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Can You Microwave To Go Boxes? - Is It Safe?

Modified: May 10, 2022 by Jennifer Lane · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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To-go box full of asian meal on wooden table with wooden sticks

Your go-to leftovers are still in the to-go box, and now you’re hungry and also curious to know if the container can be reheated in the microwave. The answer is... It all depends on what your specific to-go box is made from.

Here’s what’s typically safe for the microwave:

  • Chinese restaurant to-go boxes – however, some have metal handles, so make sure to remove those, and anything else, before microwaving. (You won’t find this kind of advice in a fortune cookie!)
  • Reheating leftovers in paper boxes, cups, or bowls, including paper plates, is generally ok. Although, some may be coated or glued together, which means there’s a chance that additives and chemicals could leak into your food during the heating process.
  • Personal-size pizza to-go boxes, especially those made from paper, are usually fine, while other certain cardboard boxes might not be. It’s best to check the container for any reheating instructions.

Here’s what shouldn’t go in the microwave:

Different types of to-go papaer boxes on wooden table

You don’t want anything creating sparks, melting or burning in the microwave, and you certainly don’t want to ruin your leftovers, either. So take the extra step and transfer your food to something besides one of these:

  • Metal or aluminum, including the tin cover on a burrito bowl you might get at a fast-casual Mexican restaurant. Bad idea – kind of like eating way too many chips and queso before the main course, in which case you’ll have even more leftovers!
  • Styrofoam – another no, no to-go box for reheating.
  • Certain types of plastic – this is a bit trickier because some are safe, but many single-serve plastic restaurant to-go boxes are not. Your best bet is to check the to-go box and see if it says: “Microwave Safe.”

All this talk about food has us craving leftovers. Time to check the fridge,
reheat and eat – in a microwave-safe container, of course.

Sources:
https://blog.genpak.com/2018/03/05/are-containers-microwave-safe/

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Safety Warning:

Always use extreme caution when using your microwave. Never leave a microwave unattended while in operation.  If you see sparks or hear unusual sounds coming from your microwave immediately stop the microwave.  All microwaves are different and cook with different power, adjust accordingly.  These articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended as advice.  Always consult your user manual before putting anything in your microwave.  Use your microwave oven only for its intended use as described in the instruction manual.

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