Can You Microwave Paper Plates?

We’ve all been there: you’re heating up leftovers for a fast lunch, and the only clean dish is a paper plate. Should you risk it and microwave that paper plate? Microwaving paper plates appears easy, but is it safe? In this guide, we will go over the basics of can paper plates go in the microwave and help you decide which solutions are ideal.

can paper plates go in the microwave — Image credit: @ALAINA DIGIACOMO/TASTE OF HOME

Is it Safe to Put Paper Plates in the Microwave?

Most paper plates available today are microwave-safe. Regular paper plates found at most grocery stores are not microwave-safe because the paper material can ignite if overheated. Heating foods on a plate labeled “microwave-safe” or “for microwave use” should not be an issue.

However, not all paper plates are microwave safe. Avoid using paper plates in the microwave if they contain:

Metal or metallic paints/decoration – can spark and cause fires
Recycled paper content – may contain small metal fragments
A wax coating – can melt and leak into food

How To Test A Paper Plate For Microwave Safety?

If the packaging does not explicitly state microwave-safe, you can use a simple test to evaluate a paper plate for microwave use:

Heat a cup of water in the microwave for 1 minute on full power. Then, place your hand on the dish in question and feel how warm it is. If the dish is warm and the water is cold, the microwave cannot handle it. A warm dish means it has absorbed heat.

If your plate passes these tests, it should be suitable for short microwave heating times. However, I still recommend keeping microwave time to 2 minutes or less per use to avoid overheating.

How Long Can You Put A Paper Plate In The Microwave?

Ideally, microwave paper plates for no more than two minutes at a time. Anything longer may begin to degrade the plate. Here are some microwave timing guidelines:

30 to 1 minute: Warm up tiny servings of food.
1 to 2 minutes: Reheat average plate-sized portions.
More than 2 minutes: Not recommended on paper plates. Use ceramic or glass dishes instead.

Overheating paper plates can cause them to burn, melt, or become flimsy. For best results, stick to the 1-2 minute window. Avoid microwaving empty paper plates, as they are more likely to overheat and spark without any food to absorb energy.

Can Paper Plates Catch On Fire In The Microwave?

If overheated to the point of combustion, all paper materials, including plates, pose a fire risk in the microwave. However, properly constructed lined paper plates or those that pass the safety test outlined above have protective barriers that significantly reduce this risk. Factors that increase the risk of fire include:

Using regular, uncoated paper plates not intended for microwave use
Heat very greasy or oily foods that can penetrate paper fibers.
Longer cooking times than manufacturer/test recommendations
Leaving hot food unattended on a plate after cooking.
Microwaving food until it is burned, not just warm.

Tips for Microwaving Paper Plates

Follow these guidelines when reheating food on paper plates:

Only use plates that are marketed as microwave-safe or that have passed the safety test.
Limit heating times to no more than 2 minutes, and check food frequently.
Don’t microwave paper with metal or wax coatings.
Watch closely in case of sparks/smoke.
Do not pile on too many hot or steamy items, as this can cause plate saturation.
Consider placing a microwavable paper towel under food prone to grease/liquid to absorb drips.
Limit heating time to 1-2 minutes max.
Avoid preheating empty plates or without food.
Remove the plate immediately after cooking to avoid scorching from residual heat buildup.
Allow enough space between the plate and the walls/turntable to ensure even air circulation.

Best Paper Plates for the Microwave

Which paper plates are ideal for microwave use? Here are my top recommendations:

Chinet® Microwave-Safe Paper Plates have been specifically designed for microwave use for over 50 years. Comes in both round and rectangular styles.
Dixie Ultra Paper Plate: PolyShield®-coated plates are sturdy and resistant to moisture. Good heat resistance.
Solo Microwave-safe Paper Plates: Oven-like texture plates created with proprietary ThermowaveTM technology.
Hefty ECOSAVETM Microwave Plates: Affordable eco-friendly plates made from kraft paper and sugarcane.

For dependable microwave performance, choose top brands such as these. Avoid using generic paper plates or flimsy thin plates that are not designed for reheating. Investing in high-quality, microwave-safe paper plates avoids potential disasters!

Can You Microwave All Foods On A Paper Plate?

While paper plates are generally safe for short microwave uses, you must exercise caution with certain types of foods:

Fatty foods: Greasy foods can permeate the plate, weakening its structure.
Liquid-based foods: Soups or sauces can soften the plate and cause leakage.
Longer-cooking foods: Microwaving for more than 2 minutes can cause plate damage.
High-sugar foods: Sugary or syrupy foods that bubble intensely when heated.

Microwaving these riskier items in a bowl or glass dish is a safer alternative. Avoid mushy plates.

Should You Replace Paper Plates with Plastic Plates or Styrofoam?

If paper plates are a concern, you should consider alternatives. Plastic plates and Styrofoam are popular choices, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic microwave plates are extremely durable and reusable, but they can warp over time. Higher upfront costs.
Paper plates are both affordable and disposable. There is limited reuse. Most varieties are microwave-safe.
Styrofoam plates can emit harmful chemicals when heated, making them a less desirable option.

Paper plates are an excellent choice for occasional reheating due to their convenience, safety, and low cost. Plastic reusable plates are also great, but they result in more dirty dishes. Styrofoam sacrifices convenience for safety; instead, use Styrofoam plates for cooler, cold foods whenever possible.

Conclusion

If you only need to reheat food in the microwave occasionally, lined paper plates are a breathable alternative. While paper plates may not be able to replace more durable alternatives in the long run, with care, they can easily warm up leftovers on busier days. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines and use moderation for the best results and safety. With the right approach, these multi-purpose plates will suffice in a pinch under controlled conditions.

FAQs

What paper plates are not microwavable?

If your disposable plates have a microwave-safe label, you’re good to go. But if you tossed the packaging and are unsure, err on the side of caution. The paper plates with a decorative sheen could be coated in a thin layer of plastic, says Whirlpool, which might not react well in the microwave.

How long can you microwave paper plates?

Don’t use paper plates in the microwave for longer than 2 minutes. It’s also recommended that you only use paper plates on a 50% power setting. Any longer or higher than that, and you may risk a fire.

Can Dixie paper plates go in the microwave?

Paper plates made by the Dixie company are safe for use in a microwave.

Why paper plates don’t heat in the microwave?

The paper plate you’re using won’t go soft in a microwave unless it’s coated with plastic or decorated with flammable ink. The reason why standard microwave-safe paper plates won’t go soft is that microwave energy passes through them to heat your food.

Can paper plates be used in microwave?

Plain paper plates can be microwaved, but some disposable tableware are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Before you microwave a paper plate or bowl, be sure that it’s clearly marked as microwave-safe.

Is it safe to heat paper in microwave?

Paper towels, wax paper, parchment paper, paper plates and bowls are fine in the microwave. Newspaper is not sanitary and it leaches ink into whatever you’re cooking, so don’t use it. Brown paper bags are never safe in the microwave because they can’t withstand a lot of heat and can catch fire.