Can You Microwave Melamine? (Why You Shouldn’t…)

Quick Answer: You should not microwave melamine dishware. According to the FDA, melamine is not approved for microwave heating, as you’ll discover.

First, let’s find out what melamine is…

What Is Melamine?

If you’ve never heard of melamine before, you’re not alone.It’s a material you can find in many plastic-based dishes, but it’s not necessarily something that you’d take notice of.

Melamineis a chemical that, when combined with formaldehyde, becomes a durable resin that can be used in Formica laminates, dry erase boards and even plates.

It is, in face, very commonly used in dinnerware, and it’s perfectly safe for serving food and beverages.Trouble only occurs if you try to microwave a melamine dish.

The FDA reports that with appropriate use, melamine does not transfer chemicals into your food.But when heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, a melamine dish willstart leeching significant levels of toxins. 

This is why the FDA warns that melamine dishes should not be put in the microwave.As long as you follow the guidelines for proper usage (no active heating, just eating off of melamine plates), you’ll be safe.

Want to know more about microwave cooking?Check out Best Microwave Toaster Oven Combo. 

Different Types of Melamine Dinnerware

Melamine dinnerware comes in an extensive variety of dishes and utensils.Let’s go over a few of them:

• Salad plates
• Dinner plates
• Soup bowls
• Cereal bowls
• Serving platters
• Coffee mugs
• Tea cups
• Forks, knives and spoons

As you can see, melamine cups, plates and utensils are able to come in contact with cold or hot foods.It’s not the temperature of your hot soup that’s an issue with melamine, it’s the stress the melamine would undergo heating up in the microwave.

If you’re looking for a list of microwave ovens and can’t decide which one to purchase, you can read our guide for the Best Microwave for College Dorm Room.

Melamine dinnerware is known to be highly durable.If you find that you go through a lot of broken dishes, this can be particularly beneficial.Melamine dishes are also generally quite affordable options.

To reiterate: If you simply eat off of your melamine dishes and don’t heat them up in the microwave, you won’t risk toxin leakage that could harm your health.

Related Article: Can You Microwave Glass?

How Do You Know If Plastic Dinnerware Is Microwave Safe or Not?

You know now that melamine isn’t microwavable, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no such thing as microwavable plastic dishware.

A plastic-based plate, bowl or cup can be safely warmed in the microwave if it says so right on the product.Check the bottom for details about microwaving as well as the package you bought the item in.

Without specific information about a product’s microwavability, it’s probably best to assume that you shouldn’t nuke it.

But you might still be able to get this information from the company that made the dish.Check on the website or email the company for a clear answer.

Labels on Plastic to Be Aware Of

The label you want to look for on microwavable dinnerware is “microwave safe.” It’s also possible that you could find a label that refers to the opposite, that the item is not microwave-safe.

These labels should be highly visible and easy to find on or near the bottom of the product. If you don’t find one, you can contact the manufacturer to confirm.

You  Might Also Like: Can You Microwave Mason Jars?

Bonus Safety Tips

• Be sure to follow the directions about microwaving with any plastic dishware you buy.
• Prolonged heating of plastic materials in the microwave is usually not recommended.
• Check your owner’s manual to see if any materials can’t be heated in your microwave.

Further Reading: Can You Microwave Paper Plates?

Joey Bruno

Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!