Are Bamboo Bowls And Plates Microwave Safe? – All the Risks Involved!

Got your new bamboo bowls and plates and wondering if you can use them in the microwave? Not all dinnerware materials are microwave-safe. Therefore, you should always research a certain material before using it in the microwave. So, are bamboo bowls and plates microwave safe?

Bamboo bowls and plates are not microwave-safe. It consists of an adhesive that sticks the natural bamboo fibers together. The glue melts under excess microwave heat and the toxins from the glue mix up with the food. These toxins damage human kidneys and the respiratory tract.

You must know what happens when you put bamboo plates and bowls in the microwave oven so you can avoid using them. Look for safer options such as microwave-safe glass, porcelain, pyrex, etc. Let’s get into more details now!

Can You Microwave Bamboo Bowls and Plates Safely?

Using bamboo bowls and plates in a microwave oven isn’t a good idea. Bamboo consists of natural fibers that can’t withstand the high heat from the microwave. Microwaves are energetic and destroy the fibers within the bamboo bowls and plates.

Bamboo is a durable dinnerware material. Using bamboo bowls and plates for hot food is safe. However, manufacturers suggest that bamboo can’t endure the excess heat of microwaves. 

Once the bamboo dinnerware starts to melt in the microwave, all of its components (including some toxins) can mix up with your food. So, it poses potential health risks. 

Bamboo is a natural and biodegradable material. It is not designed for enduring high levels of heat and energetic waves. It is a durable material but not durable enough to stay intact under immense heat. That’s why bamboo bowls and plates aren’t microwave-friendly. 

What Happens When You Microwave Bamboo Bowls and Plates?

Microwaving bamboo bowls and plates will destroy their internal structure. Manufacturers use glue to stick natural fibers of bamboo to prepare bamboo dinnerware. 

The excess heat from the microwave oven will melt the glue and the structure of the dinnerware will distort. It won’t occur the first time if done for a minute or so, but as you keep on using the same bamboo plate in the microwave, it will eventually destroy. 

Moreover, the adhesive in bamboo plates and bowls consists of toxins. These toxins can mix with your food when the glue melts due to microwave heat.

Melamine formaldehyde resin is a common adhesive used in bamboo plates and bowls. It releases dangerous components when melted. 

Melamine is harmful to the kidney and causes stone formation. Formaldehyde has carcinogenic effects and forms cancer cells in the nasopharynx (upper part of the throat). All these issues can arise if the adhesive from bamboo dinnerware dissolves into your food upon heating.

Instead of using bamboo, you can opt for microwave-safe glass bowls or stoneware. These don’t release any harmful toxins in the food and their structure remains intact in the microwave as well.

Final Thoughts

Bamboo bowls and plates aren’t microwave-safe because they can melt in excess heat. The excess microwave heat and strong waves in the oven destroy the internal components of bamboo. The adhesive used to stick bamboo fibers together also melts in the microwave and dissolves with the food. The toxins present in the glue pose certain harmful effects on humans.