Ziploc produces a variety of bags that make it easy to store food and keep it fresh. These range from freezer bags and sandwich bags to slider bags, vacuum-seal bags, and even double-zipper bags.
And while it is very easy to just take the bag out of the fridge and chuck it in the microwave, should you really be doing that? Or will microwaving the bag cause it to melt and spoil your food?
This article covers everything you need to know about microwaving Ziploc bags.
Can you microwave Ziploc bags?
Yes, you can microwave Ziploc bags, but you need to make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. These bags are only suitable for reheating and defrosting foods, and not for cooking.
When putting a Ziploc bag in a microwave, you should make sure that it doesn’t reach cooking temperatures. Otherwise, it will melt. So you can warm up food in these bags, but you shouldn’t overheat them. Similarly, you cannot steam foods in a Ziploc bag.
The same goes for liquids as well. You can pour liquid into a microwave-safe bowl and bring that to a boil in the microwave, but you cannot do the same with Ziploc bags. The hot, bubbling liquid surpasses the melting point of these bags, which can cause them to explode or melt.
If you absolutely have to microwave the Ziploc bag, there are some things you can do to prevent it from overheating. Put the bag in a microwave-safe container. Make sure there’s some space for the steam to escape to prevent an explosion.
Make sure you microwave Ziploc bags on medium or low power and only in 30-second intervals. Check the bag after each interval to make sure it’s not overheating.
You should follow these instructions even if the bag is microwave-safe. This will make sure the bag doesn’t melt. Or if you just don’t want to take the risk, you can empty the contents of the Ziploc bag into a microwave-safe dish and simply microwave that.
Is it safe to microwave a Ziploc bag?
It is safe to microwave a Ziploc bag if you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Such bags are designed to be safe for nuking in the microwave.
If there’s a microwave-safe symbol or label on the Ziploc bag, that means it’s only suitable for mildly hot temperatures. So when microwaving it, make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher than that, and you risk deforming the bag. In fact, extremely high temperatures can turn the bag into a puddle.
This means that you can use it to defrost and reheat food and drinks. But since these bags are made of polyethylene, they will start to melt as soon as they reach the cooking temperature. Similarly, steaming involves even higher temperatures. It transfers heat much faster than even boiling water, causing the inside of the Ziploc bag to melt.
With all of this being said, you should remember that you can find many Ziploc-style bags today that are similar to what Ziploc produces. But they might have different specifications, so make sure you read the packaging.
How long can you microwave a Ziploc bag?
The manufacturer guidelines don’t state any particular time for microwaving a Ziploc bag. They just state that you shouldn’t overheat whatever is inside it. But you should make sure that you don’t heat it so much that it starts boiling.
Apart from bags, Ziploc also manufactures sealable containers and bowls that are much safer to put in the microwave. They’re made using thicker plastic and have a higher melting point than Ziploc bags.
Is it safe to microwave food in a Ziploc bag?
Yes, it is safe to reheat food in a Ziploc bag using a microwave. These bags are both BPA and dioxin free and are made to be safe in the microwave.
Make sure you check the label on the packaging to confirm that the bag is safe to microwave. They should also be FDA-approved since that means they’ve been tested by the FDA and they meet their regulations.
It is also safe to defrost frozen meals in the microwave in a Ziploc bag. This is because these bags don’t leach harmful chemicals into your food when they’re heated at low or medium temperatures for short durations.
But you shouldn’t reheat a Ziploc bag for a long time. Steam can build up in the bag, which can melt or explode the bag. To avoid an explosion, make sure that there’s at least a small opening in the bag to allow the pressure to vent out.
And as mentioned earlier, be careful when reheating food with high fat or sugar content like pastries, bacon, and cheese. And finally, make sure to heat the food to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate dangerous bacteria.
Can you microwave Ziploc sandwich bags?
Like other Ziploc bags, you can microwave Ziploc sandwich bags, provided that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your sandwich bag comes in your standard plastic bag without any label or microwave-safe symbol, avoid putting it in the microwave. Remember, you can’t put just any plastic bag or brown bag in the microwave.
Tips to microwave Ziploc bags
Ziploc bags are made using polyethylene and are FDA-approved for use in the microwave. But they can compromise your food, and, in turn, harm your body if you’re not careful when heating them. Some tips to keep in mind when microwaving Ziploc bags are:
- When reheating food in a Ziploc bag, first cut it into small, equally-sized pieces. Doing so will ensure that the food heats up faster and there are no cold spots. The quicker the food heats up, the fewer chances there are of your Ziploc overheating.
- Be cautious with reheating food with excess sugar or fat. These molecules attract more electromagnetic waves as compared to water molecules. This means these molecules heat to a relatively higher temperature, which can melt your Ziploc quicker.
- Make sure you check the Ziploc bag after every 30 seconds to make sure it isn’t melting or warping. If you see any sign of these two things happening, dispose of both the food and the bag. A melted or warped bag can leach chemicals into your food, so it’s better to avoid it.
- Beverages and other liquids tend to heat up faster in a microwave. So if you want to add any sauces to the meal you’re microwaving, make sure you do so in the last 30 seconds. If you put the sauce in the beginning, some parts of the Ziploc can heat up more than the recommended amount even before your food is evenly heated.
- Avoid reheating crispy foods in a Ziploc bag. This is because heating the food will create steam inside, making the bag humid. As a result, crispy things like fried chicken or pie and pizza crusts will become soggy. This is why it’s better to heat crispy foods on a napkin.
- Always read the safety standards and instructions mentioned on the package before putting the bag in the microwave. Make sure it has a microwave-safe symbol or label. This symbol is basically a microwave with three squiggly lines inside.
- Never heat food to more than 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Bottom Line
You now know that Ziploc bags are microwave-safe, provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. But before nuking it in a microwave, make sure you confirm there’s an FDA-approved or microwave-safe label or symbol.
When microwaving the Ziploc bag, whether it’s a sandwich bag or a vacuum-seal bag, never do it on high power. And only microwave in 30-second increments, making sure to check the bag after each interval.