Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags?

The ease and simplicity of the microwave make preparing food or reheating leftovers much less of a chore. It’s even better if you can transfer the food from the fridge to the microwave without dirtying another dish. Given that Ziploc bags are such a common storage method, you might wonder if you can microwave the food while it’s still in the bag to save time.

You can microwave Ziploc bags. As long as the packaging explicitly says “microwave-safe,” you shouldn’t have any issues reheating or defrosting food that has been stored in one.

With that in mind, there are a few things to be aware of. Below, I’ll discuss some of the technicalities and best practices associated with microwaving your Ziploc bags. 

Ziploc Bags Are Microwave-Safe

Big brands like Ziploc put a lot of resources into ensuring their products are safe for consumers, and they’ll generally make it known how their products should and shouldn’t be used. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems Ziploc brand bags safe for defrosting and reheating in the microwave. However, it’s important to follow directions on the packaging.

You should always conduct a quick inspection of the box to find the words “microwave-safe” or an equivalent phrase. Bags that aren’t meant for microwaves should say so as well.

If there’s nothing on the packaging, you should err on the side of caution and assume the bags aren’t microwavable.

How Long Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags?

Every material has its breaking point. With Ziploc bags being just a thin layer of plastic, they have a relatively low melting point compared to something like Tupperware.

You can microwave Ziploc bags for several minutes without worry, given that they’re marked as microwave-safe. Different microwaves heat differently, and attempting to do anything other than the basic defrost or reheat may produce different results. 

It might also help to keep in mind the following:

• The melting point of polyethylene
• Temperatures inside the microwave
• Contents of the Ziploc bag

Ziploc Bags Are Usually Made of Polyethylene

Ziploc bags are typically made of polyethylene or some mixture that includes polyethylene. Given that Ziploc bags are thin, film-like plastic, they aren’t as strong as some of the harder plastics, but they can still withstand a certain degree of heat.

The melting point of polyethylene is somewhere around 230°F (110°C). It might be higher or lower depending on the exact ingredients of the plastic, but surpassing this threshold will generally cause the material to break down.

Some Microwaves Are More Powerful Than Others

Conventional microwaves typically don’t produce temperatures hot enough to initiate the breakdown of polyethylene. 

However, longer times spent inside the microwave might cause the material to soften and, in some cases, melt slightly. After all, microwaves can boil water, meaning they can reach temperatures of at least 212°F (100°C). 

If you’re heating something liquid or containing a lot of moisture, water will begin to evaporate as the contents get hotter. The water vapor may also test the strength of the bag.

Generally, Ziploc bags should be able to withstand the heat associated with reheating or defrosting. If you have to reheat for an extended period, you might keep an eye on it just to be safe.

Different Foods Will Heat Differently

The contents of the Ziploc bag might influence how you’re able to heat it. Liquid foods like soup, for example, will be more difficult to heat in a bag and might reach a boil, which could potentially damage the bag itself.

Additionally, larger pieces of food might require more time in the microwave, exposing the bag to longer periods of heat.

Ziploc Bags Are BPA-Free 

The release of harmful chemicals from plastics is one of the biggest concerns, but Ziploc assures consumers that they extensively test their products for potential toxicity. 

Ziploc bags are BPA-free. BPA (Bisphenol A) is one of the primary chemical concerns when it comes to plastic contamination, which is why many makers of plastic products have found ways to remove it from the equation.

However, BPA isn’t the only concern, and there are ingredients in some plastics that could potentially be harmful. 

How To Reheat Ziploc Bags Safely

If you’re still worried that your bag might melt onto your food, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk further. These are:

• Stand watch. If you want to be sure, simply keep an eye on the food as it heats up. If the bag begins to warp, you can quickly remove it and heat the food in a different way.
• Heat food incrementally. You can also heat the food incrementally, stopping the microwave every 30 seconds or so to prevent it from reaching too high temperatures.
• Vent the Ziploc bag. You can leave the bag open or even poke holes in it before you hate it. Doing so will allow the water vapor to escape. 
• Use only microwave-safe bags. Not all plastic bags are microwave-safe. Make sure that the packaging indicates microwave-safe before trying. 
• Cut the food first. If you can cut the food into pieces, you can help it heat up quicker and reduce its time in the microwave.