Are Paper Plates Oven Safe?
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Using paper plates at kids’ parties as well as other casual events is the best option. Not only does it reduce the risk of breaking ceramic tableware, but using paper plates also save you money and energy since they don’t require washing.
But then again, when the party is over and you need to reheat food, is it okay to use paper plates in the oven? If they are just plain white paper plates, they are microwave oven safe. On the other hand, paper plates that are coated with a thin layer of plastic must never be used in the microwave.
Plain white paper plates can be used in the oven. They will not be burned inside the microwave. Therefore, you can use them to reheat food or beverage.
However, there are also printed paper plates that are coated with plastic. This variety of paper plates should not be used when reheating food in the microwave because plastic is flammable. Besides easily catching fire, plastic also contains a lot of chemicals, which could leak into your food when exposed to oven heat.
It Pays to be Extra Careful
Since not all food and beverage containers are oven safe, you must know which ones you can use as well as the ones you should not.
Keep in mind that you must practice safety in doing everything and at all times, including whenever you reheat food in the oven. Yes, it may be just a simple issue. But ensuring safety by knowing which containers are microwave oven safe will keep you from possible danger.
Things that Should and Should Not Go into the Oven
So before you put something in the microwave, make sure that it is oven safe. Let the list below be your guide.
- Oven Safe
- Plain white paper plates
- Oven cooking bags
- Parchment and wax paper
- Ceramic tableware
- Microwaveable plastic
- Glass containers
- White paper towels
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- Not Oven Safe
- Printed paper plates
- Take-out food containers
- Plastic grocery bags
- Canned food
- Brown paper bags
- Plastic/Styrofoam disposables
- Metal containers
- Recycled paper
- Plastic food tubs
- Aluminum foil
How do You Know if a Dish is Oven Safe
Most dishes that you will see in the grocery have microwave oven safe labels. But then again, if the dish or disposable tableware that you bought does not come with a label, how will you know if it is oven safe or not?
For those without a label, what you must do is to put it inside the microwave oven along with a glass of water. Then set the oven on high for about a minute. If the dish did not turn hot, then it is oven safe. On the other hand, if it became hot to the touch, then it must not be used to reheat food in the microwave oven.
When to Use Paper Plates for a Party
Not all parties are the same. Some are formal gatherings, while the others are just casual and simple events. Even if using paper plates at parties is both money and energy saving, it is still best to know whether using them is appropriate for the event or not.
It is okay to use paper plates when what you will be hosting is only a casual party. For events in which the dress code is just casual attire or for a party where your invitees are only your friends, it is not inappropriate to use paper plates and other disposable tableware.
In addition, it is not awkward to use paper plates at parties, especially if it is only an afternoon barbecue party in your house. Also, for pool parties and events for kids or teens, using paper plates should be fine. Since these are just casual occasions, ceramic or formal dinnerware is not necessary, and using paper plates won’t be a problem.
On the other hand, consider using something better for a late afternoon event or a cocktail party. This is because in such events, people who attend come in better clothing and not just in simple casual wear. For that reason, you may use either plastic plates and cups or paper plates that are coated in plastic (not the plain white ones).
However, when you will be hosting a party for your business associates, using paper plates will certainly be inappropriate. Imagine an event where your guests are wearing suits and dresses. Do you think it would be proper if you would let them eat using paper plates and disposable cutlery? That is a no-no. As the host, you may get a bad impression from them for doing so.
Facts You didn’t Know about Microwave Ovens
- Cooking with a microwave is healthier than other cooking methods because it preserves food nutrients better.
- Over 90% of families in the United States own a microwave oven.
- It is not advisable to use foil in the microwave oven because the microwaves bounce off from it. Also, foil can cause damage to the oven and may even catch fire.
- Boiling water in the oven can make the water explode when it is microwaved beyond its boiling point.
- Food that contains minerals, such as potatoes, carrots, winter squash, and other vegetables can possibly catch fire in the microwave oven.
- Shellfish must not be cooked or reheated in the microwave because they can explode and cause a fire.
- Popcorn was the first food that was cooked using a microwave oven.
- Microwave ovens were initially called electronic ovens.
- Eggs can explode when heated using a microwave oven.
- Oils cannot be heated in a microwave oven because unlike water, their molecules lack polarity.
- Butter is not easily thawed in a microwave oven. This is because butter is mostly made up of oil.
- Food that is cooked using a microwave oven is often not evenly cooked. There are parts which are left cold (when reheating) or uncooked (when cooking).
- Paper plates are made from separated and washed plant fibers.
- 1904 is the year when paper plates were invented and first used.
- People throw around one trillion paper plates each year.
Related Questions
- Aside from using paper plates to hold food, what are their other uses?
Paper plates can also be used as an arts and crafts material. They are also an effective learning tool. In fact, some teachers use them as flashcards.
- Can you microwave plastic cups and other disposable plastic containers?
While plain paper plates are microwave oven safe, other disposables, like plastic cups and other plastic food containers are not. The reason is that when you use plastic containers in the oven, the heat from the microwave will cause chemicals from the plastic to leak into your food. Still, there are plastic containers that are labeled “microwaveable.” To know more about using disposables in the microwave, check this article about microwaving disposable plates and cups.
- How long will it take for a paper plate to start decomposing?
As stated by the New York City Department of Sanitation, it takes five years for a paper plate to start decomposing.
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