Are Rubbermaid containers microwave safe?
Are you wondering if your Rubbermaid container is microwave-safe? We’ve got the answer for you. Yes, all of our food storage containers are microwavable. They can be used in the oven and dishwasher as well. You can even put them in a freezer or fridge!
Our products are made from high-quality materials that won’t melt or warp when heated up to a boiling point, so they work perfectly with any cooking method. And because we use BPA-free plastic, there’s no need to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food either. The lids seal tight to keep food fresh and the containers stack neatly together when not in use. You can find them at most grocery stores or hardware stores near you!
With Rubbermaid’s wide selection of products, there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether it’s a container with a lid or one without, these items will make your life easier by storing leftovers and keeping food fresh longer.
Read here to find out more about our microwave-safe containers.
What To Know About Rubbermaid Containers
If you need to store your food, Rubbermaid containers are a perfect choice. They are durable, microwave-safe, dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and fridge safe! You can put them in the oven too. Are Rubbermaid containers microwave safe? Yes! Are they oven-safe? Yes again! Are they dishwasher, freezer, and fridge-safe too? You bet. Are there different types of lids? Are there different sizes? Are there products that do not have a lid? Well, let’s find out more about all these wonderful options first.
History Of Rubbermaid!
A little history… In 1938 Joseph McDonough created our company by experimenting with mixing chemicals to create the right type of rubberized plastic product for his new raincoat idea. He even used leftover tank materials from army bases during World War II to help him create his raincoats and buckets (check out this early ad with a picture of a WWII soldier wearing one of our early raincoats).
Surprisingly enough, Rubbermaid was actually originally founded to produce raincoats back in 1920. After realizing how strong the market was for plastic products during World War II, Joseph McDonough changed the direction of their business to manufacture high-quality houseware. Nowadays you can find many amazing product lines at your local grocery store or hardware store near you.
Durability
Rubbermaid has been making reliable housewares for over 80 years and they proudly still produce their products in the United States. Check out this video below to learn more about just how sturdy and strong our food-grade plastic is:
One thing we love about our dishes at home is that we know we can trust them. Many of their products have been produced by the same factory since 1949!
Lid Types
There are many different types of lids available for your container needs: snap-tight, vented, liquid saving (pour spout), easy find (lids with tabs on the side to easily remove the lid without touching the food), stackable (the containers click into each other).
Plastic Type
Their high-quality housewares are made from polypropylene (PP5) which is BPA-free and FDA compliant for food contact and contains no harmful phthalates. This allows you to feel safe using our storage sets in your kitchen and storing your family’s food in them.
Sizes
They offer a wide range of sizes in our food storage sets. There are from 4 cups to 42 cups available for home organization needs. Store half a can of tomatoes in the smaller container or store 2 loaves of bread in the larger size. What is truly amazing is most sets stack on top or inside each other with their easy find lids.
Different Types Of Lids Available
Today they travel back in time to when our founder Joseph McDonough created his own rubberized raincoat made from the same type of plastic material used to make aircraft canopies. The secret to his success was finding the right formula for making this strong yet malleable plastic product that could eventually turn into our modern-day containers.

How To Use Rubbermaid Containers In The Microwave
A lot of people ask us, Are Rubbermaid containers microwave safe? Yes, they are! Are they oven-safe too? Yes again! Are they dishwasher, freezer, and fridge-safe as well? You bet. Are there different types of lids? Are there different sizes? Are there products that do not have a lid? Well, let’s find out more about all these wonderful options first.
So how should you use Rubbermaid containers in the microwave? Let’s start with the basics. The plastic used to create our food-grade storage set is called polypropylene (PP5). This type of food-grade plastic is BPA-free and FDA compliant for food contact and contains no harmful phthalates. This allows you to feel safe using our storage sets in your kitchen and storing your family’s food in them.
Benefits of Rubbermaid Containers
Are Rubbermaid Containers Microwave Safe?
Yes, absolutely!
Rubbermaid containers are designed to be used in microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, freezers, and refrigerators. This is not intended to be a definitive guide on Rubbermaid container safety.
Microwave Safety
If you are using the Rubbermaid container to store your food for short periods of time (less than 3 hours), then you are good to go. If the food inside the Rubbermaid container will remain stored for more than 3 hours at 5 degrees or less, then remove the lid. Do not microwave with the lid on because it creates a pressure buildup that can result in steam/vapor jetting out of the venting hole/slot during heating.
Oven Safety
The Rubbermaid containers are totally oven-safe. You can place your food in the oven without the lid, or with the lid on. If you are using our Mylar Foil lids (that come in most Rubbermaid food storage sets), it is perfect for placing under the meat to make clean up easy.
Dishwasher Safety
Rubbermaid containers are dishwasher safe! This means that you can save time by stacking them in your dishwasher and running them all at once! A great tip is to run the dishes through first with just water, then add soap when they’re full of dishes to rinse off any additional food particles during cleaning.
Freezer Safety
If you want to freeze your food in Rubbermaid containers go ahead and do so but be aware that they will get cloudy when you freeze foods in them. This is ok and does not affect the final quality of the foods after it has been microwaved or baked.
Fridge & Storage Safety
Our Rubbermaid containers are fridge and storage safe. You can place food inside these same containers at three degrees or more, without any issues for short-term storage (less than 3 hours). If the food remains in the container for longer periods of time, be sure to store it with the lid off. If your Rubbermaid container contains liquid, then you should never leave that liquid in a hot car because it will expand just like water would.

Factors To Consider When Buying Food Containers
There are plenty of options when it comes to food storage containers. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know what will work best for you and your family. When you’re selecting a container, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind.
Size
The first thing you need to determine is just how big of a container do you really need? Are they going to be stored in the kitchen or used as lunch containers? Are they going to be stored in your car or at work? Are they going to be stored outdoors and under the sun all day long? Are they going to stay cold all day long? The answer will affect what material and what type of lids (if any) that you want.
What size is most appropriate for your needs? Are you looking for something big enough to store an entire gallon of milk or do you just need a container that would hold an individual serving? Are these containers going to be used as storage containers for your dry goods? Are they going to be used as lunch containers and travel food boxes? Are these containers going to contain leftovers only, where you don’t need much space at all?
Multi-Purpose
Are you looking for something that can serve as both a fridge and freezer container? Are you looking for something that will stay fresh at room temperature for days? Are you looking for a container with a lid that fits tightly to retain freshness?
Airtight seal
Secondly, consider whether or not you need an airtight seal. Are these containers going to contain dry goods like cereal, rice, and pasta? Are they going to be liquid containers containing things like soups and stews? Are they going to contain syrups, jams, or sauces?
Container shape
Thirdly consider what kind of container shape you want. Do you want a round container or a square one? Rubbermaid containers come in many different shapes. Are there certain types of food that you tend to eat often that would fit better into a certain type of container shape? Are you using these containers for small amounts of leftovers only, where the shape doesn’t really matter much at all?
These are just some of the things that you need to consider before buying Rubbermaid products. There may even be more factors involved but the main thing to remember here is that Rubbermaid has a food storage container or lunch box solution for any situation. You simply need to figure out what your needs are and then go from there.
Ways To Microwave Food In Plastic Containers Safely
There are many people who worry about microwaving food in plastic containers, but it’s important to know that there are still some plastics that are microwaveable. When in doubt, check the container because there may be a label or logo on it indicating that it’s microwaveable.
For the most part, you should avoid microwaving food in plastic containers that have visible signs of wear and tear because they may not be able to withstand high pressure when heated up repeatedly. It is also important to avoid microwaving in plastic containers when they have bubbles or black spots on them, which means chemicals are being released when heated up under high temperatures. You should never reheat food in containers that show these signs.
It’s also important to look at the markings on the container since some types of plastics are not allowed in microwaves. If it says “microwave safe” or there is a logo or symbol indicating its microwaveable, then you know for sure that it’s okay to use. Make sure to check this before using your plastic container because if it isn’t marked this way, microwaving may cause chemicals to release and make your food unsafe for consumption.

Concerns About Microwaving Food in Plastic
It’s been a long-time debate as to whether or not is microwaving food in plastic bad for you. Plastic can emit harmful chemicals when heated up repeatedly so it’s important to avoid using them for microwaving if they don’t have a label that states that they’re microwavable.
Some types of plastics are meant for microwaves and will have the necessary labeling to indicate this fact.
One of the major safety concerns that you should consider before microwaving food in a plastic container is whether or not the type of plastic that the container is made from is microwaveable. Not all types of plastics can be microwaved and some plastics even emit harmful fumes when heated up. It’s important to check if your plastic container says “microwave safe” on it. If it does, then you know for sure that it’s safe to use in the microwave and won’t release harmful toxic fumes like some other ones might.
That said, you may encounter a container that isn’t clearly marked as microwave safe and you’ll need to find out if it’s okay to use. If there are bubbles or black spots on the plastic then this is a sign that it’s breaking down under high heat which means the chemicals are being released. Never reheat food in containers with these signs!
If you’re not sure whether or not your plastic food storage containers are microwavable, check with the manufacturer for more information.
You should also avoid purchasing containers that have the numbers 3, 6, and 7 indicated on their labels because these can release harmful chemicals when heated up. If you’re in doubt about which plastics are okay to use inside microwaves, it’s best to stick to ones made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
It’s important to note though that even if your plastic container is microwave safe, it doesn’t mean that it will stand up well against all types of foods – especially those that are sticky or oily. These foods can stain or even melt some plastic containers.
Always make sure that your plastic container is marked as microwave safe before using it in the microwave.
Check out this video:
Rubbermaid Containers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Brands Famous For Food Containers?
A wide variety of brands are now manufacturing food containers. Some of the brands famous for manufacturing food containers are Rubbermaid, Tovolo, Tupperware, Airtight, Glad, and many more.
Rubbermaid products are famous for their food storage containers and lunch boxes. They are known for their exceptional quality and utilization of cutting edge technology. As far as food containers go, Rubbermaid is one of the leading brands in this industry. Their products are usually made of durable, high-quality plastic that is guaranteed to last a long time.
Although Rubbermaid containers are famous for food storage, they also manufacture a wide range of home and kitchen products.
Are Rubbermaid Bowls Oven Proof?
Rubbermaid bowls can withstand heat up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit which is 212 degrees Celsius. They cannot be placed under the broiler and should not be placed on the stovetop or open flame. We recommend that you check with the manufacturer before using any Rubbermaid product in ovens.
Are All Types Of Foods Safe For Microwaving In Rubbermaid Containers?
Some types of foods are not safe for microwaving in Rubbermaid containers. Examples are eggs, mayonnaise, any type of dressing or sauce, foods containing cream cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Some types of food could affect the integrity of the product because chemicals may release when heated under high temperatures. We recommend that you check with the manufacturer before microwaving any Rubbermaid product.
What Are Rubbermaid Containers Made Of?
Rubbermaid containers are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. This means they’re durable, lightweight yet impact resistant, safe for the freezer, and microwaveable. Some containers are also dishwasher safe while others require handwashing only. You can view all of the details on the packaging should you need to know for certain what type of washing instructions apply to your specific purchase.
What Are The Different Types Of Containers?
There are a variety of different types of containers available for purchase nowadays including plastic, glass, stainless steel, or silicone.
Plastic is a good option for those who prefer not to have the risk of breaking a dish if they drop it accidentally while out on the go. It’s also affordable and durable compared to other types of containers like glass, which can shatter easily if dropped. Plastic is also microwaveable (and can even go in the dishwasher) which is a big advantage if you’re looking to pack a quick lunch for work, school, or a road trip.
A glass container can be microwavable too but keep in mind that it’s more likely to break when dropped compared to plastic. Even though some glass containers are more flexible than others, they’re still more fragile and pricier than their plastic counterparts.
Stainless steel food storage containers might seem like a good option due to their durability but this type of material doesn’t retain heat, as well as other types of containers, do – especially when used with hot foods. This means that your lunch will probably get cold faster compared to the other options.
Silicone food storage containers are fairly new on the market and offer some pretty cool options like collapsible containers that can expand or collapse once empty (we call these our sandwich bags ). This type of container is easy to clean, reusable, and typically microwaveable.
What kind of plastic containers should I avoid purchasing?
You should avoid purchasing plastic containers that start to show signs of wear and tear. These containers may be alright for storage but won’t last as long as those that are in better condition. You may find that these containers aren’t as strong as those that are in great condition and you might end up with a mess on your hands if they don’t withstand the pressure exerted by liquids or heavy foods like soup or stew.
Is Plastic Microwave Safe?
Plastics that are labeled as “microwave safe” are usually made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which are all safe to use in microwaves without releasing harmful chemicals. However, there are still some types of plastics that aren’t meant for microwaving because these can cause toxic fumes to be released when heated up under high temperatures.
If you come across a plastic container whose markings indicate something different, it’s best to check with the manufacturer if it can be used inside microwave ovens. If not, you’ll need to find out another way of reheating your food conveniently. Microwave-safe plastic containers should clearly state on their labels that they’re okay for use inside microwaves so make sure that yours does before putting it into the machine.

Conclusion
Are you wondering if your Rubbermaid container is microwavable or not? The answer to that question is a resounding “Yes!” as long as the markings on the plastic say it’s okay for use in microwaves. If there are bubbles, black spots, or any other signs of wear and tear then avoid using those containers for reheating food because they might emit harmful chemicals when heated up repeatedly. Always check with the manufacturer first before putting your Plasticware into a microwave oven!
If you’re in doubt about which plastics are okay to use inside microwaves, it’s best to stick to ones made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is important not only that the plastic container is microwave safe, but also what type of food will be reheated. If your dish has a lot of oil or grease then this may melt some types of plastics making them unsafe for reuse. Always make sure that you check with the manufacturer before using any type of containers in a microwave oven if they aren’t labeled as being “microwave safe.”
We hope our article has been helpful!