Are Applebee’s Containers Microwavable? A complete guide

Rana Ali November 6, 2024 Business, Cryptocurrency Leave a comment 7 Views

When you bring home a delicious meal from Applebee’s, you might be wondering if you can safely reheat it in the microwave later. After all, HappyHoursApplesbees takeout is a convenient way to enjoy a meal at home, especially when you can easily warm up leftovers. However, not all containers are microwave-safe, so it’s important to know which Applebee’s containers are suitable for reheating and how to do it safely. In this article, we’ll explore the types of containers used by Applebee’s, their microwave safety, and best practices for reheating your food at home.

What Materials Are Applebee’s Containers Made Of?

Plastic Containers

Applebee’s commonly uses plastic containers for takeout orders, especially for dishes like salads, pasta, and desserts. These plastic containers are often made of materials like polypropylene (PP), which is generally considered microwave-safe. However, not all plastics are created equal.

Microwave-Safe Plastics: Many plastic containers used by Applebee’s are designed to be microwave-safe, but you should always check for a microwave-safe label on the bottom or side of the container. If the container doesn’t have this label, it’s best to transfer your food to a microwave-safe dish before reheating.
Potential Issues: Overheating plastic containers can sometimes cause them to warp or release chemicals, especially if the container is not labeled microwave-safe. For best results, avoid microwaving plastic containers with any cracks or damage.

Foam Containers

Some Applebee’s locations still use foam containers (often called Styrofoam), particularly for takeout orders. These containers are lightweight and help keep food warm during transit, but they come with significant concerns when it comes to microwaving.

Not Microwave-Safe: Foam containers are not microwave-safe. Microwaving these containers can cause them to melt, warp, or release harmful chemicals. This is because foam is made from polystyrene, a material that can break down under heat.
Health Risks: Heating foam containers in the microwave can lead to chemicals leaching into your food, which can pose potential health risks. To avoid this, always transfer your food to a microwave-safe container if your Applebee’s takeout comes in a foam box.

Other Packaging Materials (Paper, Aluminum)

Applebee’s may also use other materials like paper bags or aluminum foil for packaging. While these materials may be safe for storing food, they are typically not microwave-safe.

Paper Bags: These are generally safe for storing food before reheating, but they should not be used in the microwave. Always transfer food from the paper bag into a microwave-safe container.
Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil should never be used in the microwave, as it can cause sparks and potentially damage the microwave. If your Applebee’s takeout comes with aluminum foil (e.g., for wrapped items), remove it before microwaving.

Microwave Safety: What to Look For?

How to Identify Microwave-Safe Containers

To ensure that you’re using a microwave-safe container for reheating your Applebee’s leftovers, look for the following signs:

Microwave-Safe Symbol: Many containers will have a symbol that looks like a microwave with waves emanating from it. This is a clear indication that the container is safe to use in the microwave.
Material Information: Check the bottom of the container for material-specific information. Many plastic containers made of polypropylene or polyethylene are microwave-safe, while others may not be.
Warning Labels: If a container has a label that says “do not microwave” or similar wording, this means it is not safe for microwave use.

General Reheating Guidelines

Even if a container is microwave-safe, there are best practices to follow when reheating food:

Remove Lids: Many microwave-safe plastic containers come with lids, but they should be removed during microwaving. Lids can melt or warp in the microwave, and they may cause a mess if they become deformed.
Use a Microwave-Safe Cover: To prevent splattering and retain moisture, cover your food with a microwave-safe cover or a paper towel when reheating.
Avoid Overheating: Always check your food at regular intervals to ensure it’s not overheating. Microwaving food for too long can cause it to dry out or lose flavor.

Reference: Dollar tree

What Happens If You Microwave Non-Microwave-Safe Containers?

Health Risks

If you microwave a container that isn’t microwave-safe (such as foam or certain plastics), you run the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your food. Materials like BPA (Bisphenol A) or phthalates, which are found in some plastics, can be released when exposed to heat. This is why it’s important to follow proper guidelines and only use containers that are marked as microwave-safe.

Container Damage

Non-microwave-safe containers, especially foam, can warp, melt, or catch fire in the microwave. If a foam container is microwaved, it can lead to a mess inside your microwave and could potentially damage the appliance. Furthermore, food in these containers may not be heated properly, which could leave you with unevenly reheated meals.

Best Practices for Reheating Applebee’s Takeout

Safe Reheating Methods

To safely reheat your Applebee’s takeout, follow these tips:

Transfer Food to Microwave-Safe Dishes: If your Applebee’s food comes in a foam container or a non-microwave-safe plastic container, transfer it to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish before reheating.
Cover Your Food: When microwaving, use a microwave-safe cover or paper towel to retain moisture and prevent food from splattering. This helps ensure your food heats evenly and stays moist.
Use Lower Power Settings: For more delicate foods, such as Applebee’s pasta or chicken dishes, use a lower power setting to heat your food more evenly and prevent overcooking.

Reference: Dollar tree

Reheating Specific Menu Items

Applebee’s Burgers and Sandwiches: If you’re reheating a burger or sandwich, consider using the oven or air fryer to keep the bread from getting soggy and to preserve the texture of the patty. Microwaving these items can sometimes lead to a less-than-ideal texture.
Fried Foods: Items like Applebee’s boneless wings or mozzarella sticks are best reheated in an oven or air fryer for crispiness. Microwaving them will often result in soggy breading.
Soups and Pasta: These items reheat well in the microwave, but be sure to stir them frequently for even heating. Covering them with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap will help retain moisture.

Applebee’s Takeout: Alternatives to Microwave Reheating

Oven Reheating

While the microwave is a convenient option, using the oven is often better for reheating many types of food. For example, Applebee’s grilled items or fried foods (like boneless wings) will taste much better when reheated in the oven. Preheat your oven to around 350°F and place the food on a baking sheet to ensure even heating.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is another great option for reheating foods like Applebee’s mozzarella sticks or crispy chicken tenders. It helps restore the original texture, giving you a crispy exterior without overcooking the food.

Why Some Applebee’s Containers Aren’t Microwave Safe

Cost and Convenience

The primary reason Applebee’s and other restaurants use non-microwave-safe containers like foam is due to cost-effectiveness and food safety during transit. Foam containers help insulate food and keep it warm, but they aren’t suitable for high heat like microwaving.

Environmental Considerations

There has been increasing pressure on restaurants to use more eco-friendly packaging. Foam containers are not biodegradable, and they are becoming less common due to environmental concerns. Applebee’s and other chains are gradually shifting toward more sustainable, microwave-safe alternatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Applebee’s plastic containers are often safe for microwaving, but foam containers should never be microwaved. To ensure safe reheating, always check the packaging for microwave-safe labels and consider transferring your food to microwave-safe dishes. If you want to preserve the quality of your food, consider using an oven or air fryer for certain menu items, particularly fried or grilled foods. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Applebee’s leftovers with ease and confidence.

FAQs

1. Are Applebee’s foam containers microwave-safe?

No, Applebee’s foam containers are not microwave-safe and should never be microwaved. They can melt, warp, or release harmful chemicals when heated.

2. Can I microwave Applebee’s plastic containers?

Many Applebee’s plastic containers are microwave-safe, but it’s important to check for a microwave-safe label. If the container doesn’t have this label, transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish.

3. How do I know if a container is microwave-safe?

Look for a microwave-safe symbol on the bottom or side of the container. If there is no symbol, it’s safer to transfer the food to a microwave-safe plate or bowl.