Tupperware has been around for more than 75 years and is one of the common household brands found at home. As technology advances and the introduction of new inventions like microwaves, many questions whether Tupperware is safe for microwave use.
In this article, we will discuss what is Tupperware, whether it is safe for the microwave and everything else you need to know about Tupperware containers.
Interested in finding out how long it will take to boil water in a microwave? Read here.
You can also read here about microwaving paper plates.
What is Tupperware?
Tupperware is a product company that manufactures household storage and serving containers. Th e goal of Tupperware is to create products that are built to last, hence eliminating the need for disposable containers.
Most Tupperware is made of plastic, specifically low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). These materials are considered safe for repeated use and storage of food. In addition to that, since March 2010, all items of Tupperware are BPA free, which means they are free from Bisphenol-A.
How to Tell if Tupperware is Microwave Safe?
Unsure whether your Tupperware at home is safe for reheating food in the microwave? Just look for the labels found at the bottom of the container or packaging. Products that are labeled with microwave symbol mean it is safe to be used in the microwave.
“Microwave-safe” means that the product shouldn’t warp or melt in the microwave when you place it in the microwave for reheating purposes. pulation as a treatment option to reduce pain, improve function and promote healing. Generally, an examination will involve testing your range of motion, strength, and reflexes.
Can You Microwave Tupperware?
Before placing Tupperware into the microwave, check that your Tupperware has the microwave safe symbol on the container. Any Tupperware products sold in the USA and Canada since 2010 is BPA free, which means it is microwavable.
Once you confirm that the container is microwave safe, you can then start using the container in your microwave oven.
How to Microwave Tupperware?
- Whenever using Tupperware containers in the microwave, use the medium heat setting.
- Make sure you heat the container up in 30 sec – 1 minute intervals and stir the content regularly.
- If you are using a Tupperware container with a lid, keep the lid open while heating.
- The recommended temperature for heating Tupperware containers is 120C/248F. Set the microwave power to no more than 600W to achieve this temperature.
How Long Can You Microwave Tupperware?
Place your Tupperware is placed in the microwave oven for no more than three minutes. If you need to reheat food for a longer period of time, pause the microwave regularly, and give it a good stir to allow the heat to distribute properly. You can repeat this until you reached your desired temperature or outcome.
Tupperware Microwave Safe Symbol
Microwave-safe symbol consists of three squiggly lines. It is easy to notice at the bottom of the containers and sometimes comes with a photo of the microwave. If you can’t find a microwave sign or image, look for the packaging or box of your container to determine whether it is good for microwave reheating purposes.
Tips to Microwave Tupperware
Unsure whether your Tupperware containers will melt in your microwave? Here are some of the precautionary measures that you can consider.
- Choose BPA- and Phthalate-free Tupperware goods, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe reheating. This will help you avoid any issues or accidents with regard to the safety of the container towards extreme heat.
- Make sure your plastic container can be microwaved without harm or melting issues. Avoid using a container in the microwave if you are not certain whether it is microwaveable or not.
- Reheat your food in small batches to protect the plastic containers from heat damage if exposed to high heat for a longer period of time.
- Choose medium heat when reheating your food. Avoid microwaving your plastic Tupperware for more than three minutes.
- Keep the lid off and use a paper towel in place of the lid to distribute the heat evenly.
- Never reheat leftovers in the microwave more than once.
- Do not use containers that are warped or cracked.
FAQ to Microwave Tupperware
Can I Microwave Tupperware with Lid On?
No. When the lid is on, the internal temperature of the food raises. This can lead to an increased chance of chemicals leaching into the food. Ensure you remove the lid of your Tupperware before placing it into your microwave for reheating.
This will allow the heat to distribute faster and warm you meals. You can also use a paper towel to cover the top of the container to avoid the contents from spilling and splatting.
Is Plastic Tupperware Safe to Microwave?
It depends. You may read an indication or labels on the plastic Tupperware if they are good for microwave use or not. There are various logos that indicate what a microwave-safe container is.
Can You Microwave Tupperware Cold?
The short answer is Yes. You can microwave a cold Tupperware as long as it is labeled as microwave-safe. Moreover, pyrex and ceramic containers are designed to sustain extreme changes in temperature. Therefore, it is still better to change your Tupperware container if it came from the fridge to avoid issues due to the sudden changes in the temperature of the container from cold to hot.
Can You Microwave Plastic Tupperware?
Yes, you can microwave food in plastic containers labeled as “microwave safe”. These containers can be used as food storage containers as well as for reheating your meals.
The number found under the container together with the recycling symbol determines which type of plastic products are microwave safe. To be precise, in the triangle, there is a number that denotes the type of plastic the container is made of. Here is a quick guide on which category or number is safe to use in the microwave:
Microwave safe: #5
Type 5 polypropylene plastic containers are the best and safest items for microwave use. This particular category of plastic is sturdy and heat resilient compared with others. After using it in the microwave, the container will regulate the heat and becomes cooler.
Not safe: #1, #3 and #6
Avoid using containers that are labeled as type 1, 3 PVC, and type 6 polystyrene in your microwave oven. These are not safe to use because they cannot adapt and withstand the heat that is being immitted by the microwave.
Also, there is a tendency for these types of plastic containers to become carcinogenic and may leach Bisphenol A which is considered a toxic chemical into your food.
Can You Boil Water in Microwave Safe Tupperware?
Yes, if you use a microwave-safe container, you may boil water in a microwave. To stop overheating water, use a wooden stick in your microwave-safe container. Hot liquids are handled with caution when using the microwave.
Use Tupperware Microwave Safe Containers When Reheating Food
Heat and plastics together may be dangerous because they can release harmful chemicals that are not good for your body. However, your container may be heated without affecting your food if it is made of plastic that is microwave-safe. Double-check if you have microwavable tupperware that is suitable for your microwave oven.
Remember that not all Tupperware products are microwave safe some are only used as plastic food storage containers. Some are just made for storing food or as storage containers instead for reheating purposes.
