Can You Put Styrofoam In The Microwave? How To Reheat Food Safely!

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For many of us, leftover food is a welcoming treat for the sudden hunger pangs and cravings we experience at odd hours of the day. Not to mention, it is a very convenient option given how hectic our lives have become.

The reheating process, however, is another question altogether. If reheated incorrectly or in a wrong container, leftover food can lose its nutritional properties, and even become hazardous for health.

So what is the correct way to reheat the food? Can food in styrofoam containers be put into the microwave for reheating? In this blog, we are going to address all these questions and show you the proper ways to reheat food safely. Keep reading!

Is It Okay To Put A Styrofoam Container In The Microwave?

Kind of no, but yes. While some people are apprehensive of putting styrofoam in the microwave (as they consider it to be plastic), styrofoam, in reality, is not plastic. In fact, it is a foam-like, lightweight variant of plastic that is predominantly made to hold food and drink. This is the reason why many styrofoam containers are actually safe to be put in the microwave.

This does not apply to all kinds of styrofoam though. Traditional styrofoam, typically made of polystyrene, is highly reactive to heat and releases toxic chemicals on heating. Fortunately, we have better-designed styrofoam today that are made from safer materials and remains stable at high temperatures.

How To Know If A Styrofoam Container Is Safe For Microwave?

The best way to know if a styrofoam container is microwave-friendly or not is by checking its label. It usually displays microwave-safe labels on the packaging of modern styrofoam containers.

It is still better if you transfer food to glass or ceramic containers before heating. If you are heating your food in a styrofoam container and see any visible signs of damage, immediately discard both the container and the food.

What Are The Ways To Reheat Food Safely?

When it comes to reheating, there are a few rules that you must follow not to damage the food.
1) Take out the food from a plastic or styrofoam container and put it onto a plate for reheating. You can also cover it with a lid or damp cloth to stop the food from splattering.
2) Never reheat food more than once. Also never reheat food that has been kept for over two days in the refrigerator.
3) Always use oven-safe containers for cooking and reheating the food in the oven.
4) Before you eat the food, make sure that the food’s internal temperature is a minimum of 165°F.
5) Liquid contents such as soups and stews should be reheated after pouring into a saucepan and putting on the stove.
6) When reheating, warm the food until it is piping hot. If you are reheating in a microwave, make sure to take your food out halfway during the cooking to give it a stir.

If you need more information on what kinds of food are suitable for your microwave, contact our experts at Able Appliance & HVAC Service. We will be more than happy to help and guide you!

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What Appliances Can Able Appliance & HVAC Service Repair?

If you have it, we can probably fix it. Based in Bristow, VA, we service many areas, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Microwaves

Most people use microwaves daily to thaw frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and cook meals. Common problems your microwave can develop include:

The plate won’t turn.
The microwave doesn’t turn on or off.
The door won’t close or open.
The microwave doesn’t heat properly.
It makes strange or loud sounds.
The light stops working.
The touchpad won’t respond.

Call to schedule a repair today if you notice any of these warning signs.

Freezers

Whether you own a separate freezer or only the one on your refrigerator, you count on it to keep perishable items frozen for later use. If the freezer fails, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. Some warning signs of freezer malfunction include:

Water leaks
Frost or ice buildup
Strange sounds
Temperature variations
Constantly running compressor

The freezer also might just stop working.

Ice Makers

Many people enjoy the convenience of built-in ice makers. Signs that yours isn’t working correctly:

Ice is fractured, frosted, or strangely shaped.
Ice won’t release from the mold.
The outside ejector doesn’t produce ice.

Common issues include clogged water lines, incorrectly set thermostats, unlevel mounting, and clogged water filters.

Dishwashers

Gone are the days when someone had to wash dishes by hand in the sink daily. Most people use their dishwashers every day to avoid that manual task. You may notice:

Your dishes aren’t clean after a wash cycle.
The dishwasher won’t run.
The machine won’t fill or drain properly.
Your dishwasher has a foul odor.
Operation makes more noise than usual.
Water leaks onto the floor.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service can diagnose and repair your issue.

Refrigerators

Every kitchen has a refrigerator. Some people have them in garages and offices too. We count on these essential appliances to keep our food fresh. It’s time to schedule a repair if:

The refrigerator operates constantly or won’t come on at all.
The temperature is too hot or too cold, not adjusting with the thermostat.
Water leaks onto the floor.
The water dispenser won’t release water.
The appliance makes loud noises.

Most of these issues are easily repaired.

Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges

Families that enjoy home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts rely on their ovens and stoves. Owners can choose gas or electric appliances, and the repair issues can differ for each type. However, the problems you may notice remain similar.

Ovens

The oven won’t heat to the set temperature correctly or at all.
The interior light won’t come on or turn off.
The self-cleaning feature doesn’t work.
The door won’t open or close.
Your food cooks unevenly.
Your controls aren’t responsive.
The heating or broiling element won’t ignite or come on.

Stovetops and Ranges

Eyes won’t ignite or power on.
Temperatures don’t adjust to your settings.
The indicator lights don’t work.
Turning the eyes on produces sparks or strange smells.
Bubbles, cracks, or blisters appear on the cooktop or coils.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service technicians can repair all brands of electric and gas ovens, stoves, cooktops, and gas range tops.

Washers and Dryers

Everyone needs clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our washers and dryers make that easy to accomplish unless they stop working properly. Each appliance typically gives you signs that repairs are necessary.

Washers

Water won’t fill or drain.
Water overfills or leaks.
The agitator won’t spin.
The washer vibrates excessively or makes loud noises.
Unpleasant odors persist.
The door doesn’t open.
The machine ruins your laundry.
The washer won’t turn on or stop

Dryers

The dryer doesn’t power on or only runs for a short time.
The dryer won’t heat or overheat.
The machine takes too long to dry laundry.
The drum won’t spin.
The dryer is too noisy or vibrates excessively.
The laundry has wrinkles or lint.

These appliances come in many makes and models, and Able Appliance & HVAC Service can repair them all.

AC and Heating

When your heating or air conditioning isn’t working properly, your home can quickly become uncomfortable. Common issues you’ll notice are:

The air isn’t heated or cooled to the correct temperature, the heat blows cold air, or the AC blows hot air.
The unit runs constantly or won’t turn on.
Fluid leaks from your inside or outside units.
Your system is too loud.

Schedule a repair appointment to avoid further damage if you experience any of these problems.

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