Microwavable Meals: Quick, Tasty Dishes

Microwaves are a fantastic invention, allowing us to heat up leftovers and cook simple dishes in a flash. However, it's important to use the right dishes to avoid hazards and potential health risks. The best microwavable dishes are made from glass, ceramic, porcelain, or plastic, as long as they have the all-important microwave-safe label.

When choosing microwave-safe dishes, there are several factors to consider, such as plate diameter, construction material, ease of use, and brand reputation. It's also essential to look for the words BPA-free to ensure your dishes are toxicant-free.

- Amazon Basics 6-Piece Microwave Safe Dinner Plates: These plates are made from durable, BPA-free porcelain, safe for use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.

- Corelle Winter Frost White Dinnerware Set: This 18-piece set is lightweight, durable, and chip-resistant, perfect for everyday use. It includes dinner plates, bread plates, and soup/cereal bowls.

- Gibson Elite Soho Lounge Square Stoneware Dinnerware: This elegant 16-piece set is made from durable, thick ceramic material, safe for the microwave and dishwasher. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs.

- Glasslock 11292 Assorted Oven-Safe Container Set: This 18-piece set includes glass containers and BPA-free lids that are microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher-safe.

- US Acrylic Cambridge Plastic Plate, Bowl, and Tumbler Dinnerware: This colourful, shatterproof set is made from Polypropylene and is dishwasher-safe.

- EUODIA Wheat Straw Flat Microwave Safe Plastic Dinner Plates: These plates are made from natural wheat straw fibre, are BPA-free, and can withstand temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius.

So, whether you're a college student on a budget or a foodie looking for a stylish set, there's a microwave-safe dish set perfect for your needs.

Best microwave-safe dinnerware sets

Microwave-safe dinnerware is a must-have for any kitchen, and there are plenty of stylish options to choose from. Here are some of the best microwave-safe dinnerware sets for your dining needs:

Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set is a popular choice, serving six people and featuring lightweight, chip-resistant, triple-layer glass plates and bowls. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient and durable option for everyday use.

Fotini 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

Crafted from stoneware, this set adds a pop of colour and pattern to your dining table. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and dessert bowls for four people. The scratch-resistant material ensures stacking won't cause damage. It's also microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Annabelle 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This elegant stoneware set is perfect for dinner parties or everyday use. Stoneware is a thicker, heavier, and more durable option, making it ideal for frequent use. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and dessert bowls for four, and is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Edick 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Edick set features an elegant trellis and medallion pattern, perfect for a neutral finish that blends with your existing tableware. Crafted from earthenware, it includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and dessert bowls for four. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Cucina 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

The Cucina set offers stylish and durable plates and bowls crafted from solid ceramics with a subtle antiqued look. It's microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe, making it a versatile option for your dining needs.

Wayfair Basics 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This set offers a sophisticated and understated style, perfect for casual meals or upscale dinner parties. Made from porcelain china, it includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls for four. It's scratch-resistant and microwave and dishwasher-safe.

FreshCatch 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

The FreshCatch set by Euro Ceramica combines colourful fish designs with the convenience of stoneware. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe and includes oversized serving options, making it perfect for outdoor dining and picnics.

Polish Pottery Dinnerware

Polish pottery offers a range of dinner and dessert plates, mugs, and bowls that are oven, dishwasher, stove, and microwave-safe. The unique patterns and rich colours of these stoneware pieces make them stand out.

Blue Pheasant Isla Indigo Stoneware Dinnerware

The Blue Pheasant set features a bold tie-dye pattern and a sea urchin-like texture. The rich indigo shades and Portugal-made stoneware make this set an eclectic and eye-catching choice. It includes dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bread/cupcake plates, cups, and saucers. The set is microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer-safe.

AmorArc Ceramic Dinnerware Set

This set features pink or ocean blue stoneware plates and bowls with a wooden-style bottom. It's scratch-resistant and dishwasher and microwave-safe.

Gibson Elite Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Elite set comes in matte blue, teal and cream, or cobalt blue. It's a stoneware set for four, including dinner plates, dessert plates, mugs, and bowls. The set is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Amazon Basics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set from Amazon Basics is a simple and classic option, including plates, dishes, and bowls for six people. It's microwave and dishwasher-safe.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a microwave-safe dinnerware set that suits your style and dining needs.

Best microwave-safe plates

When choosing the best microwave-safe plates, it is important to consider factors such as size, durability, quantity, and design. Here are some of the best options available:

Amazon Basics 6-Piece Microwave-Safe Dinner Plates

This six-piece plate set from AmazonBasics is known for its durability and elegant white colour. The plates are 10.5 inches in diameter and are made of high-grade porcelain that is BPA-free. They can withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, making them safe for the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven.

Sweese 6-Piece Porcelain Microwave-Safe Colourful Plates

For those looking for smaller plates or a pop of colour, the Sweese six-piece set is a great option. These 7.5-inch plates are perfect for salads or desserts, but can also be used for any type of food. The unique square design with rounded edges makes them stand out. The plates are made of durable, lead-free, and chip-resistant porcelain, and are safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.

Good Cook Microwave Plates (Set of 4)

The Good Cook set of four plates is specifically designed for microwave use. The BPA-free plastic plates are approximately 11.5 inches in diameter and do not get as hot as other materials in the microwave. They feature a handy tab on the rim for easy removal from the microwave and a rounded lip edge to prevent spills. However, they are not suitable for oven or freezer use.

Lightweight and Durable Wheat Straw Plates

These eco-friendly plates are made from organic wheat straw fibre and are free of plastic and BPA. They are designed to be unbreakable under normal use and are very lightweight. The plates come in four pastel colours and are 8 inches wide, making them suitable for smaller microwaves. They are also safe for the microwave, oven, and freezer, and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

Wayfair Basics 10.5" Catering Packs Round Dinner Plate

These 10.5-inch porcelain dinner plates from Wayfair Basics are both fashionable and durable. They are oven-to-table, dishwasher, and microwave safe. The rim design showcases your culinary creations while conveying a classic presentation. The 12-piece packs are perfect for catering to larger groups.

Fiesta Dinnerware 10.5" Dinner Plate

The Fiesta Dinnerware 10.5-inch dinner plates received high ratings for their quality and product care. They are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe. Customers praised the plates for being neither too thin nor too heavy, and for their superior quality and fast shipping.

Denby Studio Blue Coupe Dinner Plates

The Denby Studio Blue Coupe Dinner Plates received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. Customers loved the contemporary design, sturdy construction, and beautiful glazes inspired by natural stone. These plates are perfect for everyday use or serving and are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.

Fiesta Square 10 3/4" Dinner Plate

The Fiesta Square dinner plates received high ratings for their quality, primary material, product care, and rim detail. Customers loved the size, heft, and colour options, as well as the versatility, colours, and quality of these plates. They are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.

Fiesta 7" Appetizer Plate

The Fiesta 7" Appetizer Plate is a great addition to your dinnerware collection. Made from premium quality clay, it is perfect for reheating food in the microwave or oven. The plate is stain and odour-resistant, making it easy to clean in the dishwasher. It received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5, with 91% of people praising its quality.

These options provide a range of styles, materials, and sizes to suit different preferences and microwave needs. Be sure to measure your microwave to ensure your chosen plates fit comfortably.

Best microwave-safe containers with lids

When it comes to choosing the best microwave-safe containers with lids, there are a few factors to consider, such as material, durability, and price. Here are some options that are both functional and practical:

Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set

This set offers a range of shapes and sizes, from small circular containers to larger rectangular ones, ensuring you have the perfect container for any type of food. The glass containers are oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe, and the BPA-free plastic lids provide a tight seal, making them leakproof and odour-resistant. While the lids may be prone to stress and need occasional replacement, this set is a great option for those seeking a durable and leakproof glass container set.

Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set

This set is a classic, streamlined option made from durable tempered glass. The colourful lids make it easy to match them to their corresponding containers, and the smooth rim design reduces the likelihood of chipping over time. While not all containers are leakproof, they are easy to seal and stack neatly for storage. The Pyrex set is microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher-safe, making it a versatile choice for your kitchen.

Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set

If you're looking for a lightweight and convenient option, the Snapware Total Solution set is a great choice. This plastic set includes locking containers and lids that are easy to open and close, providing a tight seal that prevents leaks. The set offers a variety of shapes and sizes, making it perfect for storing and transporting food. While the lids may need occasional replacement, this set is a durable and affordable option.

Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs set is a great choice. This plastic set comes in a variety of sizes, making it perfect for packing and transporting food. While the containers may become soft after microwaving and retain stains and smells, they are an inexpensive and convenient option for storing and transporting food.

AmazonBasics 6-Piece Dinner Plate Set

The AmazonBasics set is perfect for those seeking a simple and elegant option. Made from durable, BPA-free porcelain, these plates are lightweight, stackable, and safe for use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. With a contemporary white finish and a 10.5-inch size, they are a versatile and functional addition to your kitchen.

Best microwave-safe plastic containers

When choosing microwave-safe containers, it's important to consider the material. Glass, ceramic, and plastic containers can be safely used in the microwave, as long as they have the microwave-safe label from the FDA. To get this label, manufacturers must prove that their product does not leach chemicals into food at a level that is unsafe for humans.

Best Overall: C Crest Glass Food Storage Container Set

This sturdy set of 10 glass food storage containers comes in two sizes: 34-ounce containers (7.67 x 5.70 x 2.36 inches) and 12-ounce containers (5.66 x 4.09 x 1.69 inches). The BPA-free plastic lids feature a snap-lock function and silicone seals, making them leak-proof. While the lids are not vented and need to be removed before microwaving, the containers themselves are safe for the microwave, oven, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher.

Best Budget: Promoze 50-Pack

If you're looking for an economical option for bulk buying, these plastic containers from Promoze are a great choice. At around 60 cents per container, you get BPA-safe plastic that is safe for microwave use. Each container holds 28 ounces of food and measures 13.5 x 9.2 x 6.5 inches.

Best for Batch Cooking: Rubbermaid Brilliance Container Set

This set of five 3.2-cup containers with matching lids is perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. The leak-proof, BPA-free plastic lids make them safe for warming and storing food. They are also dishwasher-, microwave-, fridge-, and freezer-safe. Crystal-clear and lightweight, these containers resemble glass but are much safer for packing in a lunch box.

Best for Small Kitchens: EcoMorning Collapsible Containers

These collapsible food containers are perfect for small kitchens as they can be compressed to just over an inch high. The set includes three containers, each holding up to 12 ounces of food. They are also great for taking on the go, as they can fit easily into backpacks and work bags. The locking lids make them leak-proof, and the air-vent valve makes them safe for the microwave and freezer.

Best Microwave and Oven-Safe: Pyrex Simply Store Containers

Pyrex is a trusted brand for food storage, and this six-piece set is no exception. The high-quality, tempered-glass construction won't absorb food flavours, odours, or stains. This set includes one two-cup container (4.75 x 2.25 inches), one four-cup container (6 x 2.75 inches), and one seven-cup container (7.5 x 3.25 inches). These containers are safe for the freezer, fridge, microwave, and oven.

Best microwave-safe dishes for college students

As a college student, you'll need dishes that are durable, affordable, and, most importantly, microwave-safe. Here are some of the best microwave-safe dishes that are perfect for college students:

AmazonBasics 6-Piece Dinner Plate Set

This 6-piece set from AmazonBasics is an excellent choice for college students. The plates are made of durable, BPA-free porcelain, making them lightweight, microwave-safe, oven-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe. With a contemporary white finish and a 10.5-inch size, these plates are perfect for everyday use and stackable for easy storage.

Corelle Winter Frost White Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for something nearly indestructible, the Corelle 18-piece dinnerware set is a great option. Made with triple-layer strong glass, this set is lightweight, break-resistant, chip-resistant, and stackable. It includes six 10.25-inch dinner plates, 6.75-inch bread plates, and 18-ounce soup/cereal bowls. This set is also microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe.

Gibson Elite Soho Lounge Square Stoneware Dinnerware

For a touch of elegance, consider this 16-piece stoneware set from Gibson. The traditional finishing techniques give each piece a unique colour and texture. Made from durable, thick ceramic, the set includes four sets of 10.5-inch square dinner plates, 9-inch square dessert plates, 6.25-inch bowls, and 12-ounce mugs. They are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, but the plates can get hot if heated for longer periods.

21st & Main 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This porcelain dinnerware set is a great everyday option for college students. The set includes four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 7.5-inch dessert plates, and four 7.875-inch soup bowls. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe, chip-resistant, and has a modern design with beautiful colours.

US Acrylic Cambridge Plastic Plate, Bowl, and Tumbler Dinnerware

If you're looking for something more colourful and lightweight, this plastic dinnerware set from US Acrylic is a great choice. The set is made of shatterproof polypropylene, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe. It comes in three different colours, making it a fun and vibrant addition to any meal.

When choosing microwave-safe dishes, consider your budget, the materials used, durability, and ease of cleaning. Remember to always look for the microwave-safe symbol on the bottom of the dishes to ensure they are safe for microwave use.

Frequently asked questions