When cooking and reheating in the microwave oven, there are few options that we naturally gravitate towards to cover the food. Plastic wrap is one of the most common food cover options used in the microwave, but so many people have raised the question about plastic film being unsafe to use in microwave
Can you microwave plastic wrap? Microwave safe plastic wrap is ok to use when heating food, however certain precautions must be followed. Most importantly, keep the plastic wrap elevated above the food surface, use low or medium power level and nuke for less than 2 minutes to minimize the risk.
If it is safe then how do you microwave plastic wrap? Many of us think that plastic wrap or any kinds of plastic related items are unhealthy for us to use. They think that plastic leaches some dangerous chemicals into food items that is harmful and toxic for our health.
Others just ignore these matters and use the plastic wrap in the microwave oven regularly without any hesitation. So, you should know the truth and clear is this a myth or something else?
Continue reading for a further look into the concerns about using plastic film in the microwave, and tip to help alleviate the issue.
Is it safe to microwave plastic wrap?
Many people use plastic wrap to reheat their food in order to cover the food items and keep them from splattering. FDA says that if the plastic wrap is microwave-safe then you can use it in your microwave oven.
So, before buying the plastic wrap from the market, it is important to verify that the label says microwave-safe. Microwave-safe or microwave-proof plastic wraps are made with some high-quality material that are capable of reheating in the microwave.
For that, microwave-safe plastic films can withstand the heat levels of the microwave and you can use it to reheat food in your microwave oven. It will not affect your health and it is safe to use as long as you follow a few precautions.
For safest results, reduce the temperature of the microwave oven to medium power level, and otherwise it is unsafe to use the plastic wrap in the microwave oven. In addition, you should not put the high fat or sugar dense food items in the microwave with plastic wrap.
Can plastic wrap touch food in the microwave?
FDA recommends that plastic wrap should not touch the actual food. You will have to keep a gap between the top surface of the food items and the plastic wrap.
Plastic wrap is safe to use, however it cannot touch the food items in the microwave at the time of heating and cooking. So, if you are using plastic wrap in the microwave oven then you should know the fact.
To alleviate any risk, you need to use a wide or a deep bowl for cooking and heating when using plastic wrap over the top. Unfortunately you will have to remember not to use flat plates in the microwave oven while using plastic wrap on top of food.
Instead of that, you need to use a deeper bowl or wide bowl as a container. Due to the excessive heat, the plastic wrap can melt and it will mix in your food, so you will want to prevent this risk.
You should keep a gap between the food surface and the plastic wrap. It is a healthy and safe cooking tip when using the microwave oven. Above all, you need to choose the microwave-safe plastic wraps from a reputable brand made with quality materials that can withstand the intense heat levels.
Does plastic wrap in microwave cause cancer?
We have heard the myth that using plastic wrap in the microwave oven can cause cancer and it will release cancer-causing substances and affect humans. But is it true?
Here are a few facts and details about the common concerns.
You will be happy to know the plastic wraps that is labeled as microwave-proof is safe to use in the microwave.
Moreover, the FDA recommends that plastic wrap does not come in contact with food while being heated in the microwave. Keep a gap between the surface of the food and the plastic and you should be fine.
Dioxins are known as the cancer-causing chemical, but plastic wraps do not have dioxins in it. It is safe to use in the microwave for the heating and cooking purpose, however dioxins may form while you are going to burn and melt the plastic wrap.
So, plastic films are safe unless they are burned or melted in the microwave oven, also consider using plastic wrap labeled as BPA-free. Therefore, you will have to check the heating temperature and timing as well when using plastic wraps in the microwave oven.
Is Kirkland plastic wrap microwave safe?
Kirkland plastic wrap is a superior quality plastic wrap that is safe to use in the microwave oven. It is safe to handle temperatures ranging from the freezer to the microwave oven.
Apart from this, the wrap is clear so you can see the food being held within. This reputable brand of plastic wrap is very helpful to lock in the moisture of the food and keep food items fresher for longer.
So, you can safely use Kirkland plastic wrap for your microwave usage.
Can you microwave plastic wrap safely?
Yes, you can microwave plastic wrap safely. The safest bet is to check the quality of the plastic wrap and verify the label whether it is microwave-safe or not.
You should always use the plastic wrap that is approved for the microwave oven so that you can microwave plastic wrap without any hesitation.
Even when using microwave safe plastic wrap, you need to set the microwave power level on low or medium range, maintain a minimal timing and also avoid the food from contacting the wrap while heating.
In this away, you can safely use plastic wrap in the microwave oven.
How do you microwave plastic wrap?
If you are using plastic wrap in the microwave oven then you will have to follow basic steps to follow:
- Use a bowl or dish with high sides.
- Maintain a gap between the food surface and plastic wrap.
- Set the heating temperature of the microwave oven on low or medium power level.
- Do not heat the plastic wrap for more than 2 minutes.
How long can you microwave plastic wrap?
You should not keep the plastic wrap in the microwave oven when eating foods higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
When microwaved at low power levels, you can keep plastic wrap in the microwave oven for 20 minutes or so. At high temperature levels, use plastic wrap for less than 2 minutes.
As long as you are using a microwave-proof plastic wrap, it is fine to use in the microwave oven while minimizing heating time and temperature.
Tips to Microwave Plastic Wrap
When it comes to microwaving plastic wrap, there are a couple basic tips to improve safety and reduce concern:
- At first, you will have to check the quality of the plastic wrap while buying it. Purchase from a reputable brand.
- Do not reuse the plastic wrap after it has already been microwaved.
- Keep a gap between the plastic wrap and surface of the food.
- Place plastic wrap loosely over the bowl so it can vent steam at the time of heating.
Microwaving Plastic Wrap: Final Thoughts
As we have discussed, it is ok to use microwave safe plastic wrap in the microwave oven. Take some precautions at the time of using it. because the plastic compounds can leach into your food and present health hazards.
Most importantly, the plastic wrap should not come in contact with the food surface while heating. Use a bowl with tall sides to keep the plastic elevated above the food items.
Plastic wrap should be heated at low to medium heat for less than 2 minutes. Remember that plastic film is a flimsy material that is not constructed with heavy duty compounds, so time and temperature should be kept to a minimum.
If you have been microwaving plastic wrap without hesitation, then proceed with caution. However, if you have any concern about microwaving plastic, then consider switch to a safer option like a microwave cover or paper towel that are much safer to use when heating food in the microwave.