Are Rubbermaid Containers Microwave Safe? (Surprise!)

If you are like me, you probably have a bunch of Rubbermaid containers in your kitchen. They are great for storing leftovers, meal prepping, and organizing your pantry. But have you ever wondered if they are safe to use in the microwave? Can you heat up your food in them without worrying about harmful chemicals or melting plastic? In this blog post, I will answer these questions and more. Let’s get started!

Rubbermaid containers are generally safe to use in the microwave, as long as they have a microwave-safe symbol on them and you follow the instructions on the label. However, you should avoid heating them above 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water.

What is Rubbermaid?

Rubbermaid is a brand name of Newell Brands, a company that produces various household products, such as food storage containers, trash cans, cleaning tools, and more. Rubbermaid was founded in 1920 by James R. Caldwell and his wife, who started making rubber dustpans in their basement. Since then, the company has expanded its product line and become one of the most recognized names in the industry.

Rubbermaid containers are made of different types of plastic, depending on the purpose and design of the product. Some of the most common plastics used are polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). These plastics have different properties and characteristics, such as durability, flexibility, transparency, and resistance to heat and chemicals.

How to Tell If a Rubbermaid Container is Microwave Safe?

Not all Rubbermaid containers are microwave safe. Some of them are designed for cold storage only, while others can withstand high temperatures and microwave radiation. To tell if a Rubbermaid container is microwave safe, you need to look for a symbol on the bottom or the label of the product. The symbol usually consists of three wavy lines or a dish with wavy lines above it. This indicates that the container can be used in the microwave without any problems.

However, even if a Rubbermaid container has a microwave-safe symbol on it, you still need to follow some precautions and guidelines when using it in the microwave. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always check the label or the instructions on the product for any specific warnings or recommendations.
• Do not heat the container above 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water. Higher temperatures can cause the plastic to degrade and release harmful chemicals into your food.
• Do not use the container for cooking or reheating foods that contain a lot of oil, fat, sugar, or alcohol. These substances can reach very high temperatures and damage the plastic.
• Do not use the container for heating foods that have bones or shells. These can create hot spots and crack or puncture the plastic.
• Do not use the container for heating foods that have high acidity or salt content. These can corrode or stain the plastic.
• Do not use metal utensils or sharp objects to stir or cut your food in the container. These can scratch or damage the plastic.
• Always leave some space between the food and the lid of the container. This allows steam to escape and prevents pressure buildup.
• Always vent or loosen the lid of the container before microwaving it. This prevents explosions or spills.
• Always use oven mitts or potholders to handle the container after microwaving it. The container may be very hot and cause burns.
• Always wash and dry the container thoroughly after each use. This prevents bacteria growth and odors.

What are the Benefits of Using Rubbermaid Containers in the Microwave?

Using Rubbermaid containers in the microwave can have some benefits for you and your food. Here are some of them:

• It saves time and energy. You don’t have to transfer your food from one container to another or use extra dishes or pots. You can simply heat up your food in the same container that you stored it in.
• It preserves nutrients and flavor. Microwaving your food in a sealed container can help retain its moisture, vitamins, minerals, and taste. You don’t have to add extra water or oil to your food, which can dilute its quality.

• It reduces waste and clutter. You don’t have to throw away or wash multiple containers or dishes. You can reuse the same container for different purposes and store it easily in your cabinet or fridge.

What are the Risks of Using Rubbermaid Containers in the Microwave?

Using Rubbermaid containers in the microwave can also have some risks for you and your food. Here are some of them:

• It can cause health problems. If the container is not microwave safe or is heated above the recommended temperature, it can release harmful chemicals into your food. These chemicals can include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, dioxins, and styrene. These chemicals can disrupt your hormones, damage your organs, cause cancer, and affect your fertility.
• It can affect the quality of your food. If the container is not vented properly or is overfilled, it can explode or spill in the microwave. This can create a mess and waste your food. If the container is scratched or damaged, it can harbor bacteria and mold. This can contaminate your food and cause food poisoning.
• It can damage your microwave. If the container is not suitable for microwave use or contains metal parts, it can spark or catch fire in the microwave. This can damage your microwave and create a fire hazard.

How to Choose the Best Rubbermaid Containers for Microwave Use?

If you want to use Rubbermaid containers in the microwave, you need to choose the ones that are designed for this purpose and follow the instructions on how to use them safely. Here are some tips on how to choose the best Rubbermaid containers for microwave use:

• Look for the microwave-safe symbol on the bottom or the label of the product. This indicates that the container has been tested and approved for microwave use.
• Choose containers that are made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) plastic. These plastics are more resistant to heat and chemicals than other types of plastic, such as polycarbonate (PC) or polystyrene (PS).
• Choose containers that have clear lids or vents. This allows you to see your food and let steam escape while microwaving it.
• Choose containers that have a tight seal and a snap-on lid. This prevents leaks and spills while storing or transporting your food.
• Choose containers that have a variety of sizes and shapes. This allows you to store different types of food and fit them in your microwave.

Some Examples of Rubbermaid Containers That Are Microwave Safe

Here are some examples of Rubbermaid containers that are microwave safe and suitable for different needs and preferences:

• Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers: These containers are made of clear plastic that is stain-resistant and odor-resistant. They have airtight lids that snap on securely and have vents for microwaving. They come in different sizes and shapes and are stackable for easy storage.
• Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Containers: These containers are made of red plastic that is durable and flexible. They have easy-find lids that snap on to the base and to each other for easy organization. They come in different sizes and shapes and are nestable for easy storage.
• Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers: These containers are made of clear plastic that is lightweight and portable. They have twist-and-seal lids that prevent leaks and spills while on-the-go. They come in different sizes and shapes and are disposable for easy cleanup.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about using Rubbermaid containers in the microwave:

Q: How long can I microwave my food in a Rubbermaid container?

A: The answer depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of food, the power level of your microwave, and the size and shape of your container. As a general rule, you should follow the instructions on the label of your food or container, or use a microwave-safe thermometer to check the temperature of your food. You should also stir your food halfway through microwaving it to ensure even heating.

Q: How do I clean my Rubbermaid container after microwaving it?

A: You should wash your Rubbermaid container with warm water and mild soap after each use. You can also use a soft brush or sponge to remove any stains or residues. You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch or damage the plastic. You can also put your Rubbermaid container in the dishwasher if it is dishwasher safe.

Q: How do I store my Rubbermaid container after microwaving it?

A: You should let your Rubbermaid container cool down completely before storing it in your cabinet or fridge. You should also make sure that it is dry and clean before putting it away. You should avoid stacking or nesting your containers too tightly, as this can trap moisture and cause mold growth. You should also label your containers with the date and contents of your food, especially if you are storing leftovers or meal preps.

Q: How do I dispose of my Rubbermaid container if it is damaged or worn out?

A: You should recycle your Rubbermaid container if it is recyclable. You can check the bottom or the label of your container for a recycling symbol that indicates the type of plastic it is made of. You should also rinse and dry your container before putting it in the recycling bin. If your container is not recyclable, you should throw it away in the trash. You should never burn or bury your container, as this can cause environmental pollution and health hazards.

Q: How do I avoid microwave accidents or injuries when using my Rubbermaid container?

A: You should always follow the safety precautions and guidelines when using your Rubbermaid container in the microwave. Here are some tips to avoid microwave accidents or injuries:

• Do not overheat your food or container in the microwave. This can cause explosions, spills, burns, or fires.
• Do not use your container for cooking or reheating foods that are not suitable for microwave use. This can cause damage to your food or container, or create harmful fumes.
• Do not use your container if it is cracked, chipped, warped, melted, or discolored. This can indicate that the plastic is degraded and unsafe for microwave use.
• Do not use metal utensils or sharp objects in your container. This can cause sparks or fires in the microwave.
• Do not leave your microwave unattended while using your container. This can prevent you from noticing any problems or emergencies.
• Do not touch your container or food immediately after microwaving it. This can cause burns or scalds. Use oven mitts or potholders to handle them.

Conclusion

Rubbermaid containers are generally safe to use in the microwave, as long as they have a microwave-safe symbol on them and you follow the instructions on how to use them safely. However, you should avoid heating them above 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water, as this can cause the plastic to degrade and leach chemicals into your food.

Using Rubbermaid containers in the microwave can have some benefits, such as saving time and energy, preserving nutrients and flavor, and reducing waste and clutter. However, it can also have some risks, such as causing health problems, affecting the quality of your food, and damaging your microwave.

If you want to use Rubbermaid containers in the microwave, you need to choose the ones that are designed for this purpose and follow the precautions and guidelines when using them. You also need to clean and store them properly after each use. You also need to dispose of them responsibly if they are damaged or worn out.

I hope this blog post has answered your question about whether Rubbermaid containers are microwave safe. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy microwaving!