Saran Wrap: Can It be Microwaved?

The year is 2023 and people are as busy as ever. This has led to a rise in products that make life just a little easier.

The microwave is one such product and its use case has turned it into a fixture in most American homes.

This has been so for years now and people have evolved in their use of the microwave. One popular result of that evolution is using the microwave to cook food.

It is convenient. But that ease comes with a price because there are many items that should not be microwaved. Examples include aluminum foil, take-out containers, and eggs in their shell.

But what about saran wrap? Can you put them in a microwave? Keep reading to find out.

Can You Microwave A Saran Wrap? 

Experts say it depends on the circumstances which is a tentative yes with conditions.

Traditional saran wrap consists of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), a compound that is not safe for cooking or reheating food in the microwave.

Fortunately, there are now microwave-safe options available derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They always come labeled “microwave-safe” which certifies them as microwave-safe.

A few things you should keep in mind when microwaving saran wrap

Polyethylene is microwave-safe, but it starts to melt at high temperatures. As such its important to make sure that the Saran Wrap doesn’t come into contact with food that’s too hot.If you’re using Saran Wrap to cover a dish before microwaving it, ensure the wrap isn’t touching the food. This will also prevent the food from getting soggy. Leave a tiny gap between the edge of the dish and the wrap, so that steam can escape.Avoid using Saran wrap on food high in fat, because the heat from the microwave can melt the fat, causing it to leach into the food. Don’t reuse Saran wrap more than once in the microwave. Once heated, the chemicals in the wrap can break down and enter your food.

Conclusion

So can you saran wraps in the microwave? Yes, however there are some safety guidelines you need to follow. If you are ever in doubt, don’t use them.