Can You Put Tupperware In A Microwave?
Using a microwave can save time and effort when preparing a meal. It’s great for preparing a meal for two and heating up leftovers to name just two of the benefits of microwave cooking.
We all know that there are certain containers that shouldn’t be used in the microwave like certain plastics, but what about tupperware? In this article we’ll take an in depth look at using tupperware containers in the microwave and find out whether it’s safe to do so as well as looking at some alternative microwave safe containers.
Can You Use Tupperware In A Microwave?
According to Tupperware, their microwave safe containers can withstand temperatures between -25o C to 160o C and can be used straight from the freezer to the microwave. They also state that their containers are BPA free making them perfectly safe to microwave.
Many plastic food container manufacturers have removed BPA from their products because of recent scientific findings. BPA[1] or bisphenol A is a chemical that was commonly found in plastic containers and other rigid plastics.
The problem with BPA is that it is also a weak synthetic oestrogen and when it enters the human body it can disrupt hormones. The problem is when any plastic container made from polyethylene or polypropylene (both of which contain BPA) get subjected to high temperatures, the chemicals in the plastics leach into the food or drink and end up consumed by us.
This is a problem because the scientific findings link BPA to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and reproductive problems.
Is It Safe To Microwave Any Type Of Plastic?
After these recent scientific discoveries, BPA has been removed from the manufacturing process of any plastic food containers. However, the chemicals used to replace them have been found to be equally as harmful.
Manufacturers of plastics have substituted BPAs with BPSs (bisphenol S[2]and BPFs[3] (bisphenol F). Unfortunately another scientific study found that children with high levels of these chemicals in their urine were more likely to be obese than children with no or low levels.
Plus some of the other alternatives to BPAs have also been found to leach harmful chemicals into food and drinks when subjected to heat. Which really means in the interest of safety, you’re better off avoiding using any type of plastic container in the microwave.
Is All Tupperware Microwave Safe?
If you decide to ignore the advice presented after the findings of many scientists, you should definitely only use tupperware that is declared to be microwave safe. There will be a symbol on the tupperware container that looks like 3 wavy lines or an image of a microwave with 3 wavy lines inside it.
If you don’t see the microwave safe symbol, you shouldn’t use the container in the microwave. That particular container should only be used for storage and not heating or reheating food or drinks.
Are All Tupperware Products Microwave Safe?
The short answer is no, not all tupperware containers are microwave safe. It’s only those that have the microwave safe symbol that can be used in the microwave. The others are designed purely for storage and not cooking.
This applies to not only tupperware containers, but all plastic containers. If they don’t have the microwave safe symbol, they’re not safe for use in the microwave.
Can Tupperware Containers With Lids Be Used In The Microwave?
The same rules apply for lidded tupperware containers, they should only be used in the microwave if they display the microwave safe symbol. If the tupperware container does have the microwave safe symbol it’s a convenient way to prevent splatters as well as helping the food to heat up at a faster rate.
However, you need to ensure the lid has a vent to allow steam to escape or you may have to place the lid on the container but not sealed down tight. If not, the buildup of steam could prove dangerous after the item has cooked when trying to remove it. Or in some cases the buildup of pressure could cause the container to explode.
How Long Is It Safe For Microwaving Tupperware?
The amount of time you can safely microwave a tupperware container depends on a number of factors. The best place to start is to check on the tupperware website. There you will find all of the relevant information on how long you can safely microwave their microwave safe containers.
Another factor to consider is the power level of your microwave. An 800 watt model will take longer to reheat a container of food than a 1000 watt model for example.
You should also reheat the food in short blasts instead of all at once. For example, reheat for 1 minute, then remove the container and stir the contents before heating for another minute instead of blasting the container for the full length of time in one go.
What Are The Differences Between Microwave Safe & Non Microwave Safe Containers?
The main difference between microwave safe containers and non microwave safe containers lies in the materials they’re manufactured from. Any plastic container that’s considered to be microwave safe can withstand high temperatures.
Whilst non microwave safe plastics are less resilient and liable to melt or leach chemicals into the food once heated.
How To Microwave Using Tupperware Containers
If you are going to use tupperware containers in your microwave you should;
- Always ensure they carry the microwave safe symbol
- Ensure the vent is open or the lid is loose before starting the microwave
- Use a medium heat setting
- Microwave in short blasts rather than one long session
- Never use abrasive items to clean microwave safe containers as they could damage the coating
Are There Any Safer Alternatives To TupperwareFor Use In The Microwave?
If you want to avoid any of the potential problems associated with using plastic containers in the microwave you can use an alternative type of container. These include;
Ceramic Dishes
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There are many ceramic dishes that can be heated in the microwave. You will need to check that they are microwave safe and won’t split or crack if subjected to heat.
You may need to cover the bowl with a lid of some kind, you could use a microwave safe ceramic plate as a cover.
Pyrex Dishes
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Pyrex is the brand name for borosilicate glass which has a high heat resistance. It can be taken directly from the freezer and put straight into the microwave. It can withstand temperatures between -20o C and 200o C.
This product will not transfer any colours, odours or chemicals to the food being heated. Making it a safe way to reheat food in the microwave.
Glass Casserole Dishes
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Glass dishes are the perfect alternative to using plastic dishes or containers in the microwave. You do need to allow glass dishes to reach room temperature before placing them in the microwave to prevent cracking or splintering but they can withstand the heat produced in a microwave.
Whilst not quite as resilient as borosilicate glass, microwave safe glass dishes are a safe alternative to plastic containers.
SEE ALSO: Microwave Vs Microwave Oven – which is better?
Frequently Asked Questions
It is considered to be safe to microwave tupperware containers that display the microwave safe symbol.
Only plastics which display the microwave safe symbol are considered to be safe for use in microwaves.
The microwave safe symbol is represented by three wavy lines. These can be displayed on their own or within an image of a microwave.
You can tell if a container is microwave safe if it has the three wavy line symbol on it.
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