Are Plastic Takeout Containers Microwave Safe?
Is your office breakroom or kitchen a high-traffic environment where dozens of people want to use the microwave at the same time? Whether they’ve got large or small takeout containers, they might be asking a key question before they use it. Are plastic takeout containers microwave safe?
Before you give them a response, make sure you read this article. Here, we’ll give you the definitive answer on whether your employees can place their plastic containers into your microwave.
What Containers Cannot Be Used in the Microwave?
First of all, to minimize ingesting chemicals and for microwave safety reasons, we advise that the following containers cannot be used in a microwave:
Aluminum Foil
Since aluminum foil reflects radio waves, it’s generally unsafe to put aluminum foil containers in a microwave. A microwave in your break room or kitchen will emit radio waves, which can cause fires when reflected by the aluminum foil container.
Metal or Stainless Steel
Place another metal vessel, such as stainless steel, into a microwave and this can also cause sparks. Stainless steel will reflect the energy generated in the electromagnetic field, and the sparks can damage the microwave or lead to other hazards such as fires.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a form of plastic that many takeout containers are made of. But, these types of containers are not safe to microwave for two key reasons: They can melt, and they can cause food contamination when the plastic changes states.
4 Types of Containers that Are Microwave Safe
But did you know that there are several examples of microwave safe containers? Here are the best options you should consider for your breakroom or office kitchen.
PFAS-Free Food Containers
PFAS-free food containers such as the Boardwalk Bagasse Food Containers are created from sturdy molded fiber. They contain materials gathered from sustainable sources, and are ideal for takeout.
Since these food containers are microwave-safe and align with FDA guidelines for food service contact, you can place them in a microwave to heat up delicious food. They undergo ASTM D6400-regulated tests that back their microwave compatibility.
Microwavable Paper Food Container
Choose microwavable paper food containers such as the Bio-Pak Container or the Bio-Plus Earth Microwavable Container , and you will not need to worry about unsafe food heating processes - they align with the PROP 65 standards regulations.
They are also made from thick paper and are leak-free, so you can microwave food morsels in these containers without being concerned about messy microwaves.
Sugarcane Fiber Takeout Containers
Buy and use fiber takeout containers, such as the Fiber Containers by Vegware or the Fiber Clamshell Tray by Southern Champion Tray Co , and you can safely heat your delectable food in a microwave oven. These solutions will not contaminate your food since they are free from plastic, chlorine, and coatings.
Whether you or your employees need to heat up fried rice, street food, meats, or other types of tasty treats, you can count on the compatibility of the plant-derived containers with your microwave.
Microwavable Polypropylene Deli Containers
Purchase and use polypropylene deli containers like the Fabri-Kal Microwavable Deli Containers or the Dart Microwavable Hinged Containers , and you can entrust the safe food warming process to these microwave-safe c https://buydirect.missionlinen.com/product/dcc60ppht1-microwaveable-hinged-containers-631-by-631-by-3-clear-plastic-300-carton ontainers. These options are made of plastic, but they can be placed in a microwave.
Are Plastic Containers Safe to Microwave?
It’s always best to err on the side of caution, but there are some microwave-safe plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene that are microwave-compatible. Putting plastic plates in the microwave, for instance, is possible, but it’s important to consider whether they are BPA-free.
If they are bisphenol A (BPA) free, like the options at BuyDirect, then this chemical will not transfer into your food. So always check whether the plastic container or plate has coatings or chemicals before using them.
Heat Food Safely: Buy Microwave-Safe Food Containers from BuyDirect
Whether your team is heating perfectly seasoned rice or delicious meat, you’ll need to ensure they heat food safely to avoid the risks and dangers of sparks or fires. Picking microwave-safe food containers is the best way to do this.
Unsure where to purchase these solutions? You’ll easily be able to get them in bulk through BuyDirect. We offer free delivery to Mission clients and will send your containers with a white glove service. Heat food safely. Buy microwave-safe food containers from BuyDirect.
FAQs
Need more facts about plastic food containers or food packaging? Check these frequently asked questions.
How to Know if a Food Container is Microwavable?
If it is, it will feature the right number on the bottom of the container. The number is the resin ID and, if it’s a number 5, this means the plastic is classed as polypropylene.
It’s a good idea to look for this type of safe food contact material because it is:
BPA-free
FDA-approved
Heat resistant
This type of container can therefore contact food and will not leak chemicals when placed in the microwave. Other plastics with numbers like 1, 3, 6, or 7 are not ideal for putting into a microwave because they can contaminate the food with harmful chemicals when heated.
Which Plastic is Safe for the Microwave?
PP, or polypropylene plastics are one type, and many manufacturers claim they are safe for the microwave. But remember that the term “microwave safe” might just mean the plastic won’t melt when you put it inside.
This is why you should look for plastic containers that are also bisphenol A (BPA) free. These are types of plastics that will not have the bisphenol A chemical, meaning they will not contaminate your food.
Keep in mind that some PP plastics might still have bisphenol S or F, which could contaminate food, so it’s worth checking whether they are FDA approved. When in doubt, use an alternative such as those we offer at BuyDirect.
Can I Put My Container in the Microwave?
Keep an eye out for the microwave-safe label and, if you spot this, it should be safe to put the container in the microwave.
Stay alert and remember that some plastics can warp, even if they are free from some chemicals. So avoid containers that do not have the microwave-safe symbol on the bottom. Choose options, such as the ones at BuyDirect, that are FDA approved for microwave use, too.