Some plates get hot in the microwave because these are not microwave-safe dishes and therefore while heating food in those plates in the microwave, plates become hot along with the food.
The working of the microwave is based on dielectric heating in which energy is transferred to the polar molecules. Since water is very polarized, microwaves transfer energy mostly to water efficiently. When microwaves come in contact with matter, they get absorbed, reflected, or passed through.
These electromagnetic waves emitted by the microwave causes the plates to get heated. The water molecules inside the microwave get excited and accelerated by these waves and generate heat. If the plate which you are using for heating food, has moisture inside, it also becomes hot.
Water and food absorb microwaves and therefore, they get hotter inside the microwave. On the other hand, metals reflect microwaves so they are used to shield the microwave and prevent it from leaking.
Microwaves pass through the plates made up of plastic, glass, and paper and do not get hot.
The ceramic plate is also microwave-safe but it contains materials that cause an increase in the temperature due to absorption of the microwaves. Due to this, plates made up of ceramics become hot when they are used to heat food in the microwave.
What kind of plates do not get hot in the microwave?
Some plates do not get hot in the microwave. These are –
1. Progressive cookware
The Progressive company makes high-quality plastic cookware and glassware. Plates of this company are heat-resistant and durable.
They are dishwasher safe and when heated, do not get hot. Instead, the plastic Progressive cookware is cool to touch, and therefore, food can be transported easily from the microwave to the dinner table without using any potholder or oven mitt.
2. Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware makes microwavable cookware out of granite and these are cool-to-the-touch. You can use Nordic plates comfortably in the microwave and can also store meals in them in the freezer.
The frozen food in it can be reheated directly in the microwave and there is no cracking or damage to the plate.
3. Sealable food storage containers
This company produces plastic microwaveable plates along with containers and lids of various shapes and sizes. These plates have wide rims which provide a cool grip while removing a freshly reheated meal from the microwave.
Microwave plate hotter than food, why?
A microwave plate is hotter than food because it absorbs a large amount of microwave energy due to which molecules in the plate vibrate and produce heat.
A microwave is an appliance which generates energy waves that either pass through the object placed inside it, bounce off the object, or are absorbed by the object.
When the plate or dish used in the microwave is marked as safe to be used, microwaves ignore the dish and reach the food. The water molecules in the food get excited which results in heating up of the food but not the plate.
Therefore, it is essential to use the dish that is microwave-safe and you should check it by looking for the microwave-safe symbol present on the bottom of the dish.
Most of the dishes and containers have this symbol if they are safe to be used in the microwave but if they do not, check by doing a microwave test. Most of the glassware, plastic, and ceramic dishes are microwave-safe but exceptions are present.
How to warm plates in the microwave?
To warm plates in a microwave, follow the easy steps mentioned below:
- Stack plates and put them in the microwave.
- Put a cup of water on the top of the plates.
- Run the microwave at high for 2 minutes.
This procedure will warm your plates. Remember, you should never warm the plates without some water as this might damage the plates. Water absorbs most of the microwave energy which is not passed to the plates and thus, they do not get broken.
Does Fiestaware get hot in the microwave?
No, Fiestaware does not get hot in the microwave. Fiestaware is stoneware that can be used without any hassle in the microwave. It does not get hot in the microwave like other utensils and thus, it is preferred by many people.
It does not get heated in the microwave but can transfer the heat of the food and maintain a low temperature. Therefore, when Fiestaware is used to heat food in the microwave, the bottom part of the dish which is right below the food, will become hot but the other parts like edges will be completely safe and cool to touch.
Can Corelle plates go in the microwave?
Yes, Corelle plates can go in the microwave as these are heat resistant and can withstand up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While using Corelle plates to heat food in the microwave, use the minimum amount of time possible. They are heat-resistant and break-resistant.
During the production of the Corelle dishes, they are passed through a gas oxygen flame due to which the 3 layers of glass get sealed and Corella goes through a tempered process which makes the glass stronger and durable to pressure. This makes Corelle microwave-safe.
Please note that Corelle dishes should not be heated empty in the microwave. Corelle dishes are known for their strength and beauty and many of us are using them for ages.
Are solo plastic plates microwavable?
No, solo plastic plates are not microwavable. These are soak-proof, grease-resistant but not heat-resistant so they are not microwave-safe. When the Solo plastic plates are microwaved, the structure weakens and can get holes in the plates.
The Solo plastic plates are made up of lightweight polystyrene which is plastic and similar to Styrofoam in composition.
These plastics are not microwave-safe and can prove to be hazardous when used in the microwave. These are fragile one-time usable plastics and you can use them in parties, weddings, or simply eating food. Heating food in it is a big no-no.
Conclusion
From the discussion above, we get to know that those plates that are not microwave-safe get hot when used to heat food in the microwave. But some plates made up of ceramics also get hot as they contain more water molecules which absorb microwaves.
Thus, while heating food in the microwave, be careful in handling the plate. It might be hot and so use a potholder or oven mitt to hold the dishes.