Plastic 5 (Polypropylene, PP): The only generally safe microwave safe plastic number, you will usually be ok to microwave plastic number 5 even if it does not have a microwave safe symbol. Plastic 1 (PETE or PET): Avoid microwaving clear PET; however, opaque PET – known as CPET – is typically microwave safe.
Plastic #5 is also microwave safe. Its full name is polypropylene and it's commonly used as food containers, spoons, and forks. It can withstand temperatures up to ≈ 230 degrees F, which is why this is perfect for those microwave meals.
To know if a plastic container or plastic wrap is microwave safe, you should look on the packaging material for a “Microwave Safe” label. Plastic products with an imprinted microwave symbol can be used in the microwave. This symbol is mostly used on reusable plastic storage containers.
Plastic labeled with the number 5 is the safest to microwave—it is resistant to high heat and won't warp. Microwave-safe plastic is also free of BPA, a chemical that can be harmful to our health. (More on this later.)
Safe Plastics to Microwave Food
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE) — #1 — Safe to use with the microwave-safe label. Polypropylene (PP) — #5 — Most often used for frozen meals and food storage containers, safest for microwaving.
#5 PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene, recycling number 5, is an FDA-approved food contact plastic that's generally used for single-serve items like yogurt cups, cream cheese containers, and syrup packets. Because of its high melting point, it can withstand the extreme temperatures of the microwave and dishwasher.
The most common symbol for microwave-safe plastic is a set of three wavy lines, often found on the bottom of containers. This emblem indicates that the product has been tested and approved for microwave use without melting or releasing harmful chemicals into your food.
PP (5) is a type of plastic called polypropylene. Because it's light, flexible, and durable, it is turned into a huge variety of different products that you use every day.
Dishwasher Safe Markings
Some plastics have a recycling symbol with the number 5 inside, which indicates polypropylene plastic that is generally top rack dishwasher safe.
Put one cup of water in a glass measuring cup, and set it in the microwave oven next to (but not touching) the container to test. Microwave on high 1 minute. If the cooking container feels warm or hot, it is not microwave safe because it contains metal in the material or glaze.
There are different types of plastic containers that are labeled with a 1, 2, or 5, these are considered BPA-Free. Plastic products stamped with a 7 indicate a possibility that BPA was used to make the product.
Ziploc® Containers with lids feature easy-to-use, leakproof Smart Snap technology. They are BPA free and safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and fridge (when used as directed). Use them to store food, organize supplies, or while on the go.
Check the bottom of the container for a symbol. Microwave safe is usually a microwave with some wavy lines on it. If the container has a #5 on it, it is made from polypropylene, PP, so it is generally considered microwave safe.
Polypropylene is hard to clean and once recycled becomes an unappealing color for packaging, making it less economical to recycle.
Polypropylene plastic #5 is supposedly safe for microwaving. Plastic wrap does not melt in the . microwave, but depending on what kind of plastic it is, if it is not disclosed, there is no telling what kind of unhealthy effect it may have.
Plastic #5 Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is microwave safe. It has a temperature tolerance of 0 to 250 degrees before distortion. It's most commonly used for containers, plates, bowls, cutlery and catering trays.
PP5 can withstand high temperatures without melting, which makes it safe for use in the microwave. This essentially means that it won't break down or even release any harmful chemicals when it is heated.
Plastic containers come with a food-grade rating on the bottom that ranges from 1 to 7. This gives consumers an idea of how safe they are for storing their food. Plastic grades 2, 4, and 5 are the safest for food storage. Using these plastics to store food will prevent accidental toxin ingestion.
Plastic 3, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), contains phthalates which can leach into food upon heating. It is perhaps the least safe plastic to microwave easily leaching BPA and phthalates. Beware of commercial cling film which is often still made with PVC. Examples: Food wrap, cooking oil bottles, and plumbing materials.
ARE MASON JARS MICROWAVE SAFE? The consensus is that Mason jars are microwave safe; however, you must be watchful. Glass reacts to heat, so a Mason jar should not be in a microwave for more than five minutes or it will be at risk of shattering.
Plastic recycling symbol #5: PP
PP (polypropylene) has a high melting point, so it's often chosen for containers that hold hot liquid.
When you heat food in the microwave using plastic containers or wrap, chemicals may leach out of the container and into the food, increasing your risk of cancer.
But what exactly should you be looking for? The Wave Symbol: The most common microwave-safe symbol looks like wavy lines, similar to the icon you might see on your microwave's control panel. These waves represent microwave energy and indicate that the container is safe for microwave use.
Great question! Our Ziploc® brand bags can be used in the microwave, but only to defrost or reheat food – just use caution when reheating foods with a lot of sugar or fat, because they heat up very quickly. Additionally, it's important to leave the zipper of the bag open at least one inch to vent any steam or heat.