Styrofoam plates are often popular for parties or large gatherings. A lot of students or bachelors also use Styrofoam plates regularly. These white plastic plates come across as convenient for takeout or an easy, fuss-free meal. Eat and throw them away.
But, the main question is can you microwave them? Because, often styrofoam plates are not thought of as a healthy way of reheating food.
Can you microwave styrofoam plates?
The simple answer is- “Yes and No”. You might be shocked, but it is true. While you can microwave some plates, not all Styrofoam plates are microwave-safe.
Can you microwave styrofoam plates?
Well, yes, you can. There are microwave-safe containers that are made of styrofoam. These are free of dioxin and other harmful chemicals and carcinogens. Moreover, microwave-safe Styrofoam containers are approved by the FDA.
These plates can withstand the high temperature of microwave and heat and do not melt easily. Most of the Styrofoam plates come with a label saying “Microwave-safe” or “Microwave-proof.”
The plates might even come with a symbol of the microwave drawn on them. Some microwave plates also have an image with some wave lines depicting the temperature range. If you find such plates, you can surely put them in the microwave for reheating food.
On the other hand, the plates which come with the message ”one time use only” are also microwavable.
The best way is to microwave foods in regular styrofoam plates for not more than 30 seconds with a maximum of 70% to 80% microwave power. It will prevent any health hazards.
If the Styrofoam plates do not have any microwave-safe rating, do not put them in the microwave. Such variants can release harmful gases and can make your food contaminated. But, you can use such plates for eating food easily.
Please note that you cannot reheat a Styrofoam plate multiple times. Reheating them multiple times can cause melting of the plate and wastage or contamination of food.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a plastic material or polystyrene. In some countries, expanded polystyrene foam is called Styrofoam. This foam is great for molding and is also a good insulator. Hence, it is used to pack foods or edible items. Moreover, these are pocket-friendly and often cost only a few cents.
The extended Styrofoam plates have a high melting point of 240 degrees C. But, they may get a little soft at the temperature of 100 degrees C. Hence there is a chance that the food might get contaminated or wasted.
Is styrofoam safe?
Many people think that since styrofoam contains plastic, it is not safe for foods or edible items. Some styrofoam may contain dioxin.
FDA regulates Styrofoam plates and disposable cutleries only after testing them properly. The food-grade Styrofoam plates usually do not come with dioxin.
Final Words
Styrofoam plates which come with a microwave-safe rating or image or tagline are great for reheating food for once. You can use them for reheating food for a short period.
On the other hand, plates without a microwave-safe or microwave-proof image are not ideal for reheating food. Such plates may not be able to withstand high temperatures.
