You will want to know how to choose microwave safe containers in order to protect yourself and your family from possibly being exposed to dangerous chemicals. In addition, consideration should be given as to which materials are best to use in your microwave oven for a variety of other reasons.
1Know the potential dangers of using plastic containers and plastic wrap in the microwave.
- Food wrapped in plastic or placed into a plastic container can absorb chemicals from the plastic when heated in the microwave. Fatty food, meats and cheese in particular, can leach chemicals from plastic materials.
- Some laboratory tests on rats show that exposure to plastic, which contains Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in many plastic containers and products, caused an increased risk of cancer when the plastic was heated. The BPA in the heated plastic leached into any food in the container, thereby contaminating it. The possibility of harm to humans who consume food cooked in such plastic containers is certainly indicated.
2Choose only plastics which are labeled as safe to use in the microwave.
- In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of plastic containers which come into contact with food. Tests are run to measure the amount of chemicals that leach into food and a maximum amount is set. Only containers meeting the standards set by scientists can use the microwave-safe label.
- Thermoplastic containers are heatproof and designed especially for microwave cooking. Some heavier plastic wraps are made especially for microwaving.
- Some consumer groups feel that even containers labeled as "microwave safe" are suspect. These may include baby bottles and microwaveable soup containers among others. They advise avoiding use of any plastic in the microwave. Instead use glass covered with paper towels.
- Takeout food containers, margarine tubs and other containers such as those used for whipped cream or creamed cheese are not safe for microwave use. Avoid using the thin plastic produce bags from the grocery store, too. Use bags especially designed to use in microwaves or regular ovens and follow directions. Exchange the twist tie used to secure the bag for string or another fastener since the tie may contain wire which is also hazardous when microwaved.
3Cover food safely. Don't use plastic wrap, except perhaps the kind made especially for microwave use, to cover foods because it may melt or leach chemicals. Use waxed paper, plain white paper towels, or a ceramic or glass cover instead. Be sure to vent the cover to allow steam to escape.
4Choose containers made of materials which let microwaves pass through them efficiently.
- Ceramic or glass containers are usually considered safe to use in the microwave. Many of these are labeled as such. Check on the bottom of the container to see if there are any markings there indicating microwave safety.
- Run a safety test to be sure that the dish will not interfere with the transmission of microwaves if you aren't sure it's safe. Fill a glass measuring cup with water and place it next to the container you want to test. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Only the water should get hot; the container should not. If the container is hot, do not use it to microwave anything.
5Place foods you want to warm up on paper plates or paper towels. Remember to cover them loosely with waxed paper or another paper plate or napkin to avoid splatters.
6Avoid using materials which may damage your microwave oven or otherwise be unsafe.
- Don't microwave using metal containers because metal will reflect the microwaves and can damage to the microwave oven. Sparks may result. This phenomenon is known as "arcing". Don't use gold or silver trimmed china in a microwave for the same reason.
- Brown paper bags, foam containers, and newspaper are not considered good choices to use when microwaving.
- Some manufacturers allow the use of small amounts of smooth pieces of aluminum foil to use to keep sections of chicken, for example, from overcooking. Check your owner's manual for instructions. Some food products are packaged in a foil container and are deemed to be safe to microwave. Remove the food immediately if sparks appear.
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- Use caution when removing items from the microwave oven. Remove the lid or cover with care to avoid being burned. Check the temperature of the container before lifting it with your hands.
- Never use the microwave to can vegetables or to sterilize the glass jars used for canning.
In other languages:
Español: elegir recipientes aptos para microondas, Italiano: Scegliere Recipienti Adatti all'Uso nel Forno a Microonde, Русский: выбрать безопасные контейнеры для микроволновой печи, Português: Escolher Recipientes Próprios para Micro Ondas
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