Ethan Clarke
Microwaves are a convenient way to heat food, but it's important to know what kinds of containers are safe to use. Plastic containers are generally safe for use in the microwave, provided they are labelled as microwave-safe. Some plastics are designed for cold food storage and should not be used for reheating. Single-use plastics, such as those used for yogurt, should be avoided, as they can warp or melt, allowing substances to leach into food. If a plastic container is cracked, old, discoloured, or has a strange smell, it should not be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers to use in the microwave | Glass, ceramic, plastic containers, and plastic wraps that are labelled as microwave safe |
| Containers to avoid in the microwave | Single-use plastics like those used for yogurt, cottage cheese, and other foods; plastic to-go containers that don’t state they are microwave-safe; cracked, old, or discolored plastic containers; polystyrene containers unless labelled as microwave-safe |
| Regulations | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) undertakes a safety review for all new food-contact materials before permitting them on the market |
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What You'll Learn
Containers labelled 'microwave-safe'
When it comes to microwaving food, it is important to ensure that the containers are labelled microwave-safe. While glass and ceramic dishware are generally safe for microwave use, there are exceptions like crystal and some handmade pottery. When using glass or ceramic plates, bowls, cups, mugs, mixing bowls, or bakeware, ensure that they do not feature metallic paint or inlays.
Some plastic containers are safe for use in the microwave, but it is important to check for a microwave-safe label. The label usually features a microwave icon with waves. It is recommended to avoid using plastic wrap, as it may come into contact with food during heating. Plastic containers meant for longer-term use, such as Tupperware, are generally best for microwave use. However, do not use cracked, old, or discoloured plastic containers.
Polystyrene (foam) packaging and Styrofoam containers should be avoided, as they may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food when heated. Paper products, such as paper plates, should also be used with caution, as they may be coated in a thin layer of plastic. Recycled paper products, printed paper towels, paper lids, and brown paper bags should be avoided altogether as they pose a potential safety hazard.
When in doubt, it is always best to transfer food to a glass or ceramic container labelled microwave-safe before reheating.
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Plastic containers to avoid
When it comes to microwaving food in plastic containers, there are a few types to avoid. Firstly, always avoid using plastic containers that are not intended for food, such as single-use containers like margarine tubs, as these can warp or melt in the microwave, allowing substances from the plastic to leach into your food. It is also advised to avoid using polystyrene containers in the microwave, unless they are labelled as microwave-safe.
Some experts advise against using any plastic containers in the microwave, due to the risk of chemicals leaching into food. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that microwaving food is generally safe, but microwaving in plastic containers is associated with increased leaching. It is recommended to heat food in glass or porcelain dishes marked "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" instead.
When using plastic containers in the microwave, always opt for those labelled "microwave-safe", as these have been deemed suitable for microwave use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also important to check the recycling symbol on the container, avoiding those marked with a 1, 3, 6, or 7, as these contain chemicals that can interfere with hormones and lead to various health issues.
In addition, avoid using plastic containers that are visibly damaged, stained, or have a bad smell. It is also recommended to avoid placing hot liquids or foods in plastic containers, as well as freezing plastic containers and then thawing them in the microwave.
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Glass and ceramic dishware
To identify whether a glass or ceramic dish is safe for microwave use, you can look for a symbol on the bottom of the dish consisting of wavy horizontal lines, indicating that the material is heat-safe. If there is no stamp or symbol, you can perform a simple test to check its microwave compatibility. Place the dish in the microwave along with a cup of water and operate the microwave at a high setting for one minute. If the dish remains cold while the water heats up, it is safe to use in the microwave. Conversely, if the dish heats up and the water remains cold, it is not microwave-safe.
It is worth noting that while glass and ceramic dishware are generally microwave-safe, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or labels on the dishware to ensure safe usage. Some manufacturers may provide specific guidelines or precautions for their products. Additionally, when using glass dishware, it is important to avoid those with metallic paint or glaze, as well as metal rims, as these can create issues in the microwave.
When using glass or ceramic dishes in the microwave, it is also essential to follow general safety guidelines for microwave use. Avoid placing the dishes near the microwave walls, as this can cause arcing or damage to the oven. Ensure that the dishes are not overcrowded and maintain proper spacing to allow for even heating. Always monitor the microwave while it is in use, and avoid operating it if there are any signs of damage or malfunction.
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Paper towels and paper plates
Paper plates and paper towels are popular choices for reheating food in the microwave. They are mostly safe to use, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always check if the paper plate or paper towel is clearly marked as microwave-safe. Some disposable paper plates are coated with a thin layer of plastic, so it is important to ensure that they are safe for microwave use.
When using paper towels in the microwave, it is recommended to use shorter intervals, such as two-minute intervals, so that you can check on the food and the paper more frequently. This helps to prevent the paper from becoming a fire hazard. It is also important to use plain white paper towels that do not have any printing or dyes, as these could contain chemicals or metal flecks that may ignite when exposed to microwave radiation. Recycled paper towels should also be avoided for the same reason.
Additionally, it is important to note that paper towels should only be used to cover food and prevent splatters and stains while allowing steam to escape during reheating or cooking. Always follow the best-practice guidelines for microwave use, including using microwave-safe paper products and limiting cooking time.
Cardboard should be avoided in the microwave, as it may contain glues, waxes, or other materials that could pose a safety hazard. Similarly, materials containing steel, iron, copper, or other hard metals should never be used in the microwave, as they can reflect microwaves and cause a fire.
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Plastic wrap
When using plastic wrap in the microwave, it is important to ensure that there is enough space between the food and the wrap to prevent direct contact. This is because the heat from the microwave can cause the plastic wrap to stretch and expand, creating a vacuum seal over the food as it cools. This vacuum effect can be observed when heated gases cause the plastic wrap to balloon up during microwaving, and then suddenly drop and form a tight seal as the air cools and creates a vacuum, pulling the wrap down.
To avoid this, it is recommended to leave enough space between the food and the wrap, as direct contact can affect the properties of the plastic and potentially allow chemicals to migrate into the food. Additionally, some types of plastics, such as those used in butter tubs and deli containers, are designed for cold food storage and should not be used for reheating. Therefore, it is always important to check the labelling and instructions on the plastic wrap packaging to ensure safe microwave use.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to avoid microwaving plastic. Some plastics are designed for cold food storage and will melt in the microwave. If you must use plastic in the microwave, only use containers labelled as "Microwave Safe" and follow the instructions on the label.
Microwaving plastic can cause chemicals to leach out of the container and into your food, increasing your risk of cancer.
Polypropylene is considered safe for microwave use by the FDA. You can also use containers with the microwave symbol, which is usually found on reusable plastic storage containers.
Glass and ceramic containers are generally safe for microwave use, as long as they do not have metallic paint or inlays.
Check the container for a "Microwave Safe" label or the microwave symbol. If there is no label, it is best to avoid microwaving it.
