Aluminum in microwave

Q&A section

Contrary to popular belief, many consumers mistakenly think that aluminum cannot be used in microwave ovens. However, this is not the case. Here you will find answers to the most common asked questions.

Can you put aluminum foil in the microwave?

It is important to distinguish between types of foil. Thin tin foil, used for covering food components, should generally not be put in the microwave oven to avoid hazards. However, if we are talking about aluminum containers, then yes, they can be safely used in the microwave oven, provided certain guidelines from EAFA (European Aluminium Foil Association) are followed. 

Can you microwave aluminum foil?

We normally recommend not to put aluminum tinfoil in the microwave oven, due to the risk of sparking, which can be very dangerous. If you choose to use it, make sure to keep it far away from the edges of the microwave oven and keep a close eye on the microwave oven, to prevent sparking. If sparks occur, please turn off the microwave oven fast to prevent fire. 

Can aluminum foil go in the microwave?

Unlike the above-mentioned tin foil, when talking about thicker foil used to craft aluminum containers, then the answer is yes. Many consumers mistakenly believe that aluminum cannot be used in the microwave oven oven. However, that is not true. Aluminum containers such as our Ready2Cook® can also be heated in the microwave oven oven as well as in traditional ovens. 

Can you microwave tinfoil?

As previously mentioned, we advise against using aluminum foil in the microwave due to the risk of sparking and potential fire hazards. However, smaller pieces can be used as long as they do not come into contact with the walls of the microwave oven.

If you choose to use aluminum foil regardless, please ensure that the foil is new and unwrinkled to minimize the risk of sparks. Additionally, if your microwave oven oven has a metal turntable, ensure that the food is placed on a non-metal surface.

Can you microwave aluminiums foil?

As previously discussed, microwaving aluminium foil is not recommended, but there are some ways in which that can make the process safer. First and foremost, keeping an eye on what is being microwaved to ensure there is no sparking or overheating. Always make sure to check your microwave oven manual for specifications and recommendations to ensure safe usage.

Can tin foil go in the microwave oven?

Tin and aluminum foil are often interchanged as the same material due to their similar usages, but they are not quite the same. The foil used most commonly nowadays is rarely made out of aluminum tinfoil, but usage of the word tin foil has stuck even when the more versatile alternative, aluminum was introduced. Aluminum foil is not recommended to be used in the microwave, but if used it must be done with the guidance mentioned above.

How long can aluminum foil be in the microwave?

As always, we must distinguish between tin foil and aluminum foil made for food containers. If you use tin foil, which we do not recommend, please keep the tin foil in the microwave oven for as short amount of time as possible. If you use aluminum containers, please look at the cooking instructions to ensure the right heating.

Can you microwave aluminum?

To determine if you can microwave aluminum, it depends on what type of aluminum foil is being used. Aluminum can come in different materials, usages and recommendations. In terms of microwaving aluminum packaging trays with ready meals, it is suitable to microwave as further explained below.

Can you microwave aluminum trays?

The safety of using aluminum containers in the microwave oven oven is a topic of misconception. A comprehensive study conducted by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) indicates that aluminum packaging is indeed suitable for microwave oven cooking, provided certain guidelines are adhered to. EAFA uses these guidelines for safe use of aluminium containers in the microwave oven: 


  • Remove or loosely remove the lid or wrap from the container (follow instructions from the manufacturer if unsure). 
  • Ensure that the meal covers most of the base of the container. 
  • Place the aluminum container in the middle of the turntable in the microwave oven. 
  • Ensure that the aluminum container does not come in contact with the walls of the microwave oven. EAFA recommends leaving at least 2.5 cm of space between the container and the side walls. 
  • Only place ONE container in the microwave oven oven at a time. 

Aluminum in microwave

Using aluminum in the microwave oven depends on the specific material. Aluminum foil in the microwave oven should be done with caution and following guidelines that your microwave oven and food reheating outlines. Trays made from aluminum and not in foil form, are safe to use in the microwave oven according to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). If you are looking for microwave oven safe containers for reheating, then take a look at our Ready2Cook®  range, customized for ready-to-heat meals.  

Aluminum container

Aluminum containers have undergone a lot of questioning on whether they are microwave oven safe or not. We are here to say that according to research done by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) aluminum can go in the microwave oven, if certain criterias are met. Plus Pack’s selection of aluminum containers are versatile options for the ease of costumers with easy reheating options, like the microwave oven.

Can you microwave aluminum takeout containers?

Yes, you can microwave aluminum takeout containers. Aluminum trays are ideal solutions for ready meals that require reheating, as they can be used in the microwave oven, oven and grill. When using aluminum takeout containers in the microwave oven there are a few straightforward guidelines to ensure safe practice. Including removing the lid, making sure the meal should cover most of the base of the container, placing the container in the middle of the turntable, not touch the walls of the microwave oven and only reheating one container at a time.

Can you put aluminum takeout containers in the oven?

Similarly, to aluminum takeout containers in the microwave oven, aluminum containers can also go in the oven. Due to the temperatures aluminum takeout containers can withstand, they can go in the oven to cook or reheat food. Our popular Ready2Cook® range can go from freezer or fridge to oven, microwave oven or to the grill with ease.

can you put tin in the microwave oven?

It is not recommended putting tin cans in the microwave oven, as there are usually different forms of metal used that could make their microwave oven usage dangerous. In addition to their different metal compositions there is also a thin coating of plastic labelling that also cannot determine microwave oven accessibility.

Can you put an aluminum pan in the microwave oven?

With the before mentioned features in mind using an aluminum pan in the microwave is not recommended. The main danger is sparking, due to the reflections of metal from the pan. A pan is made with different materials and thickness in comparison to an aluminum tray that can be used in the microwave oven.