If properly handled, it is entirely safe to use metal in a microwave. The traditional wisdom stems from the fact that when improperly handled, metal can arc and cause problems. While it takes some care, and should certainly not just be attempted randomly, there is no reason why everyone shouldn't be able to use metal in a microwave.

Microwave ovens work by using a device called a magnetron that sends out microwave radiation - electromagnetic waves - at a frequency of about 2.45 GHz, meaning they vibrate at almost two and a half billion times a second. When these waves come into contact with metal, they excite its electrons, which then start moving rapidly, and bounce the microwaves bounce off them. For this reason, we can say that metal reflects microwaves.

In fact, one of the biggest dangers people have when putting metal in a microwave is that they choose some sort of metal that has plastic attached. Many metal pots and pans have plastic handles made of phenolic, which may explode if placed in the microwave. There are, however, pots and pans made specifically for use in the microwave that are made of metal. These are usually labeled as Microwave Safe, and can be used for a wide range of cooking.

Although not for everyone, cooking with metal in a microwave can actually give results closer to traditional convection cooking than any other form of microwave cooking. If the proper materials are used, and care is taken, cooking with metal can produce brown crusts, and perfectly evenly heated foods.