Have you ever been in a rush to heat up last night's leftovers in the microwave – only for the plastic container to melt as soon as you hit start? If this sounds familiar, then it may be time for you to switch to compostable plates. When it comes to convenience and eco-friendliness, compostable plates have become a popular choice for the modern household. However, only a few types of compostable plates are microwave-safe. So how can you tell which ones can be used in the microwave?
Compostable Plates 101
First, it’s important to understand the different types of compostable plates on the market. Compostable plates are made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch, wheat straw, and bamboo fiber that can be broken down quickly by microorganisms in a matter of weeks or months. Depending on the type of material, some compostable plates are not recommended for use in the microwave since microwaves operate at much higher temperatures than some biodegradable products can handle.
If you have plates that are designed for use in a home compost pile, then they may not be suitable for use in a microwave. These plates tend to be made from paper or cardboard which could potentially catch fire inside the microwave oven if heated at high temperatures or left on for too long. Alternatively, if you have a plate that is designed for an industrial composting facility, then it is likely safe to use in the microwave. These plates will usually be marked “microwave-safe” on their packaging or website description.
Keep in mind: just because you can microwave a plate doesn’t mean you should. For example, some paper plates are technically microwave-safe but can get soggy when holding high-moisture foods or liquids. Other plates may contain harmful chemicals or colorings that can leach into your food. So how can you really tell if your compostable plate should be used in the microwave?
Your best bet is to check directly with your manufacturer. At Select Settings, we cut out the middleman by manufacturing our own products and selling them directly to customers through our website and Amazon. And we’ll tell you right now: you can and should use our compostable plates in the microwave!
What Makes Select Settings’ Compostable Plates Microwave-Safe?
Our compostable plates are made from bagasse, a heat-resistant, BPA-free material made from 100% natural sugarcane fibers. Due to their natural fiber composition, our bagasse plates won't warp or melt when heated in the microwave like plastic containers do – no matter how hot your food gets! Plus, unlike paper plates, which can get soggy in the microwave, our bagasse plates and bowls stay firm and strong, so you can even microwave soup without worrying about leakage. On top of this, since our bagasse plates are BPA-free, there’s no need to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
So, if you're looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic dinnerware that can handle the heat, look no further than our bagasse plates! Since we manufacture our plates ourselves, you can be sure that what you see is exactly what you get.
Can I Microwave Plastic Plates?
You should avoid microwaving plastic plates because they can melt in the high temperatures of the microwave. However, there are certainly other advantages that plastic plates have over compostable plates:
● Plastic plates come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and designs. Unlike most compostable plates, plastic plates are more versatile when it comes to style. At Select Settings, we offer plates with silver and gold rims, round and square shapes, and even marble patterns. If you need a set of dinnerware that matches your kitchen décor or table setting, plastic plates are your best bet.
● However, plastic plates are not microwaveable. Unlike microwave-safe compostable plates, plastic plates can easily warp or melt when exposed to high temperatures. Additionally, many brands of plastic plates contain BPA, which can leach into your food when heated. Thankfully, Select Settings’ plastic plates are BPA-free and food grade safe; however, we still do not recommend microwaving them for the reasons mentioned previously.
● Compostable plates are more environmentally friendly. Select Settings’ plastic plates are recyclable under some recycling programs, which makes them more eco-friendly than most plastic plate brands. In many cases, plastic plates cannot be recycled and can take decades to break down in landfills. In contrast, compostable plates are biodegradable and can be broken down in a matter of weeks.
Depending on what qualities you value—whether that’s style, microwave safety, or eco-friendliness—you may have to weigh different factors when deciding between plastic plates and compostable plates.
In Conclusion: You Can Microwave Compostable Plates (Sometimes)!
When choosing disposable dinnerware for your next event or gathering, consider opting for compostable options instead of plastic dinnerware. Just keep in mind that it’s not always safe to microwave compostable plates. If you don’t see a “microwave-safe” label, be sure to check with your manufacturer beforehand in case there are additional instructions that could affect safety and usage. Since we manufacture our own plates at Select Settings, you can be sure that our compostable plates and bowls will be microwave-safe and won’t get soggy. Check out our selection of products today, and enjoy all the benefits of eco-friendly dinnerware without sacrificing convenience!