{"id":289,"date":"2023-01-10T20:00:35","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T20:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/millenora.com\/?p=289"},"modified":"2023-01-10T20:00:37","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T20:00:37","slug":"can-you-microwave-cardboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/millenora.com\/can-you-microwave-cardboard\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Microwave Food In Cardboard Containers? Find Answers Here"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever wondered if you can microwave pizza leftovers in cardboard boxes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can. <\/strong>You can reheat pizza or any food leftovers in the cardboard boxes they came in. However, there are a few cautions you should be mindful of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardboard to-go boxes are not your kitchen plates and bowls. So, some of them are exposed to damage from microwaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahead, Millenora will take you through some questions you may have about microwaving food in cardboard containers. Continue reading to see more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are cardboards?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cardboards are corrugated boards made from paper. <\/strong>They come in different shapes and sizes and are used to package food, drinks, and milk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are more common in pizza stores, juice and milk packs, and Chinese foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, cardboard that serves food packaging purposes is usually made to be heat-resistant, durable for stacking, and retains the warmth of the food in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you microwave cardboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can microwave cardboard boxes with food in them. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may sound counterintuitive because papers are flammable, but the microwaving process doesn\u2019t set every paper aflame. The microwaves use small vibrations to heat your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, cardboard boxes do not contain high amounts of water. So, they do not get warm before the food. Also, the cardboard absorbs the steam released during reheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you cannot safely microwave all types of cardboard<\/strong>. This is because some of them are made with materials like plastic, glue, metal, and wax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These materials may melt and leach into your food while heating. Consequently, it\u2019ll contaminate your food and may damage the microwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you microwave cardboard takeout boxes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can safely microwave leftover or cold food in the takeout box it came in. As I said earlier, the boxes do not warm up faster than your food, making them microwave-safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you should double-check and be sure that the box doesn\u2019t contain any elements of plastic, metal, or wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you microwave a pizza cardboard box?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most pizza boxes are designed for reheating pizza in the microwave. They can resist up to 176\u2218<\/sup>F (80\u00b0C). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, some of these boxes have an inner coating of aluminum, wax, or plastic which makes them unsafe for microwave use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may leach under very high temperatures and contaminate your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you microwave food in cardboard bowls?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can safely reheat your meals in a cardboard bowl, as long as you are sure it is microwavable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardboards have a low moisture content and are porous. It prevents them from getting as hot as normal ceramic plates and bowls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, it prevents the cardboard plates from overheating and catching fire. Most importantly, always check the label of the plate for the microwave-safe sign before you use it to reheat your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you microwave cardboard cups?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although it is not advisable, you may safely reheat drinks in cardboard cups if they are microwavable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microwaving cardboard cups is not advisable because these cups have a plastic or wax lining on their inside. The microwaves can make these materials melt and leach into the drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the cup may crumble in the microwave in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long should you microwave cardboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The longest you should microwave cardboard containers is two minutes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anything longer than this could mess up the cardboard, your meal, and even the microwave. Check on your food every thirty seconds while reheating it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put off the microwave and take out the plate if you notice any crumbling on the cardboard container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety tips to know when microwaving food on cardboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n