Is it really that dangerous to defrost meat at room temp?

[Wriggley]

I'd be way too scared to defrost in the microwave. I wouldn't know what I was doing for a start

im pretty sure your not supposed to do it anyways lol It was when i got FP twince in one week my OH realised why

 

[Vickie]

We generally defrost in a bowl with cold water. We're the worst at remembering to set something out for dinner until the day of.....

Our fridge has a separate container for meat storage (for defrosting) to keep it away from other foods

 

[pinklightbulb]

How do you do it in cold water? I've heard this method but never thought how it would be used.

 

[YoshiPikachu]

I always leave it out, but I heard that you shouldn't.