Disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
Quick Answer: Yes, wax paper is totally microwavable. Other wax products like crayons and candles are not microwavable (unless you’re trying to melt them). But surprisingly, wax paper won’t be harmed in the microwave. Still, there are some how-to tips and safety practices you should know about.
Let’s dive in…
What Is Wax Paper?
You may have used wax paper before to cover leftovers in the fridge.Or maybe you’ve seen it sitting between the parchment paper and plastic wrap on the supermarket shelves and you’ve never been too sure what it’s for.
Wax paperis a paper product that’s been coated in wax to make it resistant to moisture.In the 19th century, beeswax was typically used in its construction.Today, paraffin wax is commonly used instead, which is one reason why wax paper is sometimes referred to as paraffin paper.
Paraffin wax is petroleum-based, and it’s pretty standard in many different types of household products.On standard wax paper, it won’t react in the microwave, sowax paper is safe to use to microwave your food.
Wax paper is excellent for a variety of purposes, including:
- Cold food storage
- Wrapping sandwiches
- Lining pans in certain cold or raw desserts
Keep in mind that even though wax paper can go in the microwave, it’s not meant for cooking and baking in the oven.Parchment paper is OK for baking and wax paper is what you want for cold food applications.
Related Article: Can You Microwave Styrofoam? (Here’s What You Need to Know)
To learn more about microwave cooking, check out this article on the best microwave toaster oven combo.
Different Types of Wax Paper Products
Though most wax paper products are made with paraffin wax, there are products that use different kinds of wax.
Some are made with soybean wax. They’re sometimes preferred as all-natural and biodegradable alternatives. These should also be fine to put in the microwave.
If you happen to find other wax paper products you’re not sure about, it may be a good idea to do some research on them. There is a type of beeswax “paper” on the market that isn’t meant to be microwaved, though it’s more like thin fabric for food storage than wax paper.
Additionally, not everyone wants to use beeswax, especially vegans, who often opt to stay away from beeswax, honey and other bee products.
But in general, beeswax is not a typical wax paper ingredient. The paraffin and soybean wax papers are the ones you’ll come across pretty much all of the time.
How Do You Know If Wax Paper Is Microwave Safe or Not?
You should have no problem microwaving standard wax paper, but if you’re not sure about an alternative sort, the best way to know is to look for an indication on the product.
Look on the front, bottom and sides of the container for any written indication that the wax paper is meant for the microwave.You could also check the wax paper itself.
Another option is to get in touch with a company representative and ask for a clear answer.This way, there will be no doubt in your mind.
Recommended Article: Can You Microwave Wood? (What You Need to Know)
Labels on Wax Paper to Be Aware Of
You might find a label on the bottom of a product that says “microwave safe,” in which case you know for sure that it’s OK to use in the microwave.
Sometimes you’ll even see a warning that states that the item is not intended for microwave use, which also provides a definitive answer to the question.
With wax paper, you might not see any labels the way you would on many cookware products. But just in case, it doesn’t hurt to check.
Bonus Safety Tips
- Never put wax paper in the oven, toaster or any heating device other than the microwave.
- If the wax paper is touching the food directly, try to keep microwave times short to avoid any weird, waxy taste transference to your food.
- Wax paper tends to work best as a food splatter shield.This is probably the ideal use for it in the microwave.
Further Reading: 6 Best College Mini Fridge and Microwave Combo Units for Compact Spaces such as Dorms
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!
