What you can and can’t put in a microwave

It goes without saying that the only things you should really put in your microwave are food, liquids and food-safe containers, but it can be hard to determine whether something is truly microwave-safe. This guide can help you identify containers that are microwave-friendly to help you serve the tasty meals at your family’s table.

What can you microwave? 

You may be surprised to learn just how many items can be safely microwaved. While you should check labels or owner’s manuals to be sure, the following materials can usually be used in a microwave.

Glass and ceramics

Glass and ceramic dishware are usually safe for microwave use, but there are exceptions like crystal and some handmade pottery. When it comes to glass or ceramic plates, bowls, cups, mugs, mixing bowls or bakeware, you should be in the clear as long as it doesn’t feature metallic paint or inlays.

Plastic, including Tupperware

While some plastic containers are safe for use in the microwave, there are a few you should avoid. Single-use plastics like those used for yogurt, cottage cheese and other foods should never be microwaved. The same rule applies to plastic to-go containers that don’t clearly state that it is microwave-safe. Similarly, do not use cracked, old or discolored plastic containers. Plastic containers meant for longer-term use, such as Tupperware, are generally best for microwave use.

Paper plates

Plain paper plates can be microwaved, but some disposable tableware are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Before you microwave a paper plate or bowl, be sure that it’s clearly marked as microwave-safe.

Paper towels

Most paper towels are microwave-safe. In fact, you can use a paper towel to cover some foods so they don’t spit during cooking or reheating. If you do use a paper towel while microwaving, it’s best to use shorter intervals so you can check both the food and the paper more frequently. Recycled paper towels, paper towels with printing, paper lids and brown paper bags should not be used as they pose a potential safety hazard.

Ziploc bags

According to Ziploc, their food storage bags are safe for defrosting or reheating foods in microwaves, “when label directions are followed.” If you prefer a different bag storage brand, confirm that they are microwave-safe and follow any and all directions. If you aren’t sure what type of bag you’re using or don’t have access to the directions, play it safe and keep the bag out of the microwave.

What can’t you put in the microwave?

While there are plenty of things that can go in your microwave, there are also many things that can’t. It’s best to keep the following materials out of the microwave and transfer any food or liquid from these containers to microwave-safe varieties.

Styrofoam

Some types of Styrofoam are safe to microwave, but they must be labeled as such. If you don’t see a microwave-safe label or aren’t sure what type of Styrofoam you’re using, it’s best to keep it out of the microwave.

Cardboard

If you can microwave paper plates and towels, can you do the same with cardboard? Both are paper products, after all. Unfortunately, cardboard can contain glues, waxes and other materials that can make it a safety hazard in the microwave. Some cardboard takeout boxes even have metal handles or fasteners that can cause sparks and present a fire hazard. Keep your microwave (and your family) safe by removing food from cardboard containers and placing them on microwaveable plates or in microwave-safe bowls.

Metals including stainless steel and aluminum foil

Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire. If you’re storing leftovers in a metal container, remove the food and place it in a microwave-safe container instead. 

When it comes to aluminum foil, things can get tricky. Technically foil can be microwaved, but its surface needs to stay as flat as possible. Wrinkles or crumpled foil can cause “arcing”—that is, it can cause electric sparks to shoot across the surface of the foil, potentially damaging your microwave or causing a fire. In addition, food wrapped in aluminum foil may not cook or reheat properly in the microwave—the foil will reflect the radio waves instead. Each microwave is different, learn more about how a microwave works or consult your owner’s manual to determine if aluminum foil is safe. And when in doubt, avoid placing any kind of metal in your microwave.

How to know if something is microwave-safe

Though there are general guidelines when it comes to microwave-safe containers, there are always exceptions. If you aren’t sure whether something can go in the microwave, check the back or bottom to look for a microwave-safe label or symbol. If you can’t find one, try to determine what the item is made of—this will give you a better idea if it’s ok for microwave use. If you can’t tell what a container is made of, just remember—when in doubt, leave it out. It’s the best way to ensure that your microwave will stay in top shape for years to come. Learn more about how to use your microwave.

Explore Whirlpool^® microwaves

From sleek over-the-range microwaves to compact countertop models, there’s a Whirlpool brand microwave to match your preferences and needs. Easy clean up, ventilation and smart capability features are built in on select models to make heating and cooking simple for your family.