Can you use Saran wrap in microwave? The internet is full of conflicting information about this question. Some people say that microwaving plastic wrap can cause cancer, while others say it’s totally fine.
We’ve done the research and found out that there are no known health risks associated with microwaving Saran Wrap. If you’re still not convinced, we recommend using a glass or ceramic plate instead of plastic wrap for heating up food in the microwave.
Let’s check out our detailed reviews in 2021 right now!
Table of Contents
Saran Wrap Overview
What Is Saran Wrap?
Saran Wrap is a plastic film that can be heated in a microwave oven to cover bowls, plates, and food items. It is made of a type of plastic called polyvinylidene chloride or PVdC. Saran wrap has been used as a food storage product for many years.
Saran wrap is manufactured from a dry process. This means that no solvents are used in the manufacturing of saran wrap. The polymers are extruded using heat and pressure, which causes the polymers to fuse together.
This results in a product that does not have any sharp edges or holes in it that can catch bacteria or mold. The saran wrap then goes through a series of processes to add strength and thickness to the plastic.
It is cooled after each process with water, which causes the molecules in the plastic to line up and match temperature with outside conditions. The more times a product cools down in this way, the thicker the plastic becomes.
Saran wrap is used in many other products for its strength and flexibility. It can be found in clothing, insulation, some medical supplies, some paper cups and plates, food storage bags, and containers.
The Saran Wrap is microwavable and can be used to keep food from drying out for periods up to one hour in the refrigerator or two hours in the freezer. It can also keep food fresh in the microwave for up to one minute.
Saran wrap is not only microwaved safe but is specifically made for use in microwave ovens. This type of plastic can withstand very high temperatures inside microwaves. However, you should never attempt to heat saran wrap in the oven by itself. It will melt, and possibly cause fire or bodily harm.
Saran wrap is manufactured to be microwavable because it is made of a type of plastic that does not give off any harmful chemicals when heated as other plastics do. The FDA has tested this plastic for use in microwaves for over 16 years.
Benefits Of Saran Wrap
Saran wrap can be purchased at a variety of stores such as grocery stores, hardware stores, drug stores, and department stores. It is sold in rolls or flat sheets which can be cut to fit an individual’s needs. If purchasing saran wrap at a grocery store it may come on a cardboard spool with a plastic center.
Saran wraps are used for many purposes including food storage, avoiding messes in the kitchen or refrigerator, and cooking. It is used to cover an array of bowls, pans, plates, sandwich containers, and product boxes.
This plastic can also be used as a protective covering for microwaves; it prevents liquids from leaking onto the appliance’s buttons or heating element which could cause electrical shorts or fire. When using saran wrap in the microwave, one should never attempt to heat it by itself.
It can also be used with foods that need moistening such as baked potatoes or casseroles. The wrap can also be used as a cooking oil substitute to line baking pans so that food such as French fries does not stick. It is impermeable and prevents spilling or seeping of foods’ liquids or runny parts.
Saran wrap can also be used to cover food items such as baked potatoes or casseroles; the plastic will hold in moisture and prevent foods from drying out while cooking. It can also be used as a substitute for cooking oil when lining baking pans to prevent French fries and other greasy foods from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Types Of Saran Wrap
One should know the type of Saran wrap that they need to use in microwaves. The different types of Saran wrap that work well in microwaves include:
Polyethylene: This is a common and inexpensive type of plastic wrap. It will melt and emit toxic fumes when microwaved, so it is not recommended for use in the microwave oven.
This is a common and inexpensive type of plastic wrap. It will melt and emit toxic fumes when microwaved, so it is not recommended for use in the microwave oven.
Low-density polyethylene: It is also commonly referred to as slow-wrap, this type of Saran wrap can be used in a microwave oven.
This is the recommended type of Saran wrap for use in microwaves. It has similar properties as regular plastic but will not emit toxic fumes when microwaved; it can be reused multiple times and works well for covering bowls and plates.
Polyvinylidene chloride: It is normally referred to as saran, this type of Saran wrap can be used in a microwave oven.
It has excellent heat resistance properties and provides better moisture protection than low-density polyethylene. It is frequently used for freezer applications, since it doesn’t stick to wet surfaces, making it great for use in the refrigerator too.
High-density polyethylene: Also referred to as hard-wrap, this type of Saran wrap cannot be used in a microwave oven. Since it emits toxic fumes when microwaved and adheres very well to itself, it is a popular choice for food packaging.
High-density polyethylene has poor heat resistance properties by itself but can also be combined with low-density polyethylene to create a wrap that is suitable for use in the microwave oven.
When combined, they make a great choice as a cling wrap since it has poor heat resistance properties but provides better moisture protection than plain low-density polyethylene. In comparison with saran, high-density polyethylene does not emit toxic fumes when microwaved.
Can You Use Saran Wrap In Microwave?
Saran Wrap is microwavable. One of the most common microwavable wraps, it is safe to use in the microwave. It is designed for this purpose. It is important to note that saran wraps vary in quality.
Cheap wraps may melt when exposed to high temperatures, while some of the more expensive brands can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 Celsius).
You can use saran wrap in a microwave as long as you read the directions first. If the saran wrap package says you can use it in a microwave, this means that the chemicals used to make the plastic are also safe for a microwave.
Do not ever try cooking anything on high power with saran wrap. Never leave anything unattended when using saran wrap in a microwave oven. If your plan is to pop popcorn then you may want to use plastic wrap that is labeled as microwave safe.
Some wraps will be melted or discolored by the popcorn. Saran wrap is great for putting a bowl of spaghetti in a microwave oven and a few minutes later it’s piping hot. You can put saran wrap directly on cooked food within 24 hours after cooking, after which you should throw it away.
If you are popping popcorn, make sure to use plastic wrap that is labeled as microwave safe. Make sure to make a slit with a knife, to create an opening for the steam to escape from cooking containers or sandwiches.
Although there are no certain guidelines on this, most Saran Wrap is microwave safe as long as the package says that it can be used in a microwave oven.
You should always follow the instructions on the package for the best results. If you don’t use Saran wrap often, keep it out of the microwave only to prevent damage to your Saran Wrap, do not leave it in there for more than a minute or two at most.
If you want to be sure of what kind of plastic you are dealing with, you can test Saran Wrap by putting it in the microwave for about 1 minute. If it does not melt or if your plastic is discolored, it should be safe to use in the microwave.
Overall, you can use Saran wrap in a microwave but if you have any concerns ask the manufacturer directly. After all, you are the one using Saran wrap in your microwave. Always take precautions when microwaving anything plastic wrapped to make sure it does not melt or catch on fire inside the microwave.
Microwave Instructions
1. Place your plastic wrap on top of the food item inside the microwave oven and close the door securely.
2. Set the timer for at least one minute or until you see bubbles popping up through your plastic wrap that is covering your food item. Let it sit in there a little longer if it’s not done.
3. Take your food item out immediately when the timer goes off because it will continue to cook even after you take it out of the oven.
4. Do not heat saran wrap alone on a plate or in a bowl, because it will melt onto the food and possibly cause fire or bodily injury.
5. Do not leave the room where your microwave is located because you could be burned by steam coming through the vent on top of the oven or you may accidentally cut your hand on a sharp piece of metal if it comes off one of your plates or bowls that has melted onto it.
6. Clean any spills right away before they harden on the walls and inside vents of your microwave oven because you could accidentally turn on your microwave and burn yourself.
7. Store saran wrap in a cool dry place until you need it so that this will prevent corrugated folds from forming on the plastic wrap that can damage or tear when opening up the package.
Safety Tips For Using Saran Wrap In Microwave
1. Microwave plastic wrap is not the same as other plastics that you use in your microwave oven. When using saran wrap, make sure it is not covering or near any metal or paper objects inside the dishwasher because it will melt onto them.
2. Microwave clear wrap ONLY in the microwave, not alone on a plate or in a bowl. If you are using colored saran wrap then make sure it does not touch any metal objects inside of the microwaves like plates or bowls because it will melt onto them and cause fire or bodily harm.
3. Only use plastic to cover bowls or food. Do not use it as a plate because it will turn into liquid and fall off the food. Never heat saran wrap alone on a plate or in a bowl. It will melt and possibly cause fire, bodily harm, or damage to your microwave oven.
4. Never heat wrapped metal objects like knives, forks, spoons, etc. It can cause them to rust or melt onto your saran wrap. Also do not wrap any of these items in saran wrap.
5. Remove any air bubbles inside the plastic before microwaving it so that it does not explode into the food. Take out all the garbage in your microwave oven before using it because small pieces of plastic can get caught between the walls and inside vents causing a fire.
6. Store saran wrap in a dry place to prevent corrugated folds from forming on it that will cause tears when it is time to use the plastic.
7. Do not use the same piece of saran wrap for more than one time because it can get exposed to chemicals, dust particles, or other harmful objects that may get into your food when you reheat it.
8. Place saran wrap that is covering a bowl on top of the food item inside the microwave oven and not touch any metal objects like plates or bowls, because it can melt onto them and cause fire or bodily harm.
9. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling saran wrap. Clean your microwave oven on a regular basis to avoid the build-up of dust on vents and other areas that can cause a fire.
10. Do not leave children unattended near saran wrap or the microwave oven because they could be harmed by it. If they are old enough to use the microwave oven, make sure they know how to do it safely.
11. Do not use saran wrap if you have any allergies to plastic or if you are on medication because it could cause bodily harm.
12. Do not put saran wrap in the dishwasher because it will melt onto other plates, glassware, or utensils.
13. Do not place anything wrapped in plastic inside of your microwave oven if you are going to use it again within the next 24 hours because it could catch on fire or melt onto your plate or bowl.
14. Read the microwave oven’s instruction manual to make sure you know how to use it safely. Keep children and pets away from the microwave oven when it is in use because they could get burned by it.
15. Do not heat the same piece of saran wrap for more than one time. It can get exposed to chemicals, dust particles, or other harmful objects that may get into your food when you reheat it.
16. If you suspect that your piece of plastic is damaged then do not use it to cover food. It can melt onto the food and cause serious harm to yourself or others who eat this food.
17. If you drop a piece of plastic on the floor then throw it out and do not pick it up. After microwaving food remove it immediately from the oven because it can overcook and be difficult to eat.
18. Use a paper towel to press down on plastic wrap that is covering food in the microwave oven because it will help heat the food and also you can remove the saran wrap easier when it’s time to eat.
19. If the plastic wrap is old then it can have a lot of static electricity that can cause it to explode in your hands when you remove it from the microwave oven so be careful and use caution when removing saran wrap from a dish.
20. Keep all chemicals away from food items because it can cause your plastic wrap to melt onto the food and damage the microwave oven. If you accidentally spill something on a piece of saran wrap then take it out of the microwave oven and clean what the chemical has come into contact with before putting it back on the food.
FAQs
Is it bad for your health to put saran wrap in the microwave?
No, it isn’t bad for your health to put saran wrap in the microwave, as long as you use a low setting and leave it on for a short period of time. You can put saran wrap in the microwave to allow you to easily reheat food or drinks without burning them.
Choose a lower power setting and make sure you don’t burn your food by microwaving too long. Never use metal or any other metal objects with microwave energy because it could cause sparks that might create an electric shock that could be harmful to your body.
What happens if I cut a hole and poke holes in my plastic wrap before microwaving?
The good news is that because it’s plastic, microwaving will not cause any toxic chemicals to leach into the food. Generally speaking, plastics do not contain BPA and other harmful toxins, and know cut or poke holes in plastic wrap before you microwave it because there are no safety risks from doing so.
In order for plastics to hold those chemicals in the past, the plastic would have been at very high temperatures over long periods of time — as opposed to a few minutes heating up for microwaving your leftovers. In other words, there’s nothing to worry about!
Why does my saran wrap pop when microwaved?
Most plastic wrap is designed to withstand temperatures of up to 212°F (100°C). Microwaves do not heat food as evenly as an oven and will heat the surface of the saran wrap more than the center.
As a result, air may build up in between the food and the plastic wrap. When the plastic wrap is heated, it releases this trapped air which has built up and may cause popping or another container failure. You can prevent this by:
– Covering food tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil instead of plastic wrap;
– Leaving a small area open for ventilation rather than poking holes all over;
– Putting items on a metal cookie sheet rather than just leaving them on the counter.
What are some healthy meals that can be cooked using a microwave oven?
Microwave ovens can be used to cook many types of vegetables, grains, chicken, beef, pork, eggs, and much more. There are also many healthy dinner options that can be easily prepared in a microwave oven.
Is it safe to use a protective cover when cooking with microwaves?
Yes. Unlike an oven, microwaves heat food from any direction and do not require the use of a cover to keep moisture in the food being cooked. As a result, it does not matter if food is covered when cooked in a microwave oven.
Can the plastic wrap be used with a lid?
Yes. Plastic wrap can be used to cover the top of a container when microwaving food. Plastic storage containers and aluminum foil can also be used as lids to microwave food in glass bowls and dishes.
Conclusion
Saran wrap can be used in the microwave to cover food that is being heated. The molecules of saran wrap are tightly knit which means that microwaves cannot penetrate them, so it does not produce any harmful radiation.
It’s important to note though, that if you’re using a metal container for heating your food then don’t use plastic or vinyl wraps as they’ll react with the hot metal and cause toxic fumes. We hope you will understand more about saran wrap and how to use saran wrap in microwave after reading our reviews in 2021.