Microwave Safe Food Containers

Are stainless steel containers really microwave safe?

It's the first thing most people ask, because we've all been taught that metal and microwaves don't mix. Our microwave safe metal containers are different: the New Prep & Store has a steel base made from a grade and shape (smooth and rounded) that doesn't spark, and it's been certified microwave safe. Pairing it with a glass lid means you can see your food while it heats. The Clip & Seal lunchboxes are microwave safe with the lid removed, and the Lunch Bowl has a glass base that goes in the microwave on its own.

Leakproof and microwave safe — what to know

If you're carrying hot-lunch ingredients on the commute, leakproof matters as much as microwave safe. The Clip & Seal lunchbox seals with a removable silicone gasket and clips, so it's leakproof and airtight in your bag. The Lunch Bowl and New Prep & Store use a press-down vacuum seal, which is leakproof too — but only forms once food has cooled to room temperature, because steam stops the vacuum setting. In practice that means pack your lunch cold in the morning, then take the lid off and heat it at work.

Lid on or lid off?

It depends on the range. The New Prep & Store can go in the microwave with the lid on or off — if you leave it on, lift the vented silicone corner slightly first so steam can escape. The Clip & Seal lunchboxes and the Lunch Bowl need their lids removed before heating. The Lunch Bowl lid is stainless steel, so cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate instead, and keep the silicone sleeve on the base so it's easier to handle when hot. Never use foil.

Plastic-free microwave safe containers — what's touching your food?

If you'd rather not heat food in plastic, this is the range for you. Everything in this collection is made from stainless steel and borosilicate glass, with food-grade silicone for the seals and nothing plastic touching your food. Steel and glass don't stain, warp or hold onto smells the way plastic tubs do — useful when you're reheating a curry or tomato sauce — and they wash up clean in the dishwasher.

Portion sizes, stacking and storage

The New Prep & Store comes in 650ml, 1 litre and 2 litre sizes, and the set of three nests together — lids included — when not in use. That makes it easy to portion out three to five meals in advance on a Sunday and stack them in the fridge or freezer. For more on cooking ahead, take a look at our meal prep containers. The Clip & Seal lunchboxes also stack and nest in the cupboard, in 800ml, 1.2 litre and 2 litre sizes.

Microwaving safely

• Wash all parts in warm soapy water before first use.
• Use microwaves up to and including 1000W, and don't use older 915MHz microwaves with the Prep & Store.
• Keep cutlery and foil out, and don't let the container touch the microwave wall, a metal rack or a metal plate.
• Check for major dents or deep scratches — either can make a container unsuitable for the microwave.
• Use oven gloves or a tea towel when removing it; the container will be hot.

Which Elephant Box containers aren't microwave safe?

Only the ranges in this collection are designed for the microwave. The Elephant Box original, Twist & Lock canisters, Seal & Go pots, snack pods and our other stainless steel lunch boxes aren't — so if you want a microwave safe lunch box or a container for reheating, choose from the range here.

Freezer, oven and dishwasher safe?

Yes to all three. Every container here is freezer safe — leave a gap at the top when freezing liquids, as they expand — and dishwasher safe (top shelf recommended). The New Prep & Store can go in the oven with its lid on or off; the Clip & Seal and Lunch Bowl bases are oven safe up to 200°C with the lid removed. One container can go from freezer to microwave to table.