Homeowners can use wax paper on baking sheets or for wrapping food. Putting it in the microwave will make a “splatter guard,” but Can You Put Wax Paper In The Microwave?
The short answer is no. The long answer is that there are better alternatives.
If you need to use your microwave and can’t find any other alternatives, you can place a small piece of wax paper over the food. However, wax paper can get into the holes that allow for steam to escape or can get stuck to the bottom of your microwave. The problem comes when you need to remove it without burning yourself on melted wax paper.
Here we’ll discuss wax paper and its behavior in the microwave, and answer the question, can you put wax paper in the microwave?
Table of Contents
Is it Safe to Put Wax Paper in the Microwave?
Certain products aren’t suitable for use in microwaves, however wax paper isn’t a single one of the items. It is safe to be microwaved in the case that it’s not for a prolonged period of time. Although it’s safe to use it, it’s advisable to verify the label to confirm that they’re actually microwave-safe.
However, you should not wrap foods in very oily or fatty tissue using wax paper. The wax paper is typically inaccessible to the radiation of the microwave, it is because the particles in it aren’t able to absorb the radiation. This means that it isn’t hot after exposure however, it instead draws its heat from food sources after the radiation has heated.
Certain foods , such as those that contain fatty substances as well as those with a high percentage of oil are able to easily reach temperatures that exceed 200 ° F. This could cause burning of the coating of wax on paper, which could cause the paper beneath to catch the flames.
Transparent Wax Paper
Microwaves function by emitting low energy radiation, which quickly absorbs certain foods , and then converted into heat for cooking.
The normal process of radiation from microwaves causes molecules to rotate and any molecule that is capable of absorbing its energy will then spin and smash into other molecules, creating friction that generates heat.
Sugar, fats, water oil, salt and fats are all common examples of compounds found in food items that can absorb radiation emitted by microwaves and convert this energy to heat. They are able to do this because their molecules are able to meet the requirements required for absorption by microwaves.
In the case of wax paper, this isn’t the case and the paper appears to disappear in microwaves which allows radiations to travel through without issue. Similar materials include glass, microwave air ceramics or plastics, ice or parchment.
Can Wax Paper Transfer any Poisonous Chemicals Into Food?
Wax paper can be in a bleaching and non-bleaching. Using a chlorine bleaching procedure on unbleached papers results in a small amount of chemicals being incorporated into the final product and dissolving in food. There is some belief that the amount of dioxins that accumulate in bleached wax paper that is chlorine-bleached is minimal and does not cause adverse health effects.
However On the other hand, it is the World Health Organization states that dioxins can be extremely persistent and highly harmful chemicals that may cling to fats for between 7 and 11 years. Over time, the tiny amounts of BPA remaining in food may increase to toxic levels.
Therefore, take a step of being cautious and eliminate any paper products that contain chlorine out of your home.
The wax paper’s coating isn’t harmful as it is made of food-grade wax.
Keep Wax Paper Safe in the Microwave
1. Use the Wax Paper as a lid
The most secure type of wax paper for lids to stop microwave spills from occurring. It isn’t even close to the food source, therefore the chance of burning or melting are virtually eliminated.
However, this doesn’t suggest that wax paper shouldn’t be used to wrap food items to cook in the microwave. Just make sure to wrap the correct kind of food for the right circumstances.
Water-based foods like steak or garlic, as well as fruit under normal temperatures, won’t melt the wax paper to a dangerous degree. Foods that have the typical amount of oils or fats can also be wrapped with wax.
Keep in mind that large amounts of oil or salts could melt the wax coating and make it into food. The most suitable alternative to wax paper is parchment paper. It is treated in order to stand up to temperatures of 350 degrees F.
2. Buy a Reliable Brand of Wax Paper
The higher the quality of the wax paper is , the more efficient it is with the microwave. Some brands that are less expensive may not provide sufficient stability and support based on the temperature and time it is used at.
It is important to choose the most suitable brand for what you are planning to apply it to, that will ensure that you’re wrapping your food items in the most appropriate way.
3. Don’t Microwave Wax Paper for Long Periods
While you can use it in the microwave safely, material could melt if keep it in the microwave over a long period of time. If the material begins to melt, it could end up ruining the food you were cooking and could cause issues and possibly destruction to microwave.
When is wax paper suitable for use in a microwave?
You can also put the waxed paper over these items in the microwave.
1. Reheat Leftovers
Cover a microwave-safe dish in wax to stop the microwave from contaminating and spreading.
2. Use as a Pouch
You can also turn the this wax-paper into kind of pouch to cook such items as corn, potatoes and salmon, as well as vegetables such as banana bread, garlic, etc.
3. Plate Liner
The wax paper is a great way to cover the plate while cooking grease-laden foods such as bacon.
4. Pan Liner
Wax paper may also serve as a liner for a pan when baking cakes and breads using the microwave.
5. Cover Defrosting Food
When defrosting food in the microwave, wax paper is a great way to ensure that they cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
Can you put wax paper in the microwave? The fact is that it’s generally safe to use wax paper into the microwave. As long as you approach it with a touch of common wisdom, you shouldn’t have to worry about using this type of paper. As far as I am aware, there is no guarantee, but if you pay attention to the details you’re doing, follow the tips I gave earlier, and do the things I said, you won’t have any problems.
