Do you know what the most underrated heartbreaking moment is? When the delightful cup of coffee that you prepared with immense love gets cold. But this is not the moment where your heart shatters. That part comes when you check the bottom of the mug, and it mentions that the mug is not microwavable.
You might wonder why that is the case when you can microwave the other mugs in your cabinet. Well, to find out the answer to that question, you’ll have to continue reading.
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How to Tell if Your Coffee Cup Is Microwave-Safe
To find out if the cup holding your coffee is microwavable or not, check the bottom. Most manufacturers imprint a safety label to let the users know whether it is safe to put in the microwave. Most ceramic mugs or kitchenware that are reusable come with the tag. So what can you do if you have a coffee cup that doesn’t have a warning label?
In such cases, try checking the manufacturers’ website, and you might find a clue there. If a specific brand’s products are hazardous to reheat in the microwave, the page will have a general warning. However, if you still can’t find the answer, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not risk putting it in the microwave.
I can’t say what materials are always safe since the manufacturing processes can vary.
Materials That Are Microwave-Friendly
Ceramic Coffee Cups
Ceramic is usually a safe material that you can reheat. What you must be aware of is whether or not it contains any toxic chemicals. Some cups contain higher levels of lead and chromium, which can seriously impact your health.
The glazing on the exterior may also use radioactive elements. When you increase the surrounding temperature, these chemicals released can contaminate your drink. The lining of some cups with gold or silver enhances their appearance. This use of metal marks them unsafe to heat in the oven.
Plastic Coffee Cups
Want to know if you can safely heat your plastic cup in the microwave? If you lived in the previous century, the answer would have been a simple no. But luckily, the products made nowadays offer maximum convenience.
Plastic cups and containers are often safe to microwave. However, certain low-quality plastic products melt at slightly higher temperatures. Even if they retain heat, there’s a high possibility they’ll leach harmful substances into your coffee, negatively affecting your health. Therefore, when buying plastic coffee cups, make sure never to compromise on the quality.
Glass Coffee Cups
Glass is a one-of-a-kind material. Almost all of the products made of glass are microwave-friendly. Because the material is made under extremely high temperatures, tolerating the heat of the microwaves is not an issue.
However, you must check for any air bubbles in the coffee cup. Usually, when you heat it, the air bubbles expand. If they exceed a certain limit, the glass cup can easily shatter. Another thing to be wary of is any metal lining on the cup. And if the cup is colored, look for the microwave-safe label on its bottom.
Materials You Should Never Microwave
Metal Coffee Cups
Metals have free electrons constantly moving around. When exposed to high temperatures, their speed quickly increases as they are continuously pushed and pulled by the microwaves. At specific places, the concentration of these electrons build-up resulting in a spark or fire. Moreover, a piece of metal can heat up so quickly that it causes the appliance to burn.
Paper Coffee Cups
While paper coffee cups can hold hot beverages, reheating them in the microwave oven is practically impossible. Paper cups generally have a wax coating on the exterior. This layer allows you to hold the cups containing hot drinks without burning your hands. While there is an advantage to it, the layer can melt and contaminate your coffee when exposed to higher temperatures.
Paper cups also have a plastic lining on the inside that prevents the liquids from flowing through. When you put the cup in the microwave, the glue that sticks these components together can also melt. You end up with a big mess, your drink seeping through, a burned microwave, and sometimes even a fire.
Final Thoughts
So now you know if you can microwave coffee cups. You do get to keep your coffee hot, but is it all worth a risk unless your cup is microwavable? Well, if you do further research, you’ll find out that coffee tastes the best when it’s fresh.
While reheating can bring back its temperature, it will not bring back the initial taste. As the drink loses its heat, the flavors also evaporate, leaving you with a bland taste. So try to enjoy your drink moments after you serve it. However, if you do end up with a cold coffee, always check whether your coffee cup is microwavable before putting it in the oven.
