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What you can and cannot microwave

26 questions about what you can microwave — 4 yes, 9 no, and 13 that genuinely depend on the specifics.

Question Answer Short version
styrofoam It depends Only if the container is labeled microwave-safe, and most takeout foam is not.
aluminum foil No No — foil reflects microwaves and the edges arc, which can start a fire.
plastic containers It depends Only ones labeled microwave-safe — cold-storage tubs are not among them.
eggs It depends Beaten or pricked eggs, yes. A whole egg in its shell will explode.
tupperware It depends Yes, if that specific piece carries the microwave-safe symbol on its base.
paper plates It depends Plain white paper plates are fine; anything with metallic trim or a foam layer is not.
metal No No — metal reflects microwaves, arcs at edges, and can damage the oven or start a fire.
breast milk No No — microwaves create hot spots that scald a baby even when the bottle feels cool.
takeout containers It depends Only if the container is marked microwave-safe — most are not, and metal-handled ones never are.
cardboard It depends Plain dry cardboard is usually fine briefly; anything with glue, staples, wax or foil is not.
glass It depends Yes for ordinary heatproof glass; no for leaded crystal, and never straight from the freezer.
water It depends Yes, but very clean water can superheat and erupt when you move the cup.
ceramic It depends Yes for plain glazed ceramic; no if it has metallic trim or is unglazed and porous.
plastic wrap It depends Only wrap labeled microwave-safe, and it must not touch the food.
frozen food Yes Yes — but cook it straight away, because microwave defrosting warms the edges.
mason jars No No — canning jars are soda-lime glass, not heatproof, and the metal lid arcs.
grapes No Physically yes, and it makes plasma — which is exactly why you should not.
plastic bags It depends Only bags sold as microwave or steam bags — sandwich and freezer bags are not rated for it.
stainless steel No No — it blocks the microwaves entirely and the rim will arc.
parchment paper Yes Yes — parchment is silicone-coated and microwave-safe. Wax paper is not, and neither is foil-backed paper.
paper towels Yes Yes — plain white paper towel is microwave-safe as a cover, but keep runs short.
mcdonald's containers No No — the cartons, wrappers and cups are not made for reheating, and some have foil layers.
paper coffee cups No No — the plastic lining and the glued seam are not made for reheating.
cans No No — a metal can shields the food, arcs, and a sealed one can burst.
milk Yes Yes — heat it in short bursts and stir, or it boils over and catches at the edges.
raw chicken It depends Yes, if you cover it, rotate it, and check 74 °C (165 °F) in the thickest part.

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