Sandra from Mechanicsville wants to prepare her “baked” potatoes in the microwave using plastic wrap. What follows are some tips on preparing safely. Enjoy!

We prefer potatoes microwaved without any wrap at all. Just pierce your taters all over (including the ends) with a fork, place on white paper towels on the microwave tray, cook at high for around 5 minutes, turn over, and cook for roughly 5 minutes more. Wrap tighly in aluminum foil and rest for about 5 minutes, this helps crisp them a bit. If you prefer the results of the plastic bags you have used in the past, let us recommend the following:

Potato by verybestbaby.com

  • Be sure to pierce your potatoes with a fork before “wrapping” with the plastic wrap.
  • Microwave-safe plastic wrap should be placed loosely over the potatoes so that steam can escape, and should not directly touch the food. So place potatoes in a deep microwave safe bowl.
  • Because microwaves heat foods more quickly than plastic, leave at least an inch between the food and the wrap covering the dish. This prevents the plastic wrap from melting, which could result from contact with extremely hot foods. Vent excess steam by turning back one corner of the wrap.

What follows are some recommendations from the FDA regarding safely microwaving with plastics.
Containers & Wraps

  • Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
  • Plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers should not be used in microwave ovens. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.
  • Microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving.
  • Never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper or plastic grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave oven.

Brands of Plastic Wrap Labeled for Microwave Use and using no PVdCs
Saran Wrap (Premium)
Reynolds
Glad Wraps (all)

There is much discussion and debate in the press regarding the safety of microwave cooking with plastic. To play it safe, always be sure that your food does not touch the plastic.