Styrofoam is a foam plastic material popular for its insulation and is used for packing food and beverage. It's quite common to receive food in Styrofoam containers when ordering from restaurants. Often after ordering food, you may find it cold and want to reheat. A simple solution is to microwave it.
Before we answer the question "can you microwave Styrofoam?", let's understand what Styrofoam is.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is not a true plastic but is a type of polystyrene foam. It is typically made from a mixture of polystyrene and nitrogen, which is then molded into a shape and cooled. Styrofoam is popular due to its lightweight nature, affordable cost, and high resistance to heat and chemicals.
Can you Microwave Styrofoam?
Styrofoam melts when heated and releases small toxic particles harmful to the body. When the food cooks in a microwave like Nostalgia RMO4AQ, it heats from the inside. The heat from the food can burn the Styrofoam, which may set the microwave on fire.
Reasons Why Microwaving Styrofoam Is Not A Good Idea
Microwaving Styrofoam is not safe. This material remains stable for normal use but at high temperatures Styrofoam begins to melt or break down. It releases toxic chemical styrene that can leach into your food.
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How to Safely Microwave Food in a Styrofoam Container?
You should never heat food in a standard Styrofoam container. Some good quality microwave-safe Styrofoam containers pass the FDA standards for hygiene and consumption. This makes them convenient to use in a microwave.
The special Styrofoam consists of safer materials and fewer hazardous compounds. They are also relatively resistant to heat as compared to the standard Styrofoam. Another alternative is to use microwave-safe utensils that can heat the food without putting you or the food at risk.
A built-in microwave is a great appliance for your kitchen. It is installed within a cabinet space over or under the kitchen counter. Go through our blog on built-in microwaves to learn more.
How Can You Tell if Styrofoam is Microwave Safe?
You can check the quality and compatibility of the product by looking at the packaging label. If the Styrofoam shows any visible signs of damage after the cooking, make sure to discard both the food and the container.
If Styrofoam Is Not Microwave Safe, What Can You Do?
You can use other things like glass or ceramic containers to microwave your food. We have listed below some of the products that are microwave safe.
FOODLE Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets
FOODLE Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set is a perfect choice for daily use at BBQs, picnics, camping trips, dorms, schools, or offices. You can use this in the dishwasher, freezer, or microwave. This set is made of natural wheat straw fiber and food grade PP. It is 100% BPA-free, non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly.
JH JIEMEI HOME Cereal Bowl Set
JH JIEMEI HOME Cereal Bowl Set is made of foods safe wheat straw + PP materials. The square shape of these bowls makes them easy to hold. They are durable and unbreakable. These bowls are also dishwasher and refrigerator safe.
Razab 24 Pc Glass Food Storage Containers
Razab 24 Pc Glass Food Storage Containers are perfect for storing leftovers or planning ahead with your weekly meal prep. They are microwave safe and provide airtight storage. These containers are freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave safe.
Amazon Basics 2 Compartment Meal Prep Containers
Amazon Basics 2 Compartment Meal Prep Containers are ideal for school or work lunches, meal planning, storing leftovers, and more. The stackable design of these containers offers easy, space-saving storage. They are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Stock Your Home 9 Inch Clamshell Styrofoam Containers
Stock Your Home 9 Inch Clamshell Styrofoam Containers are durable and sturdy making transportation a breeze. These containers keep your foods at serving temperature, making them perfect for packaging hot and cold foods. They are easy to stack, helping you save on storage space.
We have also created a blog on the best-selling microwave options that you can read to make an informed choice.
How Long Can You Microwave Styrofoam?
You should not microwave styrofoam for more than 30 seconds. The Styrofoam will start to melt and release toxic chemicals that can drain into your food if the temperature of the material reaches 200 degrees celsius or above.
There are different types of microwaves available to serve different needs. Read our blog on the types of microwaves to learn more.
Conclusion
Don't microwave Styrofoam containers unless they are labeled microwave-safe. There is a risk of fire hazard, and Styrofoam containers often contain a compound called styrene, linked to cancer. You can reuse containers with a microwave-safe label for a short period.
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