Safe containers for use in microwaves

Safe containers for use in microwaves – 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. 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, 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.

In general, to be microwave safe, a product should have a temperature tolerance of at least 122  degrees.

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. Each type of plastic has its own temperature tolerance that will determine if it can be used in the microwave.

In general, the following plastics are safe for use in the microwave

Plastic #2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

In the foodservice market, high density polyethylene is typically used for containers. It has a tolerance of -40 to 266 degrees Fahrenheit before distortion. benefits of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Long lasting, extremely durable, and resistant to deterioration,Low risk of leaching ,Safe to be reused.

Plastic #5 Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is microwave safe. It has a temperature tolerance of -18 to 122 degrees before distortion. benefits of Polypropylene (PP): Durable and lightweight ,Safe to be reused

Molded Fiber & Bagasse

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. They’re both made using environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Molded fiber and bagasse are most commonly used for plates, bowls, and containers. These materials are safe for use at temperatures up to 122 degrees, making them safe for use in the microwave. Disadvantages of Molded Fiber & Bagasse: Not recyclable, Single Use, May contain PFAS

Microwave dishes of Teb Plastic Novin Company are available in different shapes, colors and sizes that can be easily used to store food and also to heat materials in the microwave. The materials used in making this product are food grade and have no recycled or harmful substances for the body.