Are you planning to warm up your leftover food but need to know if you can microwave plastic? It’s important to know that not all plastic can be microwaved. Some can be harmful to you and even melt in the microwave.
It’s better to be cautious and learn more about it before you put your food in a plastic container and zap it in the microwave.
Here’s all the information you need to know before heating your meal.
What are the ways to determine if plastic can be safely used in the microwave?
It’s pretty easy to figure out which types of plastic can be used in the microwave without any harm. First, you should check the container for a microwave-safe symbol.
If you can’t find one, you can check the number on the container. All plastic items have a number from 1 to 7, used for recycling.
Which type of plastic is the safest to use in the microwave?
Of all the plastic numbers, the safest one to use in the microwave is labelled as number 5. It can handle high temperatures and won’t get distorted. When plastic is safe for the microwave, it doesn’t have BPA, a chemical that can harm our health. (I can provide more information on BPA if you want.)
Which types of plastic should you avoid microwaving?
It’s better to avoid using plastic containers with the numbers 3, 6 or 7 labels in the microwave, as they are unsafe. Usually, plastic containers meant for one-time use should not be microwaved, including most takeout containers. If you can’t see any label on the plastic or the container is damaged, it’s safer not to use it in the microwave.
Tips for Microwaving Plastic
Keep health concerns in mind.
Do you ever wonder why you can’t just use any plastic container in the microwave? Plastic can have BPA and phthalates, making it soft and light, but it can also harm our health. These chemicals can affect our hormones and metabolism. When heated, plastic melts and can release those chemicals into our food.
Opt for plastic alternatives while covering.
Instead of using plastic wrap to cover your food while reheating it in the microwave, you can use parchment paper, a paper towel, or a microwave-safe plate. Avoiding plastic entirely is better, but choose the safest option if you have to use it. However, even the safest plastic can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat, especially when heated repeatedly. So, using a glass container or a plate to heat your food in the microwave is best.
