Can You Microwave Tupperware?

Owning a microwave oven can truly save you a lot of time and effort. You can reheat leftovers, and you can even cook a meal or two with it. And while we all know there are some things you should never put in the microwave, we aren’t quite sure if tupperware is on that list too. 

Can you put tupperware in the microwave is the question we’ll be answering today, hopefully helping you put your microwave to very good use. 

Can You Microwave Tupperware?

If the tupperware in question has a microwave-safe label, you can put it in the microwave. Do however make sure to check the label to determine the right microwaving times, settings and temperatures.

Plastic is on the list of things you should not be putting in the microwave. However, tupperware, though made of plastic, has been thoroughly tested to make sure it is in fact safe. It’s made differently, for starters, and it has undergone a rigorous process to ensure the food you place in it and microwave won’t become cancerous or lose any of its flavour. 

If a Tupperware product is labelled with a microwave-safe symbol, the three wavy lines, you can safely microwave it. It’s BPA-free and no chemicals will seep into your meal. 

If the plastic tupperware container does not have this symbol however – don’t microwave it! Nothing bad may happen, but as the manufacturer is telling you the product is meant for storage only, use it as intended. 

Are All Tupperware Products Microwave-Safe?

Not all tupperware products are microwave safe, only the ones that have been labelled as such. Always look for the microwavable symbol before placing any plastic container in the microwave.

Neither Tupperware themselves nor the countless other brands whose products we label with the name produce exclusively microwave-safe plastic containers. Some of them are meant to store your food in the fridge or even freezer, and can’t be used for reheating.

If you don’t see the microwave-safe symbol on a container, it shouldn’t be placed in the microwave.

Can You Microwave Tupperware With the Lid On?

You can microwave tupperware with the lid on if it has the microwave-safe symbol and the lid comes with holes that let out steam. 

Placing containers with the lid on in the microwave will minimise spatter, and help the food heat up more evenly and efficiently. However, the lid does have to come with a steam-vent feature. Alternatively, you can place the lid on the container, but not seal it completely. 

If you microwave an airtight plastic container, you will be greeted by a potentially dangerous amount of steam when you reopen it. Plus, an explosion might have occured in there that will leak out too. 

How Long Can You Microwave Tupperware For?

To make sure you get it right, check the Tupperware website for information about each of their microwave-safe products. They tell you exactly how long you can microwave it for, and at what temperature setting.

How long you can whack a plastic container into the microwave for will mostly depend on the product itself. In general terms, you won’t need more than 900 watts of power. Whether you have a 900-watt or 1100-watt microwave, you will be able to adjust the settings accordingly. 

It’s also advised to reheat your meal in short bursts, as opposed to one long interval. Give it a minute, then take the container out and stir the contents, to get the most even distribution of heat. 

How Safe is Tupperware?

Tupperware products are considered very safe, and you can use all of their microwave-safe products in your microwave. However, you can always choose to move your food to a different container, if you are bothered by the plastic. 

As of 2010, all of Tupperware’s products in the US and Canada have been BPA-free. They also don’t use polyethylene terephthalate, another harmful chemical. 

What is the Difference Between a Microwave-Safe and Non-Microwave Safe Plastic Container?

The difference between a microwave-safe and a non-microwave safe plastic container is in the type of materials and chemicals used to manufacture it. 

Plastic containers that can be microwaved can withstand high temperatures. Others are less durable, and can melt in the microwave. 

Microwave-safe plastics are also free of chemicals that can leak into your food and poison you over time. BPA is one such chemical, used to make plastic harder. 

Always look for the microwave-safe symbol to be absolutely sure you can place a product in the microwave. 

Tips for Microwaving Food in Tupperware Containers 

Here are some tips that will help you preserve your tupperware plastic containers and get the best results when using them to reheat food in the microwave:

• Don’t scrub your container harshly or with scratchy brushes, as it can damage the protective coating.
• Open the lid vent before turning the microwave on.  
• Reheat food in short bursts, never longer than 3 minutes, ideally around 1 minute.
• Only microwave your leftovers once. Rather reheat smaller portions that reheat food you won’t immediately eat. 
• Use a medium-high setting. 
• Never cook food in a plastic container. 
• Try not to reheat sugary or fatty food in tupperware, as they can get extra hot. 
• Let your tupperware warm up to room temperature before microwaving it. Don’t put it in the microwave directly from the fridge. 

Wrapping It Up 

While you can microwave a lot of tupperware plastic containers, you can also choose to reheat your meals on a microwave-safe plate.