Due to rising energy bills and diet trends, the humble microwave is more popular than ever. According to research firm Kantar, we cook 100 million more meals in the microwave than we did in 2019.
Even top chefs are pinging the praises of the microwave – Rick Stein uses his microwave to steam veg, while top New York and Netflix chef, David Chang, has released a best-selling book about microwave cookery. According to Waitrose, searches for microwave mug cakes are at an all-time high!
Despite their cost effectiveness and convenience – microwaves have one Achille's heel. They’re very sensitive to certain materials. Put the wrong kind of container in there and you could very quickly break your microwave. Before you join the micro revolution, it’s important to check what can and can't go in there.
So, we’ll clue you up on microwave-safe containers and answer common questions about specific materials like plastic, polystyrene, foil, cling film and metal.
What are microwave safe containers?
Microwave-safe containers are designed to safely withstand the heat and energy generated by microwaves. They are usually made from materials that are non-reactive and can handle the rapid temperature changes without melting, warping or releasing harmful chemicals into your food. The most used microwave-safe materials include glass, ceramic and certain types of plastic.
Can you put plastic in the microwave?
The answer to this question depends on the type of plastic. Some plastics are microwave safe, while others are not. It is important to look for the "microwave-safe" label or symbol on the container.
Containers that are labelled as microwave safe have been tested and approved for use in the microwave. However, even microwave-safe plastic containers can become hot during the heating process, so it's advisable to use oven mitts or a towel when handling them.
Can you put polystyrene in the microwave?
Polystyrene is a type of plastic foam that is often used for packaging and disposable food containers. But strangely enough, it’s not safe to put in the microwave. When exposed to high temperatures, polystyrene can melt or release harmful chemicals. So be sure to transfer food from polystyrene containers into microwave-safe dishes before heating.
Can you put metal in the microwave?
No, metal should never be placed inside a microwave. Metal objects can cause sparks and lead to electrical arcing - which may result in a fire or damage to the microwave. Because microwaves are reflected off metal surfaces, it’s essential to remove any metal components, such as cutlery or staples, before placing food in the microwave.
Can you put foil in a microwave?
That’s a big no! Lots of leftovers will be wrapped in aluminium foil, but it can cause havoc in your microwave – since microwaves bounce off all metal materials – including foil.
Can you put cling film in the microwave?
Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, is widely used to wrap food, but isn’t always microwave safe. While some cling films are labelled as microwave safe, it’s recommended to avoid using it in the microwave. Cling film can melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures, potentially contaminating your food. Instead, use a plate or microwave-safe covers to cover food during heating.
Understanding what you can and can't put in a microwave is crucial for your own safety. While microwave-safe containers, such as glass and ceramic, are the safest choices, some plastics labelled as microwave safe can also be used. But never microwave anything that’s made of polystyrene, foil, cling film or and metal - as they can cause hazards or damage the appliance. If in doubt, always check for microwave-safe materials labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions to stay safe.
Need help?
If you’ve put something in your microwave that you shouldn’t have, pop in-store or ask our Repair team if they can help. And if your microwave is beyond repair, you can get at least £5 off a new one (even if it’s completely broken) when you recycle with us.
