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What is the optimal number of holes to pierce a microwave meal’s film?

The number of punctures needed in the film of a microwave meal is probably lower than the number you are tempted to make, say our readers

7 September 2022

Woman Putting TV Dinner Into Microwave Oven To Cook; Shutterstock ID 234670651; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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My microwave meal says remove sleeve and pierce film. What is the optimal number of holes I should make?

Bob Magee
Cardiff, UK

The optimum number is one. The holes are to allow hot air and steam to escape, so the film seal doesn’t “pop” and spray food over the inside of your oven. An excessive number of holes will weaken the film and it might tear when being peeled back.

Having said that, I always use a fork, which makes four holes, because forks are conveniently to hand and make circular holes rather than slits, which would be potential…

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