, do without experimenting.

How does the tree react?

We rarely use wooden utensils: the maximum is cutting board, a hot stand or a container for storing cereals. Few people cook in wooden bowls, but there will always be enthusiasts.

Manufacturers (not all) warn against using wooden utensils, otherwise they may overheat and become charred. But you can try using it on short cycles - when heating or preparing quick dishes. The type of food also matters: avoid fatty and sugary foods.

Remember that wood may contain moisture, it is a living material, and the waves of the device do not affect objects, but water molecules. So products made from “fresh” wood are deformed by moisture.

Paper items

There is no prohibition on using disposable paper or cardboard utensils in a microwave oven. But it is not suitable for long-term cooking (especially fatty foods). Packaging containers coated with plastic or wax will definitely “leak” - products that receive the melted coating will deteriorate.

You can use ordinary paper towels for the kitchen, and cover the baking sheets with tracing paper, as when baking in the oven. When baking cupcakes, you can use corrugated paper molds. Avoid recycled paper, which may contain toxins and metals.

Let's summarize: what should not be put in the oven

So, you should not put the following in the microwave for cooking or heating food:

• Thin-walled glass glasses, wine glasses, shot glasses, etc.
• Products with metal decor (gilding, silver plated items).
• Crystal.
• Stainless steel, cast iron.
• Aluminum, nickel-plated or enameled items.
• Items and utensils with gold and silver handles/elements.
• Porcelain, earthenware, ceramic objects with metal decor.
• Wooden and straw objects.
• Disposable tableware (for long-term processing).
• Recycled paper supplies.
• Newspapers, dyed paper.
• Silicone molds on a metal frame.
• Temperature-resistant plastic.

How to check that the plate fits

The best part is that most of your kitchen utensils can be safely placed in the microwave. To understand whether a container is suitable for microwave use, check it using a simple test (you will find it in the instructions for the device). If the user manual is lost, follow our recommendations:

• Take a glass and fill it with water.
• Place the glass in the chamber along with the container being tested.
• Start the device at full power, set the timer for 1 minute.
• Check: if after a minute the water from the glass warms up, but not everything else, the test results are excellent. You can use the tested plate. But if the water remains cold, but the cup you are testing has warmed up, it means that radiation is being absorbed. It is better to put such a thing away from the oven.

The instructions for equipment of some brands contain more simple circuits check: just put the dishes in the chamber for 0.5-1 minute, turn on the maximum power and check the degree of heating at the end of the work. The temperature will remain the same, or rise, or even sparks will fly.

Which alternative to use

“What to cook with if there are so many restrictions?” - housewives will ask, going through in their memory all the frying pans, baking sheets, pots, ladles, etc. available at home. The most ideal material is glass. Waves pass through it without problems, their effect is not diminished, cleaning and washing are not difficult. In addition to the fact that you can cook in such containers, a nice bonus is that you can immediately serve it on the table without spoiling the serving.

Today, the choice of glass items, including glass ceramics, is so large that there will be no problems with selection: these are frying pans of various depths, pots with or without lids and handles, baking sheets, dishes, pots, etc. They are made from special heat-resistant glass. Permissible temperature values: from -40 to +1000 degrees Celsius.

For conventional stoves and ovens, in addition to induction, glass and glass-ceramic options are also suitable. Combo modes in the microwave with grill or convection are also well tolerated.

Important! Glass is not resistant to sudden temperature changes. Do not place a hot baking sheet on a wet towel or do not heat the dish directly from the refrigerator in the microwave - cracks or even complete deformation of the product are guaranteed.

Is it possible to cook in pots

Ceramics, porcelain and faience (used different types clays) are in principle suitable for microwaves, but with some caution. To reassure yourself, it is better to conduct a test - today clay may contain a lot of impurities that do not have a good effect on the throughput of materials.

If you notice a crack, chip or other defect on the pot, set it aside: the pot may crack due to the boiling of moisture that has accumulated in them during washing.

In addition to pots, housewives place stewpans, terrines, tagines and other items in the chamber. Serving utensils (after the test) can also be used - it is only desirable that their shapes are simple.

Silicone: yes or no

There is no prohibition on the use of silicone mats or molds. Muffins, rolls, casseroles, pies and other delicacies can be easily prepared in the microwave using silicone, without fear or risk. The only exceptions are options with a sticker prohibiting exposure to radiation.