Can You Microwave Plastic Cups?
No, it is dangerous to microwave plastic cups. In the microwave, this type of plastic can get so hot that it breaks down at a molecular level, causing the cups to visibly melt, warp, or possibly catch fire.
Are plastic cups microwave-safe?
Most plastic cups are not microwave-safe. You should never microwave thin plastics like the kind in standard disposable red cups, takeout soup containers, or water bottles. Most standard plastic cups are marked with Recycling Code 1 (PET) or Code 3 (PVC), which are designed only for cold or room-temperature drinks. They will melt, warp, or even catch on fire when heated.
Even if the plastic cups don’t melt or warp, chemicals may be released into the liquid through a process called chemical leaching.
For your safety and to prevent the plastic from degrading, as well as to avoid ruining your beverage, it is best to heat liquids or food in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic container instead.
Even if a plastic cup has a microwave-safe plastic symbol or label, it is a good idea to be extra cautious and not heat it up in the microwave.
If you must use plastic in the microwave, look for Recycling Code 5 on the bottom of the cup. Recycling Code 5 refers to Polypropylene (PP), which is designed with a much higher melting point than the thin PET and PVC plastic of disposable cups. In fact, PP can withstand temperatures as high as 180°F (82.2°F) without leaching chemicals into food or liquids.
Can you put hot drinks in plastic cups?
No, you should not put coffee, tea, cocoa, or other hot drinks in standard plastic cups. Even if you don’t heat it up in the microwave, the high temperature of the liquid can still cause the plastic to break down and warp the cup, putting you at risk of burning your hands.
Instead of using plastic cups for your next hot drink, consider using one of the following cup options instead:
Made of paper with an extra-strong, double-walled insulation, Hefty® Hot Cups are designed specifically for hot liquids. They also come with convenient lids so you can take your hot beverages on the go. However, Hefty® Hot Cups or their lids are not intended to be used in the microwave.
Ceramic mugs
Most mugs are made of ceramic and can be used with hot drinks. However, not all ceramics can go in the microwave, so check the bottom for a microwave-safe symbol before heating it up.
Stainless steel tumblers
Insulated stainless steel tumblers and mugs are built to keep liquids hot over a longer period of time. So they are a good choice if you want your hot beverage to stay nice and hot for a while. But be aware that stainless steel is generally not safe for use in the microwave.
Heat-safe glass
Use caution when reaching for a glass mug for a hot drink. You’ll want to make sure it is labeled as heat-safe or microwave-safe. If not heat-safe, some glass may crack as the temperature changes when pouring in hot liquid.
