How Microwaves Works with Cardboard and Your Alternatives
It seems scary, isn’t it? You know it’s possible, but can you microwave cardboard?
Isn’t it flammable? Can it ruin your microwave? Is it toxic to the food, Or are you scared of your microwave catching fire?
Yes, you can microwave cardboard, and however, this must be done under moderate temperature while avoiding coating material on the exterior. Check the packaging labeling for safety guidelines.
There are different packaging materials for takeouts, with many restaurants opting to settle for cardboard. Aside from that, there are plastic containers, styrofoam, metallic, and paper bags.
Firstly let’s check factors to consider before microwaving cardboard.
- Type of Packaging Cardboard
Often, the type of cardboard container used in food is standard. It’s made from wood fiber which is likened to paper. It’s lighter, looks fancier, and is more brutal than paper. However, the cardboard does an excellent job heating your food in the microwave unless stated otherwise.
- Level of Temperature
Cardboard can deliver you a hot meal under regulated temperatures, often below 427 degrees Fahrenheit. The risk of exceeding the prerequisite temperature damages the container and risks intoxicating your food.
- Coating Material Cardboard
To secure the food and ensure the cardboard is recyclable, some manufacturers are coating the cardboard with all sorts of materials. The additional coating used around the cardboard material may damage the microwave. Always check out for the interior and exterior coating used.
How Can You Microwave Cardboard?
As mentioned earlier, it is possibe to microwave cardboard. However, different circumstances will not allow you to. Packaged food is often clearly labeled on whether to use a microwave. If it’s not available and you have doubt, it’s advisable to take caution.
How Microwaves Work When Heating
Microwaves are produced inside the oven and start moving around while interacting with the food molecules. The water, oil, and sugar molecules absorb the emitted waves to generate heat, and the eventual result is warmed food.
Food containing higher liquid content heats up much faster than dry food. Glass, metal, aluminum, and plastic containers are discouraged from using since they may damage the microwave or leach into the food.
Common Microwavable Alternative
Take-out food eventually will require warming, and the most convenient kitchen item to do this is the microwave.
We’ve ascertained cardboard can go into the microwave. However, what happens when you are unsure about your packaging material?
Below are three alternative mediums to use if you need to warm your food.
- Glass-ceramic
- Microwave-safe paper products
- Oven cooking bags
Safety Tips to Microwave Cardboard
In addition, there are a few tips to help you stay safe when using cardboard packaging to warm your food.
- Check the labeling
As mentioned earlier, most food items in packing containers have clear labels on their exterior. However, some packaging materials don’t have the information about using a microwave. If you doubt, you can always use alternative methods to preheat your food if you are in doubt.
2. Avoid preheating an empty container.
Cardboard material contains 9–12 % of humidity. When placed under microwave heat, it drops the humidity level up to 1% and eventually becomes hot. The result is your container catching fire. But, the food and beverages being heated maintain the humidity level, which ensures that the container doesn’t heat up.
3. Check the duration
Heating food using the microwave requires 60–120 minutes. If you intend to take long hours, then you might end up burning your container or overcooking your food.
4. Avoid high heat
A standard microwave at home requires minimum settings. However, if you need to adjust the settings on your microwave, ensure you maintain cardboard-friendly temperatures, which are ideally below 400°F.
5. Layer your food
You can protect your food from getting into contact with too much heat. Use a paper towel or napkin by layering between the container and the food. This method also protects the container from exposure to food oil.
6. Stay clear of glue and ink
Your food package is often fastened to keep warm and safe. Most glues have chemicals that leach into your food when exposed to microwave heat, and ink is also another chemical-laden item that may contaminate your food when in contact with heat.
7. Avoid coated containers
Cardboard containers may have a coating that often doesn’t work well with heat. You should be careful when placing the cardboard package in the microwave, and some elements may damage your microwave or contaminate your food.
8. Keep an eye on the food.
Always be observant and watch out for any irregularities. Be on the lookout for unfamiliar sounds or some weird smell. You can opt to preheat your food periodically while observing it.
9. Avoid metallic objects in the container
Avoid using metal when reheating food in the microwave. Check your cardboard packing for any metallic components which may pose a danger. Metal is quite explosive and may even ruin your microwave.
10. Remove flammable materials
Material like plastic lids, metallic clips, paper wrappers is some of the items you should remove before preheating your meal.
Conclusion
Cardboard can indeed be used to heat food in the microwave. It’s beneficial since it’s cheap and convenient. It helps you avoid the need to wash dishes, and it’s safe than most of the other packaging materials.
So, can you microwave cardboard? Our observation guided you on the tips to use before preheating your food in the microwave. Always check the labeling for additional information and keep off the microwave if there’s no indication of usage.
