Hey there, foodies! The microwave is a life-saver when it comes to whipping up quick and easy meals, but not all containers are created equal. One question that’s been bugging us lately is whether we can zap our Rubbermaid containers in the microwave.
Rubbermaid is a pretty popular brand when it comes to meal prep and food storage, but are their containers safe to use in the microwave? We did some digging and found out all the juicy details. So, let’s dive in and see if we can nuke our leftovers in our favorite Rubbermaid containers
Can You Microwave Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers?
According to the manufacturer, you can microwave Rubbermaid food containers. They have officially stated that the unique materials used to make Rubbermaid plastic containers are designed to withstand normal home use, including defrosting and reheating food in a microwave.
However, to ensure that if a particular Rubbermaid container is truly safe for microwave use, you need to check on two things. First, look for a microwave-safe symbol or wording on the container that indicates the container is microwave safe. Second, look for a BPA-free sticker.
If you don’t see one or either, then it is best to avoid microwaving the container.
Here are some Rubbermaid products that are microwave-safe (and BPA free as well):
- Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Sandwich Kit
- Rubbermaid TakeAlongs On The Go Food Storage and Meal Prep Containers
- Rubbermaid Lock-Its Square Food Containers
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers
Is It Safe to Reheat Food in a Rubbermaid Plastic Container in a Microwave?
Yes, you can safely heat food in a Rubbermaid container in your microwave. In fact, the company has stated on its website that all Rubbermaid containers have been thoroughly tested and evaluated for microwave oven safety.
This means not only its plastic containers can withstand microwave heating, but they also won’t leak harmful chemicals into your food (BPA free). As mentioned before, you can further confirm this by reading the label. If there is a microwave-safe and BPA-free symbol on it, you can be assured that the food will be heated safely.
However, there are certain foods that the company recommends not to heat in the microwave. These include oily and fatty foods. Foods high in oil and fat can begin to cook too quickly, resulting in a risk of fire. The company explicitly warns on its website that you shouldn’t heat these types of food in its food storage products.
Can You Microwave Rubbermaid Lids?
Rubbermaid containers come with tight-fitting lids, which help keep food fresh and secure. The sealed lids also help avoid spills when storing foods, like soups, that are prone to leaks. Just like the containers, these lids are also safe to use in the microwave.
The good thing about the Rubbermaid lid is that most products have some kind of venting so that steam can be released safely. However, if your Rubbermaid lid doesn’t have a venting mechanism, it’s advisable to loosen the lid slightly while heating foods so the steam can escape.
Concerns About Microwaving in Plastic?
Let’s face it. As much as we’re all so used to using plastic in our daily lives, some are still wary of microwaving food in plastic, with phthalates and bisphenols being two of the most common chemicals of concern for mixing with food.
Phthalates, which are used to soften plastics, have been used in a variety of products like food packaging, building materials, vinyl flooring, children’s toys, and personal care products.
As for Bisphenols, they are mostly found in polycarbonate plastics, such as food containers, water, and juice bottles, and in the linings of food cans.
Manufacturers often add these two chemicals to make their products more flexible, harder to break, thinner, less brittle, and lighter weight.
Studies have suggested that these two chemicals can act as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) that can alter the hormonal balance in humans. Even low-level exposure may have a negative effect on fertility, reproduction, growth, and development (in children), behavior, and the immune system.
What Materials Make Up a Rubbermaid Container?
Rubbermaid food containers are made from a special formulation of high-quality plastics. These plastics have been carefully formulated to ensure that they meet FDA standards, which means they’re free of BPA and other harmful chemicals. The company also ensures that its plastic will not leak or transfer any harmful substances into your food.
Thanks to Tristan plastic, a plastic that is deemed the safest plastic in the world, Rubbermaid is able to make its products completely BPA-free.
Tips to Microwave Rubbermaid Containers Safely
While you can safely heat food in Rubbermaid containers in your microwave, there are some things you need to be mindful of.
- Rubbermaid containers are safe to heat up to temperatures up to 212 degrees F. Avoid heating beyond this temperature as the container’s plastic can become damaged and begin to melt.
- Vent or lift the lid of your container slightly before you heat it up in the microwave. As mentioned above, the lid has to be able to vent off steam so that there won’t be any pressure buildup inside your plastic containers.
- Use care when removing your heated containers from the microwave. As with any other plastic container, Rubbermaid food storage products can become brittle once they’re exposed to high temperatures. Using protective gloves or an oven mitt when handling these containers is therefore recommended.
- Avoid reheating food high in fat, oil, salt, and sugar content. These foods can cause pitting and other damage to your plastic containers.
- Reheating tomato-based foods may stain your containers.
- Allow the food in your Rubbermaid containers to sit a minute or two before serving.
- Do not overfill your Rubbermaid containers. Overfilling may cause spillage that can stain your plastic container and/or leave a foul odor behind.
- Use to defrost and reheat only. Avoid using Rubbermaid food containers for cooking as they are not designed for this purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer is yes; you can microwave Rubbermaid containers, and they are safe to use for reheating food. The company has officially stated that their containers are microwave-safe and have been thoroughly tested for safety. However, it is important to look for a microwave-safe symbol or wording on the container and a BPA-free sticker before heating food in the microwave.
The Rubbermaid lids are also safe to use in the microwave, but it’s best to loosen them slightly to allow steam to escape. As with any plastic container, care must be taken to ensure safe heating and handling to avoid damage to the container.
So, go ahead and heat your food in your Rubbermaid containers, but be sure to follow the safety tips we’ve mentioned in this article.
