Can You Put Plastic in the Microwave | Midea Canada

In this article, we explain which plastics are safe to use, how to check for microwave safe labels, and simple ways to warm food in plastic containers without risk. With clear steps and tips, you can use your microwave with more ease and peace of mind.

Can Plastic Go in the Microwave and What Will Happen?

Using plastic containers in the microwave can be safe, but it depends on the type of plastic. Not all plastics react the same way to heat. When the wrong kind of plastic, such as a thin single-use container, is heated at high temperatures, it can soften, melt, and release chemicals that may move into your food. Over time, eating food that has picked up these substances may bring health risks.

Plastic for microwave ovens is made differently. These plastic microwavable containers are tested to handle heat without bending out of shape. They are designed so they do not melt, warp, or release harmful chemicals while you warm your food, as long as you follow the maker’s directions.

What Are the Health Risks of Microwaving Plastic?

Many people wonder, should you microwave plastic, and is it dangerous to microwave plastic? These questions come up because heating certain plastics can release substances that may affect the body. Here are the three main health risks to keep in mind.

• Hormone Disruption: Some plastics use stabilisers like BPA and phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors. They can mimic or interfere with your natural hormones and may contribute to issues like infertility, thyroid problems, early puberty, leukaemia, and some neurobehavioural conditions.
• Higher Cancer Risk: Warming food in certain plastic containers or wraps can cause chemicals and plasticisers to leach into your food. This may raise the risk of cancers such as breast, uterine, and prostate. Because of this concern, any plastic that releases more than a tiny amount of plasticisers isn’t approved for use in Canada.
• Metabolic and Weight-Related Issues: Damaged plastic containers can also release chemicals into food, which may contribute to obesity and metabolic problems, even if the container is labelled microwave-safe. Toxicologist Kelly Johnson-Arbor explains, “If it's scratched, pitted, cracked or otherwise damaged, then you can no longer assume that it is safe to use in a microwave.”

Which Types of Plastic Are Safe for the Microwave?

Some plastics handle heat better than others, so knowing which ones are safe helps you avoid problems when using plastic in a microwave. People often ask can you microwave a plastic container, and the answer really depends on whether the material can stay stable when heated. Here are the types of plastic safe to use:

• BPA-Free and Polypropylene (PP) Plastic: A container that is BPA-free and made from polypropylene (PP) or ‘#5 plastic’ is the best pick because it’s one of the most heat-resistant options. It stays stable when reheating food and doesn’t break down as easily as a thin plastic box microwave container. Keep in mind that even PP may still contain small amounts of additives.
• Recycling Codes 2, 4, and 5: Plastics with these codes are generally more heat-resistant and less likely to warp in the microwave. Choosing these types helps reduce the risk of melting or chemical transfer, especially compared to a plastic wrapper in microwave use, which is thinner, not heat-stable, and never intended for direct heating.

How Can You Tell If a Plastic Container Is Microwave-Safe?

The easiest way to know if a container is safe to use in the microwave is by checking the Microwave-Safe label. It shows the plastic has been tested to handle heat without melting or leaking chemicals. If the label is there, you can feel more confident choosing the product.

You can also look for a microwave symbol, such as small wavy lines, on the bottom of the container. Some plastics show a number in a triangle. Number 5 is often safer for heating, while old, cracked, or warped plastic should not go in the microwave. When in doubt, choose glass instead.

Best Practices for Using Plastic Safely in the Microwave

Can you microwave plastic container with food easily and safely? Of course, as long as you follow these few simple habits and use the right tools to keep everything safe and hassle-free:

1. Use only plastic containers with a clear Microwave Safe label or words like plastic for microwave ovens printed on the bottom.
2. Leave lids slightly open or use vented covers so steam can escape and the container does not pop or leak.
3. Do not microwave food in old, cracked, very thin, or single use plastic, since weak plastic breaks down faster with heat.
4. Avoid heating oily or very sugary foods in plastic whenever possible, because these foods reach higher temperatures and stress the container.
5. If the container softens, warps, changes color, or gives off an odd smell, stop using it and switch to glass.

Safer Alternatives to Heating Food in Plastic

Glass and ceramic containers are reliable alternatives to plastic for reheating food. Glass containers handle heat well and don’t react with food, making them ideal for everyday use. It's usually fine if the lid has a small rubber or plastic seal as long as that part doesn’t touch your food while heating.

Ceramic is also a safe and sturdy option for warming soups, sauces, and oily foods. While most commercially made ceramic dishes are microwave-safe, it’s still a good idea to double-check decorative or handmade ones since some glazes may not withstand heat well.

Conclusion

Can you put plastic in the microwave? Many people still wonder about this, but once you understand the basics, the answer feels much clearer. Using the right kind of plastic, checking for microwave-safe labels, and avoiding old or damaged containers help keep reheating simple and safe. When anything feels unsure, glass or ceramic dishes always make a safe backup choice.

For smoother everyday cooking, pairing safe containers with well designed appliances also helps. Midea offers a range of microwaves, including Over-The-Range Microwaves, that work well with microwave-safe cookware and support safe, easy heating in a busy kitchen.

FAQs 

Is plastic in microwave safe?

Plastic can be microwave-safe, but it depends on the container you use. Items labelled microwave-safe are tested to handle heat without melting or leaking chemicals.

Avoid thin, single-use plastics because they can warp or release toxins. When you’re unsure, using glass or ceramic instead always keeps reheating safer and easier.

What plastics are not microwave safe?

Plastics without microwave-safe labels, especially thin takeout containers, are unsafe to heat. Materials with recycling codes 1, 3, or 6 may melt or leach chemicals into food.

If the container feels flimsy, warps easily, or smells strange when warm, avoid microwaving it entirely and choose safer options with recycling codes 2, 4, and 5 instead.

How long can you microwave plastic for?

Microwave-safe plastic works best for short heating periods, usually around one to two minutes. Longer heating can weaken the container or cause chemicals to leach, especially with oily or sugary foods.

Always check the label instructions, monitor the container, and stop warming if it softens, changes shape, or shows any unusual signs.

How do I know if my plastic is microwave safe?

Look for a microwave-safe symbol, often shown as wavy lines or clear instructions on the bottom. Some products list heating guidance directly. If there’s no label and the plastic feels thin or disposable, avoid using it. When unsure, switching to glass or ceramic helps keep reheating simple, safe, and worry-free every time.