Tupperware have been great tools to store and reheat safely. Even though they are convenient and easy to use, it still makes many people skeptical about safety standard due to plastic component.
To make it even more perplexing, experts argue that heating food in plastics increases the risks of exposing our body to dangerous elements in some plastics. Let’s look deeper into putting Tupperware in the microwave and the potential hazards associated with doing so.
Can you put Tupperware in the microwave? Yes, Tupperware products are microwave-safe. However, depends on the style, product line and what food you are cooking, defrosting or reheating will result the longevity condition of the Tupperware.
For best results, use the manufacturer manual for specific Tupperware products for more information.
Luckily, some brands such as Tupperware, GladWare, Rubbermaid and Ziploc have their container products tailored to defrost and reheat food safely in the microwave.
This article seeks to guide you if Tupperware products are worth microwaving or not. Here are answers to frequently asked questions to help you identify if its microwave-safe by understanding how to use Tupperware in the microwave properly.
Is all Tupperware microwave safe?
Tupperware brand is particularly focused on creating preparation, serving, and storage products for homes and commercial kitchens. The advantage of this brand is that their products have been professionally made with quality materials that tolerate high temperatures.
Despite that, precaution measures must be followed because when you exceed a certain temperature limit, you risk potential danger when microwaving plastic. If the plastic melts while heating your food, then it will contaminate the food making it risky to your health.
Note that Tupperware products are plastic made. Regrettably, not all Tupperware plastics are fit for microwaving.
Fortunately, most Tupperware dishes, containers, and bowls are made of microtherm material. This material makes the products ideal for microwaving because they can withstand high temperatures, withstand sudden temperature changes, do not crack, and are multifunctional.
Another set of Tupperware products are known as the Tupperware UltraPlus. This option employs the latest innovative design that is fireproof and lightweight, therefore the dishes, containers, and bowls are a bit universal for preheating food in both oven and microwave.
Is it ok to microwave Tupperware?
A microwave is an essential inclusion in your kitchen; it will always save up to 80% of your time than other standard ways of cooking and preparing meals. One thing to acknowledge is that if your meal can stick on the cooking dish, then you must avoid using fat.
Besides, microwave appliance split oil compounds causing your meal to be more dietetic. Lastly, it is easy to microwave dishes or containers without water that steams releases minerals and vitamins.
The sole thing that is missing is a unique and/or special top-notch microwavable dish. Undeniably, it is Tupperware.
It is OK to microwave Tupperware dishes and containers, which are accustomed to serving two special purposes. These include heating and cooking.
To heat food, employ microwavable dishes with innovative designs and a microwave-safe symbol or label. In case the container or dish is meant to cook food such as rice and omelette, consider using specifically designed microwave cookware.
With that in mind, microwaving Tupperware products is completely OK. However, this has to be exercised in moderation because the wrong usage can be dangerous to your health and the appliance.
Also, the improper use means prolonged heating, which raises the temperature causing the container or dish to melt. Thus, read the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure everything is in check before proceeding, your health is at risk.
How to know if Tupperware is microwave safe
Many bowls, containers, and plates from Tupperware are perceived to be microwave safe. Consequently, not many individuals can tell if a Tupperware product is microwave-safe or not by outer appearances.
The wrong choice of these containers and/or dishes makes you destroy your appliance and/or the meal. The good news is that there are ways you can ascertain that the Tupperware product is safe to use in a microwave.
One way is confirming the safety label and the other is confirming the safety manually.
So how do you do this?
- Confirm Label/Symbol: Many plastic containers and/or bowls will have a safety symbol, highlighting if the product in question is safe for microwaving. One symbol can be three wave lines on the bottom of the container. If the bowl or container has these wavy lines, then it is considered microwave-safe. The symbol or the label does vary because sometimes it can be a microwave image or find a dish or bowl set containing radiation waves. The wave lines imply that it is easy to reheat the bowl using the microwave appliance.
- Manual Test: Manual testing of containers or bowls for microwaving safety entails four steps. These include examining the bowl, turning the heat up, adding two-thirds of water, and setting the timer. Examining the bowl on the bottom helps you to read the instruction given by the manufacturer. Here is where you can find a microwave-safe symbol or label.
Turning the heat up means you will set the appliance (microwave) to the highest power, although this depends on the microwave brand. The next step is adding water.
Fill a glass dish and a plastic dish with 1 cup of water. Place them both into the microwave.
Lastly, set the time up to 1 minute. If you find the container or dish hot or warm after heating for one minute, then you should avoid using it in the microwave.
Best way to microwave Tupperware
Microwaving Tupperware is quite simple. Start by reviewing and following the manufacturer guidelines beforehand.
To help use the appliance correctly, ensure you reheat food in small quantities and avoid doing it in a large batch. Never fill the container above the fill line, less is defiantly more in this circumstance.
Additionally, use short heat timing and give enough intervals to raise the temperature gradually.
It is important to ensure that the Tupperware bowl or container has a vent to help release steam pressure. In most cases, microwave forms a breeding ground for microbial contamination due to cool and hot spots developed.
When using the microwave, consider reheating, stirring, and re-stirring to evenly distribute the heat within the food.
The recommended internal temperature for reheating perishable food is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius. The leftover meal must be reheated to the proper internal temperature to help destroy microbial bacterial in your meal.
In case you want to refrigerate a meal in your container, be sure to fully cool the food before sealing it up and placing it inside the fridge or freezer.
Overall, the best way to microwave Tupperware is by reading and following instructions given by the manufacturer. Play close attention to the details since your health and safety is at risk.
Putting Tupperware in Microwave: Conclusion
From reusable cups to lunch box containers, Tupperware products have been cooperating well in microwaving needs. It is most favorite kitchen tools to store, cook, reheat food of any kind.
However, be careful in the way you microwave food using them, despite having the label or symbol for microwave safety.
Due to certain temperature limit, you may risk the plastic melting, warping or altering the form or lid. If the plastic starts to melt while heating food, toxic chemicals tend to leak into the food which is a risk to your health.
Most Tupperware dishes, bowls, or containers are made with microtherm material, which endures high heat and temperature changes, at the same time does not break in these circumstances.
Whether you are heating or cooking food in the Tupperware, select the right dishes to perform the task.
Always check the microwave-safe label or symbol before placing in the microwave. The universal sign is three wave lines which indicate the dish is safe to microwave food.
Another way to find out if the Tupperware is microwave safe is to perform a simple test with water.
Fill the container with water and place in microwave for 1 minute to evaluate if the container or water is hot or warm. This will show clear sign whether the product is microwave-safe or not.
Even with approved microwave-safe symbol, it is still recommended to use with caution. Reheat food in small amount in medium heat to prevent from damaging the container and food.
Also, depend on the food type you are heating, make sure it is heated evenly and reaches the correct internal temperature before consuming them.
Using a microwave to heat food in Tupperware saves significant preparation time. Most Tupperware containers can handle microwave heat, however it is great practice to check the label beforehand and also review the manual for accurately heat your favorite foods.