It is difficult to say how you ended up with so many plastic containers. People often wonder what they should do will all these plastic containers.
This question rings true with black plastic containers. Since you know black absorbs heat, you might be wondering if you can microwave black plastic containers. Here is what I found!
Can You Microwave Black Plastic Containers?
Black plastic containers being microwave-safe depends on the manufacturer. If the black plastic container has a microwave-safe label, you can safely microwave the food using the black plastic container. Otherwise, it is better to use a microwave-safe ceramic or glass dish. Additionally, it is not recommended to microwave black plastic containers repeatedly even with a microwave-safe label.
In case you are interested to learn more about microwaving black plastic containers and if other types of plastic containers can be microwaved, keep reading!
Can You Microwave Black Plastic Takeout Containers?
Black plastic takeout containers can only be used if the black plastic takeout containers have a microwave-safe label. Otherwise, refrain from using the container in the microwave.
Typically, plastic takeout containers, whether clear or black, are made for single use only. Additionally, most plastic takeout containers are not heat resistant.
In case you are not sure and have no means to check, transfer the restaurant food to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish before heating.
Can You Microwave Plastic Takeout Containers?
Plastic takeout containers are often not microwave-safe but there are exceptions. To be sure, ask the establishment or check the container for a microwave-safe label.
Any time you are in doubt, transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish and set aside the plastic takeout containers for other uses.
Can You Microwave Plastic Chinese Food Containers?
Chinese food containers are normally either Oyster paper pails or white styrofoam containers. If the Chinese food container is an Oyster paper pail, the container is microwave-safe as long as the metal clamps are removed.
Meanwhile, the styrofoam type should never be microwaved, as the styrofoam can melt and leak chemicals into the food.
Can You Microwave Ziploc Plastic Containers?
Ziploc plastic containers are typically safe to be microwaved. However, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid compromising the integrity of the Ziploc container.
Generally, Ziploc plastic containers can be used to warm up food in the microwave using moderate heat and not for prolonged periods.
When cooking or reheating large quantities of food in the microwave for several minutes, it is better to use sturdier microwave-safe dishes.
Can You Microwave Clear Plastic Containers?
Clear plastic containers can be microwaved if the clear plastic containers are made of plastic numbers two and five or have a microwave-safe label.
Otherwise, microwaving the clear plastic container will result in chemicals leaching to the food inside or the plastic melting.
Additionally, you shouldn’t regularly heat clear plastic containers even if the containers are microwave-safe.
Can You Microwave KFC Plastic Containers?
Some sources claim that KFC plastic containers are microwave-safe. However, since KFC is a global brand, it is risky to assume that this is true for every KFC franchise worldwide.
To confirm whether the plastic containers used by the KFC brand you buy in are microwave-safe, ask the staff or confirm the local KFC head office.
Can You Microwave Plastic Storage Containers?
There are a lot of plastic storage containers that are microwave-safe. Nevertheless, you should always check the plastic storage containers to be sure.
After all, some plastic storage containers are designed for freezing food, and others for heating. Moreover, not all plastic storage containers can withstand repeated microwaving.
Can You Microwave Rubbermaid Plastic Containers?
Rubbermaid plastic containers are generally microwave-safe. However, this does not mean that you can microwave all kinds of food in Rubbermaid plastic containers.
When exposed to temperatures higher than the boiling point of water, Rubbermaid plastic containers can warp and melt.
Can You Microwave Food In Plastic Containers?
Whether or not you can microwave food in a plastic container depends on the food and the durability of the plastic container.
Even if the plastic container is microwave-safe, it does not mean the plastic container can endure high temperatures along with oily and sugary foods well.
Before microwaving, check the packaging to determine what foods you can microwave in that plastic container. Look to see if the plastic has a temperature limit.
Can You Microwave Lock And Lock Plastic Containers?
LocknLock plastic containers, also known as LocknLock Classic, are microwave-safe. This is true for both the container and the lid.
Can You Microwave Glad Plastic Containers?
Glad plastic containers are microwave-safe. Nevertheless, you should always make sure that one corner of the Glad plastic container’s lid is lifted before microwaving.
How Many Times Can You Microwave Plastic Containers?
How many times you can microwave plastic containers depends on the plastic container’s material and design. To be sure, always check with the manufacturer.
Typically, plastic containers should not be microwaved repeatedly, especially for prolonged periods and in high heat.
How To Sterilize Plastic Containers In The Microwave?
You can only sterilize microwave-safe plastic containers. To do so, wet the plastic container and microwave on high heat for around two minutes.
In case you are not sure how heat resistant the plastic containers are, you can microwave in thirty-second intervals so that you can check how the heat is affecting the plastic.
What Happens If You Microwave Plastic Containers?
Plastic containers that are microwave-safe will not warp, melt, leach chemicals, or get hot in the microwave.
Nevertheless, when the plastic container reaches a certain limit, the plastic container can deteriorate. As such, you should always be careful when microwaving plastic containers.
Take a look at our other articles to discover if you can microwave Chinese food containers, if you can microwave compostable containers, and if you can microwave vacuum-sealed bags.
Conclusion
Black plastic containers are only microwave-safe if the black plastic containers have a microwave-safe label or are made of plastic number two or five. Similarly, other types of plastic containers can be identified as microwave-safe by the same guidelines.
Regardless if the plastic container is microwave-safe, you should not overuse the plastic container in the microwave, and instead, stick to glass and ceramic dishes