Can you microwave plastic wrap?

Wraps sold as microwave-safe have been tested against the FDA limits on what can migrate into food at those temperatures. The instruction that comes with them is always the same: keep the film off the food surface, because contact with hot fat is where migration and melting actually happen. Cling films made for cold storage have no such testing and can soften onto the food. Vent the covering, or leave a corner open, so steam does not lift the whole sheet off.

How to do it properly

1. Use only film that says microwave-safe on the box
2. Leave at least a couple of centimetres of air between the film and the food
3. Turn back one corner to vent the steam
4. Peel the film away from you when it comes out — the trapped steam is at 100 °C

What goes wrong

• Film in contact with hot fat can melt onto the food
• Untested cling films have no migration data at microwave temperatures
• A fully sealed cover balloons and releases a burst of steam when opened

Other options

• Cover with an upturned plate or a purpose-made vented microwave lid
• Use damp parchment paper or a paper towel to stop splatter

Other "can you microwave" questions

• Can you microwave styrofoam? It depends — Only if the container is labeled microwave-safe, and most takeout foam is not.
• Can you microwave aluminum foil? No — No — foil reflects microwaves and the edges arc, which can start a fire.
• Can you microwave plastic containers? It depends — Only ones labeled microwave-safe — cold-storage tubs are not among them.
• Can you microwave eggs? It depends — Beaten or pricked eggs, yes. A whole egg in its shell will explode.
• Can you microwave Tupperware? It depends — Yes, if that specific piece carries the microwave-safe symbol on its base.
• Can you microwave paper plates? It depends — Plain white paper plates are fine; anything with metallic trim or a foam layer is not.
• Can you microwave metal? No — No — metal reflects microwaves, arcs at edges, and can damage the oven or start a fire.
• Can you microwave breast milk? No — No — microwaves create hot spots that scald a baby even when the bottle feels cool.
• Can you microwave takeout containers? It depends — Only if the container is marked microwave-safe — most are not, and metal-handled ones never are.
• Can you microwave cardboard? It depends — Plain dry cardboard is usually fine briefly; anything with glue, staples, wax or foil is not.
• Can you microwave glass? It depends — Yes for ordinary heatproof glass; no for leaded crystal, and never straight from the freezer.
• Can you microwave water? It depends — Yes, but very clean water can superheat and erupt when you move the cup.