Man caused ‘mini explosion’ after cooking raw steak inside microwave at work: ‘Smells like burned meat and despair’

New York Post - Apr 13th, 2025

In an unusual turn of events, a man was banned from using the office microwave after cooking a raw steak directly on its rotating glass plate. This incident, shared by a Reddit user, sparked debates about kitchen etiquette in communal spaces. The individual, referred to as 'Greg,' was known for using the microwave for unconventional culinary experiments, including microwaving a metal thermos full of soup, which caused a mini-explosion and triggered the fire alarm. As a result, management intervened, banning Greg from the microwave and inciting mixed reactions among coworkers, with some accusing the whistleblower of being a snitch.

The story has highlighted the importance of appropriate kitchen behavior in shared environments, drawing comments from etiquette experts like Diane Gottsman, who emphasized the need for cleanliness and common sense. The incident has sparked widespread discussion on Reddit, with users expressing disbelief at Greg's cooking choices and supporting the decision to report his reckless behavior. This incident underscores the significance of addressing safety and courtesy in communal office settings before they lead to more serious consequences.

Food Safety Reddit Office Kitchen Etiquette Microwave Mishap Greg Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman Workplace Incidents

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging narrative about a workplace incident involving the misuse of a microwave, which raises broader questions about etiquette and safety in communal spaces. While the story is largely accurate and clearly presented, it relies heavily on a Reddit post, which may affect its reliability. The inclusion of expert opinions adds credibility, but the article would benefit from more authoritative sources and direct accounts from those involved. The story is timely and of public interest, particularly for those who work in shared environments, but its potential impact is limited due to its niche nature. Overall, the article is well-written and engaging, though it could be strengthened by additional verification and balance.

Accuracy

The news story appears to be largely accurate in its depiction of the events, as it provides a detailed account of the incidents involving the office microwave. The main claims, such as the cooking of a raw steak directly on the microwave's rotating glass plate and the subsequent banning of the individual involved, are consistent with the narrative provided. However, the story relies heavily on a Reddit post, which can be a less reliable source due to its anecdotal nature. The involvement of Fox News Digital reaching out to the Reddit poster adds some level of verification, but specific confirmations from the individuals or management involved would strengthen accuracy. The story also includes expert opinions, which lend credibility to the claims about microwave safety and etiquette.

Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including those of the Reddit user, other Reddit commenters, and an expert on etiquette. This variety helps balance the narrative by showing differing opinions on the appropriateness of the actions taken. However, the story primarily focuses on the negative aspects of the coworker's actions, with little room for his perspective or rationale for his cooking choices. The description of the coworker's actions as causing a 'mini-explosion' and 'smelling like the apocalypse' suggests a bias towards sensationalism. Including a direct comment from the coworker or management could provide a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents the sequence of events, making it easy to follow. The use of quotes from the Reddit post and expert opinions helps to break up the narrative and maintain reader engagement. The language is straightforward, and the story is presented in a logical order, from describing the incidents to the reactions and expert analysis. The tone is somewhat sensational, particularly in describing the coworker's actions, but this does not significantly detract from the overall clarity.

Source quality

The primary source for the story is a Reddit post, which is anecdotal and lacks the rigor of traditional news sources. While Reddit can provide firsthand accounts, the reliability of such posts can vary significantly. The story does incorporate an expert opinion from Diane Gottsman, which enhances the credibility of the claims regarding etiquette and safety. However, the article would benefit from additional authoritative sources, such as statements from the office management or more direct accounts from other coworkers.

Transparency

The article is relatively transparent in its sourcing, clearly attributing the main narrative to a Reddit post and acknowledging that Fox News Digital reached out for more information. However, it lacks detailed information about the verification process for the claims made in the Reddit post. The inclusion of expert opinions is transparent, as the expert's credentials are provided, but more transparency about the steps taken to confirm the story would be beneficial.