Plastic in the microwave?
Again and again there is uncertainty, if and when certain plastic in the microwave allowed. What possible damage to unsuitable plastic are to be feared, and how to recognize microwaveable dishes, you can read in detail in this article.
Problem warming
The microwave does not heat directly via heat rays. The way the microwave works is a bit different. Water in food or in everything in the microwave is stimulated to move and warms up. This does not only apply to food, but in principle to everything.
In this type of heating, no external temperature plays a role, but rather how strongly the respective substance reacts to the stimulating radiation and heats up.
Microwaveable plastic
Plastics that are suitable for the microwave do not heat themselves under the influence of microwave radiation. Only the food contained in them react to the heat radiation.
Microwaveable plastic dishes are usually labeled - either on the packaging when purchased, or directly on the floor via an embossed mark. For plastics that are not, that's problematic.
It is recommended to use a suitable microwave for use in the microwave. If in doubt, you can also test yourself.
Test for microwave compatibility
A short quick test can be done by placing the plastic utensils that you are not sure empty in the microwave, and this for a very short time (about 15 to 20 seconds, no longer) turns on. If the crockery feels warm afterwards, it is not suitable for microwaves.
Plastic packaging
You can trust the bowls of ready meals specifically designed for microwave heating. However, other plastic dishes that are not intended for use may melt or, under certain circumstances, give off toxic substances when warm.
Tips & Tricks
You have to be particularly careful with dishes made of melamine, as it is often used as camping dishes. Melamine-coated or made of melamine crockery can deliver harmful substances to the food contained therein at temperatures above 70° C.
FAQ - 💬
❓ Can You microwave plastic?
👉 These properties allow it to be made into a variety of products, including medical devices, automotive parts, and household goods like food storage containers, beverage containers, and other dishes. However, you may wonder whether you can safely microwave plastic to prepare food, warm up your favorite beverage, or reheat leftovers.
❓ Are unlabelled plastic containers microwave-safe?
👉 It simply means that they have not gone through the testing that would determine if they are safe or not. As no testing approve these plastic containers, it is better to avoid such kitchenwares. How Can we Know if an Unlabelled Container is Microwave-safe? As we mentioned above, microwave waves work by stirring the molecules of food.
❓ How can you tell if plastic is microwave safe?
👉 To determine whether or not plastic is microwavable is fairly straightforward. Just look at the bottom of the plastic for a #5 or microwave safe label. This means that the plastic is completely made from polypropylene which is considered to be microwave-safe plastic. CPET, #1 is also considered as microwave-safe plastic and is generally used in ...
❓ Can You microwave takeout containers?
👉 Single-use plastic is usually a no-go for the microwave, and most takeout containers fall into this category. And if the plastic isn’t labeled or the container has visible damage, it’s safest to skip the microwave in these cases, too. Why can’t you microwave just any old plastic container?