You’re standing in front of the microwave at Starbucks, holding your ceramic mug and wondering if it’s possible to heat up your beverage in this thing. You’ve seen other people do it, but you’re not sure if it’s safe. You don’t want to ruin your mug, but you also really want your beverage to be warm. What should you do?
In this article, I’ll answer the question, “Can you microwave Starbucks ceramic mugs?” I’ll also discuss why some ceramic mugs are not safe for the microwave and how to tell if a ceramic mug is microwave safe.
Can You Microwave Starbucks Ceramic Mugs?
Starbucks ceramic mugs are a popular choice for coffee drinkers. The mugs come in a variety of designs and sizes, and many of them are microwaveable. This makes them convenient for heating up coffee or tea.
The newest “Been There” series of mugs, in particular, are microwave safe. However, to be sure, check the bottom of your mug for a microwave-safe symbol or visit Starbucks’ website to find out for sure which mugs are microwave safe.
If your mug does not have a microwave-safe symbol, that does not necessarily mean it is not safe to microwave. Many older mugs without the symbol can be microwaved. There’s one simple way to test if your mug is microwave safe.
Fill the mug with water and microwave it on high for one minute. If the water becomes hot, the mug is microwave safe. If the mug becomes hotter than the water, it is not safe to microwave.
Why Some Ceramic Mugs Are Not Safe for the Microwave
The reason some ceramic mugs are not safe for the microwave has to do with the fact that they contain metal in their glaze. When microwaves hit metal, they can leach into the food or drink being heated. This can cause health problems.
Another reason some ceramic mugs are not safe for the microwave is that they are not glazed properly. If the glaze on a mug is not applied correctly, it can cause the mug to break or chip when heated in the microwave.
Some mugs also feature metal gliding or other decorations that are not microwave-safe. These decorations can cause sparks and fires when heated in the microwave. If you’re unsure whether or not your mug is safe to microwave, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use another container.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Starbucks Ceramic Mugs
If you decide to microwave your ceramic mug, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind.
First, only microwave the mug for the amount of time necessary to heat up your beverage. Heating it for too long can cause a phenomenon called “superheating.” This is when the liquid in the mug becomes hotter than its boiling point without showing any signs of boiling.
When you take it out of the microwave, the liquid can suddenly explode and cause burns. Well, exploding is probably too strong of a word, but it can certainly cause hot liquid to splash out and onto your skin.
Second, carefully tap the side of the mug after heating to release any built-up steam. This is another way to check if your coffee or tea is superheated. By tapping the mug, you’ll cause any superheated liquid to burst but since you haven’t removed the mug from the microwave yet, you won’t be burned.
Finally, keep your face away from the mug when you remove it from the microwave until you’re sure the liquid is not superheated. Most injuries from superheated liquids happen when people put their face too close to the mug and the liquid suddenly spurts.
Step-By-Step Guide to Microwaving Your Beverage in a Starbucks Ceramic Mug
Now that you know all about microwaving Starbucks ceramic mugs, let’s go over the steps you need to take to do it safely.
- Fill your mug with coffee or tea but leave some room at the top.
- Place the mug in the microwave and heat it on medium-high for 30 seconds.
- Stir your beverage and then heat it in 10-second increments until it reaches the desired temperature. Don’t forget to stir in between each increment.
- Tap the side of the mug to release any steam and then carefully remove it from the microwave.
- Let it sit for 30 seconds before taking a sip. This will give the liquid time to cool down slightly and prevent burns.
Which Containers Are Safe to Microwave?
There are different types of materials that mugs can be made out of, including glass, ceramic, plastic, and metal. And not all of these materials are created equal when it comes to microwaving. So, which mugs are safe to microwave, and which ones should you avoid?
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Glass: Glass mugs are perfectly safe to microwave as long as they don’t have any metal accents.
- Ceramic: Ceramic mugs without any metal accents are also safe to microwave. However, be sure to check the bottom of the mug for a symbol that indicates it can withstand high temperatures; if you don’t see this symbol, it’s best not to risk it.
- Plastic: It’s generally not recommended to microwave plastic mugs because chemicals from the plastic can leach into your food or drink. If you do choose to microwave a plastic mug, make sure it’s labeled “microwave-safe.
- Metal: You should never microwave a metal mug because it can cause sparks and potentially start a fire.
Conclusion
Starbucks ceramic mugs are safe to microwave as long as they don’t have any metal accents. If you’re unsure whether or not your mug is microwave-safe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use another container. When microwaving your beverage, be sure to only heat it for the amount of time necessary, and always check for signs of superheating before taking a sip.
