Wondering, Can You Microwave a Paper Bowl?
Ovens have now become a part of our daily life, and most of the food items aren’t even cooked without them. Whether you want to heat the dinner you left last night or run a restaurant, you can’t ignore the microwave.
Due to their extensive usage, people sometimes accidentally put items inside them that are not a good fit for these appliances. Because of this, some of them start searching for questions like “Can paper bowls go in the microwave?” If you are one of those guys who are confused whether paper bowls are microwave safe or not, you are at the right place. In this guide, we will explore the types of paper bowls that perform perfectly fine with microwaves so you can enjoy your treats without the fear of harming your health.
Types of Paper Bowls
There are several types of paper bowls available in the market, but not everyone fits the current situation. Let’s discover the paper bowls, coating, and usability depending on the nature of the food you are interested in putting in.
Classification Based on Usability
Due to the benefits, paper-made bowls are contributing; they are commonly utilized in the food industry. Plastics are marked as a harmful consideration in terms of edible items. They emit chemicals when exposed to heat, which increase the risk of getting diseases such as cancer and reproductive disorders. Unlike plastic bowls, paper-made bowls are a safer option not only for health but for the environment as well. For the following items, paper bowls are frequently considered.
- Noodle bowls are large in size, made of sturdy paperboard built to hold hot and cold food items.
- Ice cream bowls are sturdy paper containers lined with PE coating to prevent leakage. They protect hands from getting cold due to the thick stock.
- Salad bowls mostly come in white color, featuring PE or PLA to make them grease-resistant.
- Soup bowls work seamlessly to withstand hot items. Paper bowls for soup crafted from leakproof material, the best alternative to plastic.
Classification Based on Coatings
The primary motive of the usage of coatings is to make the paper bowls able to restrict hands from getting oil while enjoying a meal, and also lower the risk of tearing. Paper bowls are lightweight and fragile in nature, but after applying special coatings, their performance almost doubles. Take a look at some coatings widely used in food packaging.
| Coatings | Characteristics |
| Polyethylene | A thin layer of plastic is used to ensure water and leakage resistance. |
| Ploylactic Acid | Organically sourced substance, environmentally friendly choice. |
| Polypropylene | Come with the microwave-proof functionality used in food packaging. |
| Wax | Developing a barrier against moisture and oil leads to increased durability. |
Classification Based on Designs
Paper bowls come in various types, but not all of them are used for any kind of purpose. Some of them are extremely durable, and some are temperature-efficient. Choosing the right option defines any food chase business’s success. In case of opting, the wrong type can lead to irreparable damage. Below are the types of paper bowls famous in the food industry.
| Category | Size (ML) | Microwave Safe | Functionality |
| Kraft Paper Bowls | Small (240 to 500 )
Medium (750 to 1000) Large (1100 to 1300) |
Yes |
These bowls are made of natural wood fibers, making them the most suitable choice for presenting food items. Lining with a thin coating of PE works best for maintaining structural integrity and preventing leakage problems. They are used for both hot and cold dishes and also feature microwave usage. |
|
Paper Bowls |
Small (150 to 473 )Medium (500 to 960)
Large (1000 to 1500) |
Yes |
Lightweight bowls, made from paperboard. Similar to Kraft bowls, custom paper bowls contain PE or PLA, which helps them hold fresh food without the risk of their contents leaking. |
|
Double Wall |
Small (100 to 350 )
Medium (400 to 750) Large (900 to 1500) |
Yes | Custom double-walled paper cups consist of two sheets of paper that provide insulation due to the air pocket in between. Whether you have interest in using them for takeout coffee or fizzy drinks, they provide the portability for all kinds of food products. |
| Paper Bowls with Lids | Small / 500Medium / 750
Large / 1000 |
Yes |
Offer spill-resistant flexibility. The lids make them able to use them for transportation purposes. Constructed to employ liquid items that tend to spill during transportation. |
Let’s Discover, “Can You Put Paper Bowls In The Microwave?”
The answer to this question lies in the manufacturing process. There is a vast range of paper bowls available in the market, but not everyone can prevent the food from getting too hot while microwaving. For the ease of the customer, most of the packaging manufacturers label it as “Microwave Safe.” This addition can save users from facing any unexpected situation. Here is the material list use in paper bowls that are not ideally good enough to put in the oven.
Wax Coating
Wax coatings are mark as unsafe for use in a microwave. Due to the heat of the microwave, this coating melts and becomes part of the food, leaving irreversible damage. There are also some coatings available source from nature, commonly used in food packaging.
Printing Inks
Like any other packaging, paper bowls offer a branding option for brands to ensure their strong presence in the market. For fulfilling this goal, inks and color dyes are extensively apply for visual appeal. Unfortunately, these inks start leaching with food, which leads to contamination. So always go with the paper bowls produced without toxin inks.
Foil Coating
In this process, an ordinary paper bowl turns into an appealing container for holding food products. This layer has the efficiency to reflect the light; however, this functionality turns into a disadvantage when someone tries to put it in an oven. The reflective surface of the foil reflects the electromagnetic back to the source, resulting in a short burst.
If you’re always curiously searching, “Can you put a paper bowl in the microwave?” then below are some oven settings you can employ while heating your favorite meal.
| Types | Safe Temperature Settings |
| Kraft Paper Bowl | 120°C (248°F) |
| Double Wall Paper Bowl | 100°C (212°F) |
| Custom Single-Wall Paper Cups | 80°C (176°F) |
| PLA Coated Bowls | 75°C (167°F) |
Conclusion
Can paper bowls go in the microwave? We hope that after reading this guide, you will never need to search for this question again, as we shared the complete breakdown related to this topic. The best way to overcome this issue is to check the labeling “Microwave Safe” or go with the one where wax and metallic coating, or inks are not used. Health is a precious gift from nature; never harm it due to lack of knowledge or negligence.
If you are running a restaurant or have a small-sized food business, we invite you to buy custom Paper Bowls wholesale from the trusted source, Waxpapers. What makes us stand out? With the fastest turnaround time and free shipping, we are one of the most suitable choices for ordering food packaging in the USA. So grab your deal today without wasting any time.


