Last Updated on April 5, 2023 by Amanda P. Brown
Yes, it’s safe to use silicone dishes in the microwave. It’s safe to eat off of them without worrying about toxic leaching. There is no risk of melting or burning with the silicon layer. Silicon plates are heat resistant, tough, non-toxic, and bendable.
However, you can find microwaves in almost every kitchen in the modern era, and silicon is also a common plate. But Are silicone plates microwave safe?
Below article will discuss whether silicone plates are microwave safe in more detail. Also, through this article, you will learn about the benefits of choosing silicone plates, tips for microwaving silicone plates, the benefits of choosing silicone plates, etc.
Are Silicone Plates Microwave Safe?
Table of Contents
Silicon plates are the most popular plates. They are microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer-safe plates. According to the FDA in 1979, these plates were recommended as one of the safest wares for daily usage. Even temperature changes don’t affect the plate’s durability.
They don’t leach any harmful elements into food. Because of this, they are the most risk-free choice, making them appropriate for use by children also. However, perfect use and maintenance can offer a longer life on your plate.
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9 Tips for Microwaving Silicone Plate
Generally, silicon plates are referred to as microwave-safe plates. Although they are microwave safe, some safety aspects need to be considered when microwaving. However, below are some tips for microwaving these plates.
- Ensure your silicone dishes are constructed entirely of silicone that is safe for consumption. Because if your silicone bakeware contains any filler, microwaving can reduce its longevity.
- Silicone plates sometimes get hot when it comes to contact with hot food. So to prevent burning, you need to avoid touching those food contact parts that are silicone.
- Do a simple test to determine if silicone plates are microwave safe or unsafe.
- Make sure that the microwave temperature of the silicon plate is from -100°F to 480°F because going above this temperature can cause your silicon plate to lose its structure or become fragile.
- Unlike plastic or glass plates, silicone plates can go from the fridge to the microwave without breaking.
- Avoid putting plates made of a composite substance in the microwave, as they could explode.
- You can also microwave all silicone utensils and bakeware, such as cups, muffin molds, silicone bowls, and bags. But you need to make sure that they are microwaveable.
- For baking, they are an excellent option.
- Best to use a baking/cookie sheet below your silicon plate to keep the cooking stable.
How Dangerous is It to Microwave Silicone Plates?
Although food-grade silicone plates are microwave safe, they have risks and disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at the risks of microwaving silicon plates below.
Floppy Structure
The problem you may face when using silicone in the microwave and oven is that it doesn’t have a solid structure.
That means you may not think these plates provide enough support when putting food in the microwave or removing it from the oven or microwave.
However, the way to avoid this problem is to put your silicone on a microwave safe-plate. Then shift them to the microwave. The plate will work like a shield as well as a holder. Thus it will help you while bringing out the plate from the microwave.
Shaped Damage
You can use silicon plates at low and high temperatures. But if you keep using them frequently and at high temperatures. Then it tends to lose its shape with time.
However, if you take proper care of silicone products and do not use them in high heat and for long periods, then this will not be a problem.
Poor Heat Conductor
Silicones are generally poor heat conductors. Therefore, it cannot brown baked products in the oven; as a result, they often become light in color. The oven will reduce its effectiveness. But need a little more time to heat up all the meals simultaneously.
Hot to the Touch
The silicon dish usually gets hot when microwaved. Therefore, you can use gloves or a dishcloth to protect your hands from getting burned when you microwave your silicone plate. So, you have to be careful while removing it from the microwave.
Though they have some risks, their features and benefits are greater. Some-safety considerations and using tips can reduce its risks and flaws.
10 Benefits of Choosing Silicone Plates
Silicone plates embrace lots of good features and offer incredible benefits to users. That’s why this is quite popular. Let’s discover them.
1. Easy to Clean
Silicone plates made for culinary use are typically easy to clean. These silicone dishes are non-stick, making them simple to wash with dish detergent and water. You can even easily remove stains or scratches from this plate. Also, due to the durability of these plates, there is less risk of breakage during cleaning.
2. Portability
Silicon plates provide higher portability than traditional plates. For example, ceramic and glass plates are prone to breaking or cracking during travel.
On the other hand, silicone plates are travel friendly. You can easily carry them for outdoor activities like camping or picnic due to their high durability and lightweight without worrying about their damage.
3. Temperature Tolerance
The strong durability of these silicon plates allows them to withstand UV rays and outdoor temperatures. That makes the plates ideal for traveling and outdoor activities.
Moreover, it can tolerate microwave temperatures to reheat food. Even serving hot food doesn’t damage it.
4. Dishwasher Safe
Generally, silicone plates are dishwasher-safe. The silicone plate is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. But washing plastic plates in the dishwasher can discolor, warp, or crack them. Even washing these plastic plates in the dishwasher at high temperatures may release dangerous chemicals. On the contrary, silicon doesn’t have such issues.
5. Non Toxic
In contrast to plastic, silicone plates are non-toxic. Usually, traditional plastic plates have toxic substances such as BPA, phthalates, and lead, which are harmful to health, especially to children in the development stage of life. So avoiding their use to prevent toxic chemicals entrance to the food.
On the other side, Silicone plates are non-toxic as they are made using food-grade silicone, which prevents poisonous chemicals from entering the food.
6. Available in Various Colors and Shapes
Silicone plates are generally available based on different ages and food portions. These plates are also available in different colors, which help children to attract them and influence eating.
7. Flexibility
Generally, silicon product creators use addition and vulcanization processes to achieve various physical properties. Therefore, you may customize the flexibility of the silicone plate based on consumer requirements.
8. Maintenance
Silicone plates are easy to maintain. So, you don’t have to worry and spend much on maintaining these plates.
9. Affordable
Silicone plates are cost-effective, so you can easily afford them in your kitchen for daily use.
10. Lifespan
Silicone plates last much longer than their paper or plastic counterparts.
FAQs
Can You Put Hot Food on a Silicone Plate?
Yes, silicone plates are safe to use for serving hot meals. Generally, silicone plates are oven-safe, microwave-safe, and freezer-safe. They can also endure high temperatures without breaking down. So, you can easily keep hot food in it due to such properties of silicon plate.
Can You Microwave Silicone Baby Bowls?
Yes, you can microwave silicone baby bowls. In most cases, the answer depends on the silicone grade used. If your baby’s bowl is made of 100% platinum-grade silicon, it is safe for use in the microwave because this material keeps your baby’s bowl unbreakable and soft.
Final Verdict
I hope that through this article, you have found the answer to your question: Are silicone plates microwave safe?
Your kitchen’s silicone plate is made of food-grade silicone, so you can microwave without worry. To determine whether your plate is safe or not, check the label. Otherwise, test your plate following the microwave safety consideration test.
However, you can follow the tips mentioned above for microwaving silicone plates to reheat food safely without damaging your plate. Remember, they are heat-resistant plates, but long-time regular high-heat can destroy their longevity.
You May Also Like to Read:
- What Plates Are Microwave Safe?
- Is Paper Plate Microwave Safe?
- What is Luncheon Plate?
- Are Ceramic Mugs Safe To Drink From?
- What is a Chop Plate or Charger Plate?
