Is Rubbermaid microwave safe? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to how you can microwave Rubbermaid safely. Rubbermaid is a brand that most households are familiar with when it comes to kitchen utensils and storage options.
We recommend Rubbermaid products because they are durable, versatile, and convenient. They are designed to make food prep, storage, and reheating easy and more efficient.
What is Rubbermaid?
Rubbermaid, a prominent American manufacturer, has a rich history starting from its establishment in 1920 by James R. Caldwell and his wife in Wooster, Ohio.
Originally known as the Wooster Rubber Company, they initially produced balloons but later expanded into kitchenware in 1933. Today, Rubbermaid remains a trusted brand offering a diverse range of household items such as cleaning products, food storage containers, trash cans, and more.
Their products are well known for their practicality and long-lasting quality, making Rubbermaid a popular choice for home organization and storage solutions.
Are Rubbermaid Products microwave safe?
Most Rubbermaid products are microwave safe. Rubbermaid containers, plates, and bowls made after 2009 are safe to use in the microwave.
These products are designed to withstand the heat generated by a microwave. They are also BPA-free. This means they do not contain the harmful chemical Bisphenol-A that can leach into food when heated.
If you buy a Rubbermaid product, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. They will provide instructions on how to microwave their products safely because they have a quality control team to test their kitchenware thoroughly.
If you see the microwave-safe label, the product will withstand the heat in the microwave. However, do not expose these containers to temperatures above 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). It will melt or crack and harmful chemicals can leach into your food which may lead to health issues.
How to use Rubbermaid products safely in the microwave.
Most Rubbermaid products are microwave safe. However, there are still some precautions you should take when using them in the microwave. Here’s how to use Rubbermaid bowls, and plates safely in the microwave for for best results.
Check for the microwave safe symbol: Always look for the "microwave safe" label on the product or its packaging. We also recommend checking the manufacturer's guidelines on the product packaging or the Rubbermaid website.
Do not use damaged products: inspect your Rubbermaid plates and bowls regularly. If you find that these products are cracked, warped, or damaged, do not use it in the microwave. Cracks or warps in the container can trap bacteria. In addition, the heat from the microwave can cause the plastic to melt or potentially release harmful chemicals. If a container shows signs of damage, it's better to repurpose it for non-food storage or recycle it properly.
Use microwave safe lids: If your Rubbermaid product comes with a lid, make sure the lid is also microwave-safe. Instead of sealing the container with its lid, leave it slightly open to allow steam to escape.Some Rubbermaid products come with vented lids that are designed for microwave use. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe cover or plate to prevent spills and splatters.
Our best tips
- Follow product specific guidelines. Some Rubbermaid products might come with product-specific instructions for microwave use. Always read and follow these instructions, as they are tailored to the specific design and material of the container.
- Do not overheat: Do not microwave your Rubbermaid product for extended periods. Overheating will cause the product to warp or melt.We recommend starting with a lower power setting when heating food in a Rubbermaid container. This allows the food to heat more evenly and reduces the risk of overheating. Gradually increase the power setting if necessary.
- Stir your food: When reheating food in a Rubbermaid container, it's a good idea to stir the food periodically to ensure even heating. This helps prevent hot spots and reduces the risk of overheating the container and also ensures your food warms through.
- Foods high in sugar or fat can become very hot and might exceed the safe temperature range for the container. Consider using a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish for these foods.
Types of Rubbermaid containers
Plastic Containers - These include food storage containers of various shapes and sizes. They are designed to be leak-proof and easy to store. Some of their popular lines in this category include the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids, Brilliance, and TakeAlongs.
Glass Containers - These containers, like the Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers, are designed for those who prefer the feel and longevity of glass. They are popular because of their non-porous properties, which prevent staining and odor retention.
Beverage Containers - Rubbermaid offers a selection of containers specifically designed for beverages. These include water bottles, jugs, and pitchers, like the Rubbermaid Mixermate Bottles and Rubbermaid Pitcher.
FAQs
Yes, Most Rubbermaid plastic containers are designed to be microwave safe, but it is important to ensure that the specific container you are using is labeled as such.
Look for the microwave-safe symbol at the bottom of the Rubbermaid container. The symbol is square with a series of small waves or lines above it.
In addition, you should check if it is BPA-free to ensure the container will heat food in a microwave safely without leaching harmful chemicals into your food. Here are some of the potential health effects of BPA exposure.
The lids of many Rubbermaid products are designed to be used safely in the microwave.
These snug-fitting lids are effective in keeping food items fresh and preventing spillage, especially with liquid or semi-liquid contents like soups.
Many Rubbermaid lids often incorporate some form of venting which is a great feature which is helpful with safe release of steam when microwaving food or beverages.
It prevents pressure build-up that could otherwise lead to warping of or even the container bursting open.
If you have a Rubbermaid lid with no venting mechanism, you can leave the lid partially open while microwaving to achieve same effect.
As with all kitchenware, following manufacturer guidelines and recommendations is important to ensure safe and appropriate use.
It is not safe and it’s not recommended to heat Rubbermaid at high temperatures.
As mentioned earlier, they are designed to withstand temperatures up to 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water.
Going beyond this temperature threshold will cause damage to the container. Using Rubbermaid containers at excessively high temperatures in the microwave could pose a risk due to the potential leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the food.
Therefore, you should use Rubbermaid containers primarily for reheating food rather than cooking.
You should exercise caution when microwaving fatty or oily foods in Rubbermaid containers.
It is worth mentioning that fatty and oily foods tend to heat up more quickly and reach higher temperatures compared to other types of food.
This is because fats and oils have different heat capacities and can become very hot l, causing the container to warp or even melt.
Rubbermaid containers that have a good sealing lid are preferable for freezer use.
However, you should check if the container is marked as freezer-safe. This information is often on the bottom of the container or the packaging.
Rubbermaid products are dishwasher-safe. If you decide to handwash them, use non-abrasive cleansers. We recommend using a non-scratch nylon scouring pad (👈 affiliate link).
Conclusion
Rubbermaid offers a wide selection of microwave-safe products. This is why they are popular for food storage and preparation.
It’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider the tips we have shared to ensure the safety and longevity of the product.
We hope this post helped you learn more about microwaving Rubbermaid products.
Enjoyed reading this and want to be the first to know when we hit publish on our next article or recipe? Sign up for our MADD newsletter and get all our yummy microwave recipes and tips straight into your inbox then follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest andTiktok
One more thing! We’d love to help more people, if you found this recipe helpful, please do us a favor and share it with family and friends using the share buttons. Thank you!
Happy Cooking!
Love it? Pin it!
Leave a Reply