Microwaves have been a fixture in American kitchens for decades now, but there's still a lot of confusion about what can and can't be heated in a microwave. Luckily for you, I'm here to clear things up!
Always check the label
So, you want to know if you can use a regular cup in the microwave? The answer is yes—as long as it’s microwave safe.
If you don't know what type of plastic your container is made from, it's important to check the label before heating. There are many kinds of plastics and most have different rules for microwaving them! Some must never be used in the microwave (like some types of polycarbonate) while others simply shouldn’t be heated for too long (like polystyrene).
So let's talk about which containers are good candidates for cooking time with our friend Mr. Microwave!
Ceramics and glass are fine
If you want to use your regular drinking glasses, go ahead. Ceramic and glass dishes are perfectly safe for the microwave; stainless steel is also fine. If you're unsure about whether your dish is microwavable, test it out by placing a cup of water in the microwave for two minutes. After two minutes have passed, remove the cup (using an oven mitt or towel) and touch it with your finger tips—if they feel hot then it wasn't suitable!
If you're still worried about using your regular cups and dishes in the microwave then there are plenty of alternatives available at almost any price point these days, so take a look around until something catches your eye!
Test your dishes
To test the temperature of your dish, place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. If it is hot to the touch when you remove it from the microwave, then you can use it safely. If not, then it is not safe to use.
Check to see if your cup is microwave safe before you put it in there
If you're wondering whether your regular cup is microwave safe, check the label first. If there's no label, or if it's not clear what the instructions are on the label, then you should probably just avoid microwaving your cup.
If your coffee mug has a piece of plastic that covers up its handle or spout (like a lot of mugs and cups do), that means it's not microwave safe! On top of that, if your cup has any cracks in it at all (even small ones), then don't microwave it either—both because they can be dangerous when heated up and because they may cause sparks while inside the microwave oven.
It’s important to read the label of your dish before putting it in the microwave. If it says “microwave safe,” then you can use it. If not, you should find another way to heat up your food or drink.
