• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Can You Microwave This?
  • Microwave Accessories
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Liquids
  • Sweet
  • Seafood
  • Materials
  • Other Food
  • Misc.
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Accessories
  • Food
  • Materials
  • Sweet
  • Liquids
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Seafood
  • Misc.
  • Featured
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Accessories
  • Food
  • Materials
  • Sweet
  • Liquids
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Seafood
  • Misc.
  • Featured
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact
×

Can You Microwave Water Bottles? - What Are The Risks?

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

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Different types of plastic water bottles

Water bottles and microwaves are convenient and easy, but the two should almost never mix!

Bottles are most often composed of simple plastics or metals, neither of which are microwave safe.

The majority of water bottles are single or limited-use plastics and are not intended for reheating/reuse.

You should avoid microwaving any plastics not marked as microwave safe since any not marked may produce toxins when heated beyond a certain point.

Even if you may own a microwave-safe bottle, do not seal it, or you may risk pressurized content bursting.

Last but not least, water bottles are not uniform shapes, and contents will heat unevenly.

Microwaving water bottles is best to avoid altogether, but we’ve outlined just why and some rare exceptions.

Unsafe Materials: Simple Plastics and Metals of any Kind

Rows of plastic water bottles

Do Not Microwave:

Plastics: Disposable water bottles are not made of plastics made to last in the microwave. Many may warp or melt in high heat.

  • This applies to plastics labeled #s 1, 3, 6, and 7, which are considered disposable.

Metals: Most metals in a microwave can cause sparks, fires, or small explosions and shouldn’t be used.

Possible Exceptions: Microwave Safe Plastics, Unsealed:

  • Usually labeled by number for recycling purposes, the BPA number marked on many plastics also indicates their safety under heat and pressure.
  • Plastics #s 2, 4, and 5 may be safe for very short periods of time on low power settings.
  • Microwaving even safe bottles while sealed will create pressure, so keep caps and lids very loose or off.

While some options are safer than others, none are completely carefree when it comes to water bottles.

At worst, microwaving a water bottle can be unsafe for you and your microwave.

At best, microwaving a water bottle is ineffective at evenly heating its contents.

Be sure to stay hydrated, but stay away from the microwave’s high heat for this one.

Sources:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/07/exposed-to-extreme-heat-plastic-bottles-may-become-unsafe-over-time/

More Materials

  • Five white plastic cups on a wooden table.
    Can You Microwave Plastic Cups?
  • A wooden bowl on a wooden table.
    Can You Put Wood In a Microwave? Do's and Don'ts
  • A glass cup on a table on a sunny day.
    Can You Put a Glass Cup in the Microwave? (+Safety Tips)
  • Bamboo plate on a wooden table.
    Can You Microwave Bamboo Plates (Answered!)

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Primary Sidebar

Categories

Recent Guides

  • 9 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Microwaves
  • 7 Essential Tips to Maintain a Microwave Oven (Like New)
  • How to Activate Microwave Silent Mode (Quick Steps)
  • 7 Reasons Why Your Microwave Plate Won’t Turn
  • How To Microwave Leftovers (7 Rules You Should Know)
  • How To Choose Microwave Cookware - 7 Useful Tips
  • 7 Reasons Why Your Microwave Is Loud & Noisy
  • Your Microwave Fans Not Working (7 Easy Fixes)

Pages

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Footer

↑ back to top

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.

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us

Contact

  • Contact

CanYouMicrowaveThis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Copyright © 2022 Can You Microwave This.