Ice-cream containers are specially designed cans or boxes meant to store homemade ice cream in the cabinet of the merchandiser freezer.
All ice-cream containers must have an easily tightened lid for perfect storage and transportation. That ensures no spillage, and the air does not get in, forcing the ice-cream temperatures to lower.
The containers come in different shapes and sizes for the consumer to choose from, depending on their preferences. Again, they could be metallic or plastic, particularly polypropylene.
Are Ice Cream Containers Microwave Safe?
Some ice cream containers are microwave safe. Whether an ice cream container is usable in a microwave or not is dependent on the material. Plastic or polypropylene-made containers are perfectly usable in microwaves without posing any health risk. Since plastic materials don’t block the heat waves from the microwave, it makes it easier for someone to warm up what’s in the container easily and faster. On the other hand, using a metallic container in microwaves is highly discouraged. That’s because they prevent heat from warming the content inside and could also damage the microwave via nuking.
Why I Choose to Use Ice-Cream Containers in Microwave
I have always believed in conservation and the need to reuse and recycle materials to ensure environmental protection. As an ice cream lover, I don’t just throw away the containers. I have a particular use for them in the kitchen.
So for me, buying an ice cream comes as a double portion since I will enjoy my cream and reuse the container. Here are a few reasons I like using ice cream containers for microwave heating.
1. Container Size
Ice-cream containers come in different sizes, making it easier to use them to heat various types of meals using the microwave.
2. Container Shape
Although there are different shapes the ice-cream containers come with, I’m always selective. I like the circular or rectangular tins, especially when I know I will use them in my microwave.
3. Container Material
Ice-cream containers are primarily made of polypropylene plastic, a solid and thick plastic that allows heating but doesn’t melt. As such, it’s one of the best containers one can use when heating a meal using the microwave. Other containers may be glass-made, which are the best. Nevertheless, there are only a few glass ice cream containers in the market.
4. Food-grade Packaging
Ice cream containers in the market are food-grade, meaning they are certified to come into contact with food products. That guarantees to reuse the container for my microwave food warming.
Why Does it Matter the Use of Plastic Ice Cream Containers?
When dealing with ice-creams and the need to reuse the containers, plastic containers are better than metallic or glass ones. I have learned this out of experience. I prefer plastic in several ways in which they show its strength.
1. Strength
Plastic containers are malleable and flexible, hence do not break or dent easily. That’s unlike the metals that dent or glasses that break easily. Besides, plastic allocates spaces to the content inside, hence suitable even if the food inside changes state from solid to liquid and vice versa.
2. Stain-free
For the times I have used plastic ice-cream containers for my microwave activities, I can confidently say they don’t stain. It’s a good thing I don’t have to fear that my meal could be stained from colors stuck on the container from the previous content. On this one, I think the container is reliable.
3. No odors are retained
One of the things I dislike is when my food container wouldn’t let go of the odor of the previous content. For me, each dish is unique and shouldn’t have its smell altered. In some cases, changing the aroma just makes the food less attractive.
When I started using plastic ice cream containers, I feared this might be the case, but fortunately, to my surprise, these containers didn’t retain odors from the previous meal.
4. Easy to wash
Even without comparing the plastic containers with the metallic or glass ones, I can attest that they are not that hard to clean. For the times I have used them, it doesn’t have many struggles when washing them. Whether I use hot or cold water, it’s not that hard to get them well cleaned and rinsed.
5. Environmental conservation
Presently, plastics are a menace in terms of environmental degradation. That’s why I like reusing the containers where possible. As an ice cream lover, I consider it a personal responsibility to take part in environmental care.
Imagine eating your favorite ice cream and still caring for the environment. It’s so fulfilling for me, and I never want to miss out on it.
Enough about the Container, a Bonus on How to Make an Ice-Cream!
If you have always wanted to make ice cream at home, here is a recipe that I use and hopes it benefits you!
Ingredients
- 300 grams of sugar,
- 800 mL of milk,
- ½ teaspoon of salt,
- 6 egg yolks, and
- 2 teaspoons of flavoring powder.
Procedure
- Step 1: Create a milk base by simmering the milk with the flavoring powder.
- Step 2: Let the milk base cool for some time.
- Step 3: Create a mixture of salt, sugar, and the eggs until it’s a pasty and sticky solid.
- Step 4: Mix the mixture in step 3 with the cooled milk base. Stir until it’s adequately liquefied.
- Step 5: Simmer the mixture and let it thicken and become creamy.
- Step 6: Leave the mixture to rest and cool.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the mixer in the freezer part of your fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions on Are Ice Cream Containers Microwave Safe?
How Do I tell That I Can Use An Ice Cream Container in a Microwave?
It needs to be strong enough not to melt under the microwave heat. You can tell this by touching the container and feeling how strong the container is, or if it is labeled no. 5, which means it is made of polypropylene.
Which Type of Ice Cream Containers Can I Use in the Microwave?
Plastic and glass containers may be preferable to use in the microwave. Metallic cans are the worst since they limit the amount of heat passed to the content inside.
Is There Anything I Can Observe on the Container to Show It’s Microwave Safe?
If you’re keen enough to check the container, you will see the squiggly lines which indicate the container is microwave safe.