Takeout and delivery services have been a lifeline for many foodservice operations as we continue to deal with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. There seems to be no end in sight for the increasing popularity even as the economy begins to reopen in many areas.
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We can assume takeout and delivery will remain the norm for the foreseeable future.
As a result, it will be imperative that you're providing your guests with the same experience at home as they would receive in-house.
When your guests sit down to eat, they want their meal to look and taste great. They'll also want it to be at the right temperature. However, sometimes as hard you try, it is just not possible to control whether your food products will be delivered on time and at the right temperature, or if your guests will choose to enjoy it as soon as they pick it up.
People love convenience and there's nothing easier than being able to pop their meal into the microwave whether it's for a few seconds or minutes to reheat it.
Microwave-safe containers allow your guests to quickly and easily reheat their meal at home without having to transfer containers, dirtying more dishes.
Take-out containers come in a variety of materials including, plastic, foam, aluminum, paper and more, but not all are heat tolerant or safe for use in the microwave. This often has people asking, "Is this container safe for the microwave?"
Many know that microwaving the wrong materials can lead to some serious issues. For example, microwaving certain plastics can cause them to melt and allow certain additives, like BPA, to leach into your foods and beverages.
There's also the risk of microwave damage or fire if aluminum containers are put into the microwave.
With all of the possible dangers, it's critical to the safety and satisfaction of your guests that you provide the right container.
In this article and video, we'll review the most common types of food packaging that are safe for use in the microwave and which should never be put into the microwave.
Are takeout containers microwave safe?
In general, to be microwave safe, a product should have a temperature tolerance of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several different types of disposable takeout containers, and it can be hard to know which is safe. In some cases, there will be a symbol on the bottom of the container that denotes it is safe for use in the microwave.
If there is no symbol, and the container is plastic you can look for the resin code. There are seven resin codes, 1-7, and each number represents a different type of plastic.
Is it safe to microwave plastic?
Each type of plastic has its own temperature tolerance that will determine if it can be used in the microwave.
What containers are microwave safe?
- Plastic #2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Plastic #5 Polypropylene (PP)
- Molded Fiber & Bagasse
Plastic #2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE or high-density polyethylene is microwave safe.
It has a tolerance of -40 to 266 degrees Fahrenheit before distortion.
In the foodservice market, high density polyethylene is typically used for containers.
Other benefits of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):
- Long lasting, extremely durable, and resistant to deterioration
- Low risk of leaching
- Safe to be reused
Disadvantages of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):
- May not be accepted at all recycle facilities
Plastic #5 Polypropylene (PP)
Is number 5 plastic microwave safe?
Polypropylene is microwave safe. It has a temperature tolerance of 0 to 250 degrees before distortion.
It's most commonly used for containers, plates, bowls, cutlery and catering trays.
Other benefits of Polypropylene (PP):
- Durable and lightweight
- Safe to be reused
Disadvantages of Polypropylene (PP):
- May not be accepted at all recycling facilities
Molded Fiber & Bagasse
These materials are safe for use at temperatures up to 250 degrees, making them safe for use in the microwave.
Molded fiber and bagasse are most commonly used for plates, bowls, and containers.
Other benefits of Molded Fiber & Bagasse:
- They're both made using environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
- Bagasse is made from the leftover byproducts of the sugar or wheat extraction processes.
- Molded fiber is made from a blend of recycled paperboard, newsprint, and/or corrugated cardboard.
Disadvantages of Molded Fiber & Bagasse:
- Not recyclable
- Single Use
- May contain PFAS
What containers are not microwave safe?
It's important to make note of some foodservice containers that should never go into the microwave.
- Plastic #1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
- Plastic #6 Polystyrene (PS)
- Aluminum
- Paper Products
Plastic #1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
Plastic number 1 or PETE, is not microwave safe.
It is the most commonly used plastic material but only has a temperature tolerance between 0 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit before the material will start to warp or melt.
Benefits of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE):
- Lightweight, smooth and shatter resistant
- Easily recyclable
Disadvantages of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE):
Plastic #6 Polystyrene (PS)
Is styrofoam microwave safe? Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam™, is not safe for the microwave.
Styrofoam used to be one of the most common materials for takeout packaging and cups. However, in certain areas, recent regulations have banned the use of foam forcing operators to select other container materials.
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Benefits of Polystyrene (PS):
- Inexpensive
- Good heat insulation properties making it a good option to keep food warm during transport
Disadvantages of Polystyrene (PS):
- Single Use
- Banned in many areas
- Can leach chemicals if not used properly
Aluminum
Aluminum, although great for the oven and high temperatures up to 400 degrees, should never be microwaved.
If microwaved, it can cause damage to your microwave and injury to the operator.
Aluminum is generally used for take out containers and trays.
Benefits of aluminum:
- Oven & freezer safe
- Recyclable
Disadvantages of Aluminum:
- Can cause injury if not used properly
Paper Products
Finally, paper products are not typically microwave safe.
They can be coated, sealed, or glued and when heated could cause these additives to leach into your food.
The most common uses of paper includes takeout containers, cups, plates and bowls.
Benefits of paper foodservice containers:
Disadvantages of paper foodservice containers:
- May not be recyclable or compostable
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right to-go container is key. It is important that the container you're packaging your to-go foods in can be microwaved so your guests can easily reheat their meal at home, if needed.
Keep in mind temperature tolerance and product usage guidelines will vary by manufacturer.
If you are not sure if the container you are currently packaging your food in is microwave safe, check the product to see if it is labeled, "microwave safe," or if the package contains an image of a microwave. Remember, not all products will state whether they are microwave safe. If this is the case, check with your supplier.
In general, paper products, aluminium, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), and polystyrene (PS) should never be used in the microwave. On the other hand, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and molded fiber & bagasse are typically safe to be microwaved.
Whether you're located in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, or Canada, Imperial Dade locations can help you select the right to-go container for your foodservice business' budget, wants, and needs. Reach out to us today!
Microwave safety is more than just about choosing the right containers. It's also about being aware of the types of foods and accessories that should never be microwaved. For instance, if you are using any type of bag for microwaving, such as a paper bag, make sure it is specifically designed for this purpose. Improper use can result in safety hazards or ruined food items. For expert advice on specific products, read more at can you put paper bag in microwave. Understanding these additional factors can help improve customer safety and satisfaction.
Moreover, if you often offer popcorn in your menu, understanding what types of microwaveable bags for popcorn should be used is crucial. The right bags can significantly enhance the texture and overall eating experience of your popcorn, contributing to better customer reviews and repeat business. For more inside details, visit the related link provided.
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And while several different factors can cause these types of fires, there's one piece of cooking equipment that's often underestimated when it comes to its potential dangers: the microwave.
In order to help you stay safe -- and keep your kitchen from going up in flames -- here are some reminders about how to properly use your microwave.
15 things to never put in the microwave
1. Paper bags
Paper bags can release toxins that can potentially catch fire.
2. Take-out containers
If the container has any metal, don't put it in the microwave! Metal can easily catch fire in the microwave -- and cause serious damage.
3. Yogurt & butter containers
Plastic containers like yogurt cups and butter containers are meant for one-time use. They aren't made to withstand the high temperatures and heat of a microwave, and if heated they can melt and potentially release chemicals into the food.
4. Eggs
If you want to make hard-boiled eggs, boil them in a pot on the stove. Putting eggs in the microwave will likely just leave you with a huge mess -- after the high temperatures cause them to explode.
5. Styrofoam
This is one of those things people like to test -- thinking, "if I just put it in for a few seconds, it'll be fine..." Nope, don't do it!
Styrofoam cups, bowls, take-out containers -- whatever the type, don't put it in the microwave. Styrofoam is a type of plastic, which doesn't mix well with microwave temperatures.
6. Grapes
They will explode and could catch on fire.
7. Cookware with metal trim
You may have plates or bowls with a pretty metal trim -- and when it comes to whether you should put them in the microwave, remember the word metal. That's a red flag for do not put in microwave!
8. Sauce or dip without a cover
Talk about a mess... Putting any type of sauce or dip in the microwave without a cover (even just a paper towel) will just end up leaving a HUGE mess.
9. Plastic storage containers
Again, the keyword being plastic -- meaning, do not put in the microwave! Certain Tupperware-type plastic containers will have a label if they are microwave safe. If you don't see that label, check the manufacturer's website -- or to be on the safe side, just don't microwave it.
10. Hot peppers
First, they can catch fire. Second, when you open the microwave, the heat can cause the peppers to release chemicals that can burn your eyes -- which sounds great to absolutely no one.
11. Stainless steel travel mugs/bottles
Many people microwave travel mugs not realizing they're made of stainless steel -- which does not belong in the microwave. The stainless steel will not only block the heat from warming whatever's in your mug, but nuking it can also damage your microwave. If the mug is plastic, check the bottom for a
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