“Can I Microwave This?” What You Actually Can and Can’t Heat in the Microwave

You probably don’t think about your microwave that much—until you’re staring at a cold bowl of pasta, a cup of coffee that’s gone lukewarm for the third time today, or a frozen meal you forgot you bought. That’s when the microwave becomes your best friend: fast, reliable, and no judgment. 

If you’ve ever had a moment of hesitation (or worse, seen actual sparks fly), this guide is for you. Because as unassuming as it looks, your microwave is not a “throw anything in and hope for the best” kind of appliance. There’s an actual science behind what you can—and absolutely should not—put inside it. 

Whether you're living off leftovers or cooking real meals, here’s the full, slightly obsessive guide to navigating the dos and don’ts of microwave-safe containers, with no fluff and no unnecessary freakouts. Just solid advice, so you never again have to Google “Can I put this in the microwave?” in a panic. 

The Basics: What the Microwave Is Doing 

Before we get into the yes/no list, it helps to know how microwaves work. Microwaves use—you guessed it—microwave radiation to agitate molecules in food, causing them to heat up from the inside out.  

But here’s the thing: not every material responds to that energy the same way. The material matters. A lot. 

What You Can Put in the Microwave (with Confidence) 

Let’s get the green lights out of the way. These are your go-to materials when you want to microwave safely and efficiently. 

✅ Microwave-Safe Plastic (But Only If It Says So) 

If you’ve ever wondered “is plastic safe in the microwave?”—the answer is yes, but only if it’s labeled that way. Microwave-safe plastic containers are made to handle heat without melting or releasing chemicals.  

Good for: reheating leftovers, warming frozen vegetables, short cooking times 
Avoid for: greasy, sugary, or fatty foods that can overheat and warp the container 
Bottom line: microwave reheating containers should always have a label. No label = no go. 

Also: Don’t reuse takeout containers unless they specifically say they’re microwave safe. 

✅ Heatproof Glass and Ceramic 

If you’re using heat-resistant glass or ceramic, like Pyrex or stoneware labeled “oven safe,” you’re in the clear. These are ideal for even heating and are super sturdy. 

• Good for: pasta, casseroles, oatmeal, mug cakes
• Avoid: anything with metallic trim or gold accents (it’ll spark) 
  

Is ceramic microwave safe? Only if you make sure it's unglazed and free of metal or foil paint. 

Tip: If the dish gets hot when microwaved empty, it’s absorbing energy and not safe to use. 

✅ Paper Towels, Plates, and Napkins 

Plain, white paper towels and napkins can be used to cover food or wrap things like tortillas and rolls. And can you microwave paper plates?” Yes—if they’re uncoated and not printed. 

Paper goods are great for warming—not cooking. They can’t handle high temps or long times. 

Avoid anything recycled, colored, or coated in wax or plastic.  

✅ Parchment Paper and Wax Paper 

Can you microwave parchment paper? Absolutely. It’s ideal for covering greasy foods or lining a dish to prevent sticking. Wax paper works too, especially when you want to keep moisture in your food—think rice, veggies, or steamed dumplings. 

These are perfect low-key tools for everyday reheating, especially if you want to avoid plastic. Just don’t walk away and leave it in too long. Wax paper isn’t built for prolonged heat. 

✅ Microwave Cooking Bags 

There’s a difference between grocery bags and microwave-specific microwave cooking bags. Grocery bags will melt. The other is your best friend when you’re steaming veggies or poaching chicken. 

Follow the instructions. Snip a small slit for steam to escape. And whatever you do—don’t seal it with a metal twist tie (yes, those count as metal). 

What You Should Never Microwave 

Here’s the red list. These materials are unsafe and can destroy your microwave—or start a fire. 

❌ Aluminum Foil 

If you’ve ever typed “can aluminum foil go in the microwave?” you probably already know the answer is a hard no. Foil reflects microwave energy, which causes sparks, arcing, and sometimes open flame. Even tiny pieces—like the edge of a leftover burrito—can mess things up fast. 

❌ Metal (All Kinds) 

Metal reflects heat and causes arcing, so that's a hard no. That includes: 

• Baking pans 
• Cutlery 
• Mugs with gold trim 
• Takeout containers with metal handles 
• Twist ties with wire inside 

⭐️ The Exception: 

We’ve engineered the Panasonic Magic Pot so it's safe to use in the microwave. This metal pot is ready to sear, simmer, steam, and grill in your Panasonic microwave. The Magic Pot has silicone, rubber, stainless steel, and aluminum in all the right places for an optimal cooking experience. It only can be used with select Panasonic microwaves, to help food retain its texture and help make different kinds of dishes (stews, braised meats, etc.). 

❌ Foam Cups and Takeout Containers 

Foam cups and boxes (like the kind used for takeout) can melt, warp, and even catch fire. They’re also made of polystyrene, which can release harmful chemicals when heated. 

❌ Brown Paper Bags 

They’re not built for heat. Use microwave popcorn bags only if they’re labeled as such. 

❌ Glass Jars (That Aren’t Heat-Safe) 

It’s tempting to reheat soup or sauce in a mason jar or jam jar—but unless it’s labeled microwave-safe, don’t. 

“Is all glass microwave safe?” No. Regular jars can crack or explode with heat. Even if it looks thick, the glass might not be tempered or heat-resistant. 

Maybe Safe—But Only If You’re Careful 

Some things are okay in a microwave, but only with proper labeling or caution. 

Frozen Meal Trays 

Most are designed for it, but you should still check the packaging. Some include a film or bottom layer with a hidden metal layer. If anything looks shiny, transfer the meal to a plate. 

Also: follow peel-back and venting instructions to the letter. Steam buildup is real. 

Paperboard Containers 

You know the ones from the hot bar at the grocery store or the coffee shop? These disposable food containers are a mixed bag. 

Some are microwave safe. Some are lined with plastic or wax. If it feels shiny or slippery, don’t microwave it. 

Play it safe and switch to glass or ceramic. 

Thermometers 

“Can you microwave a thermometer?” Not unless it’s clearly labeled as microwave-safe. 

Regular meat thermometers can’t go in the microwave. If you're checking the temp, pull the food out first. Or buy a microwave-safe digital version. 

TLDR: What’s Safe, What’s Not 

Here’s your quick hit list to save or screenshot: 

✅ You’re good: 

• Microwave-safe plastic containers 
• Oven-safe glass and ceramic 
• Plain paper towels, paper plates 
• Parchment and wax paper 
• Microwave-ready frozen trays 
• Panasonic Magic Pot (in designated compatible microwave) 

❌ Don’t do it: 

• Aluminum foil 
• Any kind of metal 
• Styrofoam and foam containers 
• Brown paper bags 
• Unlabeled glass jars 

The Bottom Line 

Microwaves are fast, efficient, and a total lifesaver—but they’re not foolproof. What you put inside matters. So before you hit “start,” ask yourself: Is this actually microwave-safe? If you don’t know—don’t risk it. 

If you’re still unsure, this post will be here when you need it. Or better yet—bookmark it, print it, or hang it on the fridge. Your microwave (and your lunch) will thank you.