You’re having cold brewed coffee you wish to take during your commute. The first thing that comes to mind is reheating it in the microwave using a solo cup.
But can you microwave red solo cups? This is an unanswered question that needs an urgent answer.
The answer is NO. It would be best if you didn’t microwave red Solo cups. They’re made of plastics that produce BPA and phthalates when heated. Industrial chemicals cause health issues once they leach into your drink.
Our write-up today expounds on why microwaving red solo cups aren’t recommended.
Why You Shouldn’t Microwave Red Solo Cups
Solo cups are the common vessels we all use at our parties for their cheap cost, are readily available, and conceal the drinks we’re taking accordingly. No wonder why these containers are gaining popularity day by day.
However, microwaving drinks in solo cups poses more harm than most realize.
Solo cups are made of plastics, a one-time product, and thus not recommended for hot liquids. Heat causes BPA and phthalates, industrial chemicals used in making cups, to leach into your drink, thus ingesting it.
Microwaving solo cups and taking hot liquids is unwise and should be avoided.
BPA, the industrial chemical used in polycarbonate plastics, causes serious health issues, especially in the endocrine system.
This chemical also affects the brain and leads to blood pressure.
What Are Red Solo Cups? Should I Microwave My Drink In Them?
Red solo cups are small cups made of thick molded thermoplastic polystyrene. The cups are, therefore, toxic and should never be microwaved.
They contain BPA, which leaches into your drink when subjected to heat. These chemicals can cause health issues, including affecting the endocrine system.
At What Temperatures Does A Red Solo Cup Melt? Should I Microwave It?
As said, red solo cups are made of plastic. They can’t withstand heat and are hence not safe for microwaving. When ingested, heat causes BPA and phthalates to leach into your drink, leading to health complications, especially to the endocrine system.
Different plastics melt at different temperatures depending on their chemical makeup and duration of exposure.
Below is a description of the different plastics and their melting points, clearly showing that melting solo cups isn’t a good idea.
- PET plastics leach at 25 degrees Celsius. We can all agree that this is way too low a temperature. At higher temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius, PET plastics continue to increase antimony, a chemical they contain, at a higher rate. Therefore, it is advisable not to take drinks in these plastics or microwave them.
- Black plastics are not microwave-safe, either. Though most people think they pose a lower risk of leaching their chemicals, they are equally hazardous. Be sure to check for a microwave-safe label before attempting to microwave them.
- FDA-approved BPA–free plastics can only be microwaved for a maximum of 240 hours (about one and a half weeks). They are made of type 5 polypropylene which, with time, leaches into your drink, causing severe health complications.
- HDPE high-density polyethylene plastics are safe for a short time, withstanding up to 248 F 120 degrees Celsius. These plastics can only withstand up to 230F and 110 degrees Celsius on longtime exposure. Their tolerance ranges from –40 to 256 F.
- Pyrex should never be microwaved. You should not microwave cold Pyrex as it undergoes thermal degradation that makes it crack, causing damage to your microwave.
- PVC melts at 160 to 210 degrees Celsius, 320-410 F.
What Is The Effect Of Heat On Red Solo Cups? Will Solo Cups Melt In A Microwave?
Most plastics melt at 170 degrees Celsius 338F. They are, therefore, not preferred for microwaving. Solo cups can’t be microwaved because they contain BPA and phthalates, which leach into your drink, causing health issues when ingested.
Plastics undergo thermal degradation losing strength and toughness. They hence chip, crack or even break.
Solo red cups melt when subjected to heat-releasing toxic fumes which damage your microwave.
Microwaving solo cups also causes them to melt, exploding the microwave. Cleaning or even damaging your microwave may require a lot of time.
If your fluid did not explode, the solo cup might crack on your hands, causing severe burns. I am sure no one would like such an experience.
Can I Use Any Other Alternative To Microwave My Drink?
Although solo and Dixie plates are considered better, they are not microwave-safe.
Some of the approved microwave-safe materials are:
- Glass. Glass is microwave because it has no effect on one’s health and does not react with microwaves.
- Ceramic materials. Contain stoneware and porcelain, which does not react with microwaves. However, you should avoid ceramic materials with metal glazing as they may explode your microwave.
- Microwave-safe plastic containers. Plastic containers like Ziploc are microwave-safe. Be sure to check for the manufacturer’s label microwave-safe.
- You can as well go for Styrofoam which is equally microwave safe.
Are Solo Cups Microwavable? How Can I Identify A Microwave-Safe Vessel?
We have seen that it’s wrong to microwave red solo cups. However, most of us believe that some vessels are microwave safe. Below is a guide on how to identify a microwave-safe plate.
- Examine whether your dish is microwave-safe or not. Most manufacturers indicate whether their products are microwave safe. Microwave-safe containers have a label at the bottom with some wavy lines. If your dish does not have this label, don’t microwave it.
- Pour water into a glass and then place it in your dish. Adjust the microwave’s power to its highest level. You should then microwave your dish for one minute. If the dish is cold and the water is hot, then it is microwave safe. If the dish is hot, then it is not microwave-safe. You shouldn’t pour water into the dish.
Conclusion
Red solo cups are unsafe to put in a microwave. You may also go for other options, such as ceramic and Glass. Be sure to check for a microwave-safe label before you attempt microwaving it.
