Putting ice cubes in a microwave oven while cooking something else inside can have a few potential outcomes, none of which are ideal:
Uneven Cooking: The ice cubes will absorb microwave energy and cool down the area around them. This can result in uneven cooking of the food you're trying to cook or reheat, as the microwave's energy will be diverted to melting the ice cubes instead of evenly heating the food.
Increased Cooking Time: Since the microwave's energy is partially used to melt the ice cubes, the overall cooking time for the food may be prolonged. This can lead to overcooking or drying out of the food being cooked.
Potential Damage to Microwave: Microwaves are not designed to handle ice cubes directly. When ice melts, it turns into water, and if the water comes into contact with the microwave's electrical components, it can cause damage to the microwave or even pose an electrical hazard.
Melting and Spilling: The ice cubes may partially melt, leading to water pooling inside the microwave. This water can spill out when the microwave door is opened, creating a mess and a potential slip hazard.
To avoid these issues, it's best not to put ice cubes inside the microwave while cooking something else. If you need to melt or heat ice for a specific purpose, it's safer to do so separately, in a microwave-safe container, and with caution. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid using the microwave in ways that are not intended.