KITCHEN · GUIDE AND TOOL
Is This Container Microwave Safe?
Find microwave container advice from USDA and FDA, with label checks and materials to avoid.
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41 results
Heatproof glass
Check label
Use glass intended for microwave cooking; inspect for damage.
USDA: Microwave cookingCeramic or glass-ceramic
Check label
Use microwave-safe cookware without metal decoration.
USDA: Microwave cookingPlastic container
Check label
Use only containers labeled for microwave cooking. A recycling number alone is not approval.
USDA: Microwave cookingSilicone container
Check label
Follow the product and oven instructions. No universal permission based on material alone.
USDA: Microwave cookingPlastic wrap
Check label
Use microwave-approved wrap, keep it off food and vent it as directed.
USDA: Microwave cookingWhite unprinted paper plate
Suitable with instructions
USDA lists these for microwave use. Follow the plate and oven directions.
USDA: Microwave cookingWhite unprinted paper towel
Suitable with instructions
Use only as directed for microwave cooking; avoid printed paper.
USDA: Microwave cookingParchment or wax paper
Suitable with instructions
USDA lists these coverings. Follow product directions.
USDA: Microwave cookingMicrowave cooking bag
Suitable with instructions
Use bags made for microwave cooking and follow venting directions.
USDA: Microwave cookingYogurt or margarine tub
Do not use
Cold-storage tubs are not microwave cookware. Transfer food to a labeled container.
USDA: Microwave cookingFoam takeout container
Do not use
Transfer the food to microwave-safe cookware.
USDA: Microwave cookingMetal pan or bowl
Do not use
Generic metal cookware can reflect microwave energy. Use approved cookware.
USDA: Microwave cookingAluminum foil
Check oven manual
Avoid unless the oven manual specifically permits the intended use; never completely wrap food in foil.
USDA: Microwave cookingPlate with metal trim
Do not use
Metal decoration can cause arcing.
USDA: Microwave cookingTakeout box with metal handle
Do not use
Remove food from the container before reheating.
USDA: Microwave cookingBrown paper bag or newspaper
Do not use
These are not approved microwave cooking materials.
USDA: Microwave cookingMetal twist tie
Do not use
Remove metal ties before microwaving.
USDA: Microwave cookingWarped or melted plastic
Do not use
Discard the damaged container.
USDA: Microwave cookingMicrowave meal packaging
Check label
Use only when the package explicitly directs microwave cooking; follow its instructions and do not reuse.
USDA: Microwave cookingPolypropylene (PP, recycling 5)
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPolyethylene (PE, HDPE, LDPE)
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPolystyrene (PS)
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPET drink bottle
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPVC container
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPolycarbonate container
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensMelamine plate
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensDisposable paper cup
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensInstant noodle cup
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensZip-top storage bag
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPlastic lid
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensAirtight container lid
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensMason jar
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensDrinking glass
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensStoneware bowl
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensFine china
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensWooden bowl
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensBamboo container
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensRecycled paper plate
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensEgg carton
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensAluminum takeout tray
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovensPlastic utensil
Check label
The material or product name is not microwave approval. Do not heat it without instructions explicitly allowing microwave cooking. Use labeled cookware instead; check lids separately and vent as directed.
FDA: Microwave ovens
Example
A yogurt tub is intended for cold storage. Move its contents to cookware labeled for microwave cooking before heating.
How to use this guide
Check the lid and body separately. Do not heat a tightly sealed container; vent as the package or oven instructions direct. Without microwave-use instructions, transfer food to labeled cookware.
Find a storage place in the fridge.
Read the container label and oven manual first. Plastic resin numbers are not a microwave-safety certification. Transfer food from cold-storage tubs, foam and ordinary takeout packaging to labeled microwave cookware. A safe container does not guarantee evenly cooked food; stir or rotate as directed, allow standing time and check temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Is all glass safe?
No. Use heatproof glass intended for microwave cooking and follow its instructions.
Does plastic number 5 guarantee safety?
No. Check the microwave-use label and intended temperature and use conditions.
Is foil always forbidden?
Some ovens allow specific shielding uses. Avoid foil unless your oven manual explicitly permits your intended use.
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Sources and last updated
Official sources checked October 10, 2026. Product instructions and current local rules take priority.
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