Gladware is a popular brand that makes BPA-free storage containers for food. They are plastic containers that come in various shapes and sizes to meet all your food storage needs.
Gladware manufacturers state that all their containers are microwave-safe and freezer safe.
However, it must be noted that there are ongoing debates and conversations about possible dangers when plastic containers are used to reheat or cook food in the microwave.
These concerns stem from the likelihood of toxic chemicals leaching into food when plastic is heated in the microwave.
That Gladware containers are BPA-free is good, and it is a big deal. BPA refers to Bisphenol-A, a chemical usually present in plastic containers. This chemical is highly toxic when it comes into contact with food.
To use Gladware containers in the microwave requires that you know and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
In this article, we will share these guidelines and other helpful tips as well.
Can you use Gladware containers in the microwave?
Yes, you can use Gladware containers in the microwave, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The manufacturer states that before using Gladware containers in the microwave, you should lift a corner of the lid. This action will serve as a vent, allowing built-up steam to escape.
ALWAYS remember to lift a corner of the lid before putting the container in the microwave. Failure to do that can cause the container to melt from the build-up of steam. The container can also burst from the pressure, causing a messy spill in the microwave.
Compared to standard plastic containers, Gladware containers are the best choice for cooking food in the microwave. Gladware containers are BPA-free. This means that there is no concern that the toxic chemical will leach into your food during the reheating process.
Also, Gladware plastic food storage containers can withstand the pressure that comes from cooking and reheating food in the microwave. There is no risk of these containers melting or distorting in shape due when you microwave gladware.
What is the Gladware microwave-safe symbol:
Every bowl and container meant for microwave use will have a microwave-safe symbol on it.
The symbol is a very helpful guide for anyone who intends to use the bowl or container in the microwave.
The Gladware microwave symbol is 5 wavy or squiggly lines. Always check for this symbol before putting the Gladware container in the microwave.
The microwave-safe symbol is important because it indicates that the brand has followed FDA-approved guidelines for manufacturing these plastic food storage containers.
Gladware Plastic containers that do not have the microwave-safe symbol should not be used in the microwave or used to store food.
Using non-microwavable containers in the microwave can be disastrous. You either end up with a fire hazard, a shattered bowl or dish, or a warped plastic container, which can also cause chemicals to leach into your food.
How long to microwave Gladware containers
This depends on the food to be reheated. When it comes to using plastic containers in the microwave, the general advice is that food should be turned from the microwave-safe plastic container into a microwave-safe ceramic bowl or dish.
This is due to the concerns of the possible leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the food.
If you are going to use your Gladware container in the microwave, remember to lift a corner of the lid to allow steam from the cooking to escape.
Remember to reheat food in short bursts. Do not microwave gladware food containers for an extended period.
If your Gladware container is just coming out of the freezer or fridge, give the food time to defrost to room temperature before popping it into the microwave.
Not giving food sufficient time to defrost will require a longer cooking time in the microwave. And that can result in your food drying out or getting burnt.
Keep an eye on your food as it is reheated in the microwave. Make sure to check food at regular intervals, until you are satisfied.
When you are satisfied with the reheating of your food, carefully take it out of the microwave. Protect your hands because it could be very hot.
Next, carefully lift the lid from the food storage container and allow the food to cool a bit.
Is Gladware Microwave Safe?
Yes, glad tupperware is microwave safe like a few other plastic containers, howoever, you need to ensure that it has a microwave-safe symbol.
Reheating food in a plastic container that is not marked as microwave safe is risky even if it’s a glad container. Such containers can not withstand the heat in the microwave (clearly because it was not built for it), resulting in the plastic container melting or bursting from the pressure.
Other than the heat from the microwave melting the container, there is also the possibility of harmful chemicals from the plastic seeping into your food. This can lead to health problems.
Are Glad Heatables microwave safe?
Yes, Glad heatables are safe for cooking in the microwave. They can also be used in the oven and toaster oven.
Glad heateables are reportedly the first reusable and disposable aluminum cooking and storage containers. Its leak-resistant lids make it an ideal storage container for freezers and fridges.
However, a quick search online shows that the product is currently unavailable. Other reports say the product has been rebranded into Glad ovenware.
Things to remember before microwaving Gladware containers:
Glad containers are microwave-safe containers, and they can also be used to store food in the freezer and refrigerator.
Before using Gladware food storage containers to reheat food in the microwave, make sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines and follow through.
Here are some other helpful reminders:
- Gladware containers are BPA-free, making them safe for food storage and the microwave.
- Before putting a Gladware container in the microwave, lift a corner of the lid to allow built-up steam to escape. If you don’t do this, the container could melt or burst due to the pressure from the heat.
- Food in plastic storage containers should be heated in the microwave in short bursts, never at a stretch. With plastic Tupperware, the timer should be set at 2 -3 minutes with regular interval checks. If your food is not heated enough within that time frame, you keep going in those short bursts until satisfied.
- Gladware containers should not be heated in the microwave beyond 20 minutes. Going beyond 20 minutes will impact the container. It could melt or distort the shape. Again do not microwave food at a stretch. Take breaks in between to check on your food.
- Always stir your food with each interval. This will ensure your food heats up evenly.
- Be careful when microwaving glad freezer bags.
And finally,
- Do not microwave food with high sugar or fat. These foods require a higher temperature to cook through, and this extreme heat can alter your plastic storage containers. And in turn, leach chemicals into your food.
Wrapping up:
Gladware storage containers are microwave-safe and BPA-free containers. They can also be used to store food in your freezer and fridge.
However, when it comes to using it in the microwave, the manufacturer’s guideline recommends that a corner of the lid be lifted before putting it in the microwave.
By doing that, built-up steam will be able to escape instead of being trapped inside the container.
It is difficult to ignore the concerns over the safety of using plastic containers to heat food in the microwave.
If you have similar concerns, you can transfer your food from the plastic container into a microwave-safe ceramic bowl or dish and then place your food in the microwave.