Tupperware is a well-known brand for food containers.
They are lightweight and durable when it comes to storing food.
What I like about them is that they are made in the United States and come enclosed with an airtight lid.
I have been wondering if I can microwave food in Tupperware.
Can You Microwave Tupperware?
Yes, you can microwave Tupperware that is labeled Microwave safe.
Falling in line with modern times, the company has made a range of microwave-safe plastic containers that are BPA-free.
You can find out if your Tupperware is microwave safe by searching for the microwave-safe sign that is usually present at the bottom of your container.
The sign is designed as three waves. You can find it on the container, on the outer packaging box, instruction leaflet, or on their website.
The brand has a chart of plastics that has resin identification codes for further assistance. You can search for it in the package or the container.
For example, a container labeled number five is microwave safe as it is made from polypropylene.
PP or polypropylene can withstand high temperatures and sudden temperature changes. It remains solid and is heat resistant.
While most of the plastic starts to bend when exposed to heat, Tupperware remains firm and cool to touch.
Tupperware containers retain the flavors and texture of food.
You can directly call customer care to find out about your specific product.
Allow me to tell you all about Tupperware and how to use it safely in the microwave.
Also read: Can You Put Plastic Bags in Microwave?
What Is Tupperware?
Tupperware was made in 1946 by Earl Tupper and promoted as a non-breakable and lightweight plastic.
The Tupper corporation became famous with the concept of ” Tupperware parties” where the host provides the guests with the opportunity to order Tupperware products and gets a commission in return for the sales.
According to the manufacturer, Tupperware is environmentally friendly, high quality, long-lasting, and safe.
Tupperware is mostly made from polypropylene and low-density polyethylene. This type of plastic can be safely reused.
In general, plastic containers are made using BPA. BPA is a harmful chemical that is associated with hormone disruption, diabetes, obesity, and affects reproductive tissues.
According to research, BPA can seep into food from containers. They can also be released from plastic containers when they are exposed to high temperatures.
Tupperware products are Bisphenol-A free. You can safely use it for your daily needs without worrying about leaching.
The company has a strict policy for manufacturing its products. Only food-safe grade plastic is used to make containers.
Also read: Why Do Glass Plate Break in the Microwave?
How to Safely Use Tupperware in the Microwave?
Your first step will be to find out whether your Tupperware container is microwave safe.
- Turn your container bottom-up and look for three wavy lines. If you find them, your container is safe to use in the microwave. In case the wavy lines are crossed off, you cannot place the container inside the microwave.
In the same manner, if you don’t find any wavy lines on the container, don’t use it inside the microwave.
- Keep the lid on the container but leave a little gap. Enclosing food with the lid gives you quick and even results. But the steam that forms inside can be dangerous. It is best to either use a lid with a vent or leave a little gap so steam can escape safely from the food.
- You need to be careful while microwaving foods that have high-fat content or high sugar. They tend to quickly reach high temperatures. Certain containers cannot handle excessive heat. Make sure to use low to medium temperatures to heat them and at short intervals, preferably in batches.
- Keep an eye on the time duration. Do not place your Tupperware container inside the microwave for more than three minutes at a stretch. After three minutes, take a spoon and stir your food before placing it back inside the microwave. This way you will avoid hot and cold patches and the food gets heated evenly.
- Tupperware is susceptible to marks and scratches. It is best to use plastic or wooden spoons to stir your food.
- Even if your Tupperware is microwave safe, do not use high temperatures. Plastic and excessive heat is never a good combination. Keep the temperature low to medium.
- Always read the instructions booklet and follow the directions for a safe and long-lasting experience with your Tupperware.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What Are the Alternatives for Microwave Cooking?
If you do not wish to use microwave-safe plastic, opt for a glass container.
Glass containers never react with food. They are the safest choice for microwaves. However, make sure the glass is microwave safe to avoid shattering.
Glass can be a little heavy so be careful while placing and removing it from the microwave.
Microwave-safe ceramic containers are also a good choice. Ceramic is non-reactive and lasts for a long time.
Microwave-safe glass and ceramic containers are safe and durable compared to plastic.
Also read: Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags?
Can We Use Tupperware Lids Inside the Microwave?
Yes, you can microwave lids that have a microwave-safe label on them.
Silicon lids are also safe to use inside the microwave.
Always keep the lid on for evenly heated up food. Just make sure to leave some gap for the steam to pass.
Lids with a vent are an excellent choice for microwaves.
Open food containers usually end up with hot and cold spots that turn breeding grounds for microorganisms. They also dry up food quickly.
Where is Tupperware Manufactured?
Tupperware is manufactured in the United States.
It also has other manufacturing plants in Japan, Korea, South Africa, India, China, France, Portugal, Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela.
Tupperware is widely used and sold in the United States.
Apart from microwave-friendly containers, the brand offers all sorts of cooking and storing containers for multiple, daily needs.
After 2010, all the Tupperware manufactured products are BPA-free.
Some of the products made in the United States are food serving containers and ultra 21 cookware series.
The microwave-friendly containers are safe to put from the fridge to the oven/microwave. The 21 series containers are light and fireproof.Â
Also read: How to Clean a Yeti Cup?
What Material of Tupperware Should Not Go in the Microwave?
The containers that do not have a microwave-friendly sign at the bottom should not be used in the microwave.
As I have mentioned earlier, the brand gives a chart of numbers that help to identify the microwave-safe containers.
The containers that fall under number seven are made from polycarbonate. Avoid using them in your microwave.
Turn the bottom of your container. If your Tupperware is labeled number three, six, or seven, they are old plastics and should no longer be used for food.
The numbers two, four, and five are safe to use in the fridge or microwave.
If your container is old, stop using it for heating or storing food.
You can instead use it for different purposes like growing a sapling, storing needles, threads, or for any other need except cooking and food.
For How Long Should We Use Tupperware?
Tupperware products have a short shelf life.
Some products come with a limited lifetime warranty while some have a short warranty period.
Read about your particular product and use them as directed.
Also read: Is Melamine Microwave Safe?
At What Temperature Will Tupperware Melt?
Any plastic, no matter how sturdy, when exposed to its melting temperature, will begin to melt.
As Tupperware is made from polyethylene (HDPE), The melting point of Tupperware is 137° C (278° F).
At excessively high temperatures, the melted plastic starts to burn. Burnt plastic contains toxins and will irritate the lungs.
Is Tupperware Environment-Friendly?
Plastics are not biodegradable. They just add to the waste that is already found on our planet.
However, Tupperware is BPA-free, so comparatively it is safer for the environment.
It is strong and durable. Tupperware containers can be reused and recycled.
Can Silicone Tupperware Moulds Go in the Microwave?
Yes, you can safely use silicone molds of Tupperware in the microwave. They can withstand temperatures up to 200C.
They are sturdy and do not react to sudden temperature changes. So silicone Tupperware can go from the freezer directly to the microwave.
Use silicone molds of Tupperware for baking cakes, pies, puddings, and casseroles.
Conclusion
Summing up, microwave-safe Tupperware can be used in the microwave. The sign is designated as three waves at the bottom of your container.
In case the sign is crossed off or not present, do not use the Tupperware in your microwave.
Look out for the numbers and compare them with the chart provided by the brand.
The numbers three, six, and seven are not safe for microwave use.
The Tupperware containers having numbers two, four, and five can be safely used inside your microwave.
For safe cooking, always cook at low to medium temperature. Use lids with vents or leave a little gap between the lid and the container.
Make sure to cook at short intervals and stir in between. Do not cook for more than three minutes at a stretch.
Follow these safety instructions for safe microwave cooking using Tupperware.
If you do not wish to use plastic, opt for microwave-friendly glass or ceramic containers.
These are durable and do not react with food. All the best!
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