Yes, the black plastic bases are typically microwave-safe, but you must remove the clear plastic lids before heating to prevent melting.
You just finished a meal at Applebee’s and brought home some Spinach Artichoke Dip or the rest of your Riblets. Now you need to heat them up. The big question is whether you can just toss that container straight into the microwave or if you need to dirty a plate.
Most restaurant packaging looks similar, but materials vary significantly. Putting the wrong type of plastic in the microwave can ruin your leftovers and damage your appliance. Applebee’s locations generally use a two-part container system. The base usually handles heat well, while the lid does not.
We will break down exactly how to identify safe containers, which parts to avoid nuking, and how to keep chemicals out of your food.
Identifying Applebee’s Takeout Box Materials
Not all plastic handles heat the same way. Restaurants source packaging from various suppliers, so the exact brand of container might change depending on your local franchise. However, the materials remain consistent across most locations. You need to look at the resin identification code.
This code is a number inside a triangle of arrows, usually stamped on the bottom of the container. This number tells you the plastic type and its heat tolerance.
The Black Plastic Base
The bottom part of the container, where the food sits, is almost always made of Polypropylene (PP). You will see a number 5 inside the recycling triangle. Polypropylene is robust. It has a high melting point of about 320°F (160°C). This makes it heat-resistant enough for standard reheating cycles.
These bases are thick and rigid. They are designed to hold hot food immediately after cooking. Because of this high heat tolerance, the black base rarely warps unless exposed to extremely high temperatures or sugary sauces that get hotter than the boiling point of water.
The Clear Plastic Lid
The lid is a different story. These clear tops are usually made from Polystyrene (PS, #6) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, #1). These plastics are excellent for clarity and sealing but terrible for heat. They have much lower melting points.
If you leave the lid on, the steam from your food can warp it. If the food touches the lid while heating, the plastic will likely melt into your meal. Always remove the lid before reheating.
Plastic Resin Codes and Safety Guide
Understanding the symbols on the bottom of your takeout box eliminates guesswork. This table breaks down common plastics found in restaurant packaging and their safety status.
| Resin Code | Plastic Name | Microwave Safe? | Common Applebee’s Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 PETE | Polyethylene Terephthalate | No (Melts/Warps) | Clear Lids, Sauce Cups |
| #2 HDPE | High-Density Polyethylene | Usually Yes | Opaque Jugs (Rare for food) |
| #3 PVC | Polyvinyl Chloride | No (Releases toxins) | Cling Wrap |
| #4 LDPE | Low-Density Polyethylene | Sometimes | Coatings on paper cups |
| #5 PP | Polypropylene | Yes (High Heat) | Black Bases, Soup Cups |
| #6 PS | Polystyrene | No (Leaches styrene) | Clear Lids, Foam Boxes |
| #7 Other | Various/Bioplastics | Varies (Check Label) | Compostable Fiber Bowls |
| No Number | Unidentified | No | Generic Utensils |
How to Verify Your Specific Container
Before you push the start button, flip the container over. You are looking for two specific indicators. First, check for the phrase “Microwave Safe.” Manufacturers often emboss this directly onto the plastic. If you see it, you are good to go.
If there is no text, look for the microwave symbol. This usually looks like a box with three wavy lines inside. Some variations show a dish with wavy lines above it. Any icon depicting wavy lines indicates the material passed testing for microwave use.
Finally, confirm the resin ID. As noted in the table above, a #5 indicates Polypropylene. This is the gold standard for takeout containers. If you see a #6 or a #1, transfer the food to a plate immediately. Never rely on the thickness of the plastic alone. Thick Styrofoam melts easily, while thin Polypropylene might handle the heat just fine.
Risks of Microwaving the Wrong Plastic
Putting non-safe plastics in the microwave creates both physical and chemical hazards. The most obvious issue is physical failure. A melted container can spill hot grease or soup, creating a burn hazard and a mess to clean up. But the invisible risks are more concerning.
Chemical Migration
When plastics not designed for high heat are microwaved, chemicals can migrate into the food. This is known as leaching. Substances like styrene (from #6 plastic) or phthalates (plasticizers) can contaminate your meal.
Fatty foods like the cheese on your Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken accelerate this process. Fats reach high temperatures quickly and act as a solvent for certain chemical compounds in plastic. According to the FDA’s guidance on microwaving plastics, you should only use containers that strictly meet safety standards for this exact reason. If the container isn’t marked safe, assume it isn’t.
Uneven Heating and Warping
Microwaves heat water molecules. This creates hot spots in the food. Even if a container doesn’t melt completely, it might warp or buckle at these hot spots. A buckled base can cause the container to tip over when you try to remove it from the oven, leading to spills. Warping also indicates the plastic structure is breaking down, which increases the likelihood of chemical migration.
Are Applebee’s To Go Containers Microwave Safe?
The direct answer is mixed because the container has two parts. The black base is safe. The lid is not. If you put the entire closed unit in the microwave, you will ruin the lid and potentially the food.
Applebee’s uses high-quality black Polypropylene for the base because it is durable and rigid. It survives the journey from the restaurant to your home without collapsing. This material absorbs very little microwave energy itself; it stays relatively cool while the food inside heats up.
However, you must treat the base with care. While safe, it is not indestructible. Avoid heating it for long periods (over 2-3 minutes) without checking. High-sugar sauces like the glaze on Riblets or high-fat items can exceed the thermal limit of even sturdy plastic.
Proper Reheating Techniques
Getting your food hot without melting the container is only half the battle. You also want the food to taste good. Microwaves can dry out meat and make bread rubbery. Here is how to get the best results using the original container base.
Start by removing the lid. Place a damp paper towel over the top of the black base. This traps steam, which keeps your pasta or chicken moist. It also prevents splatters, keeping your microwave clean. The paper towel is safe and won’t melt like the plastic lid.
Use the 50% power setting. Most people blast leftovers on high. This overheats the outer edges while leaving the center cold. Lowering the power gives the heat time to distribute evenly. This protects the plastic container from hot spots and ensures your food reaches the USDA recommended internal temperature of 165°F without drying out.
The Glass Transfer Method
While the black base is safe, the absolute safest option is transferring food to glass or ceramic. Glass is inert. It will not leach chemicals, no matter how hot the food gets. It also holds heat better than thin plastic, keeping your meal warm while you eat.
If you have items with heavy sauces or oils, transfer them. Grease can get incredibly hot, far exceeding 212°F. This superheated grease can pit or melt the surface of the plastic base, creating a rough texture. If you see white rough spots on your container after washing it, that is heat damage. Throw that container away.
Reheating Specific Applebee’s Menu Items
Different foods react differently to reheating. A one-size-fits-all approach leads to soggy fries and rubbery shrimp. Here is a breakdown of how to handle specific popular items found in Applebee’s takeout bags.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This dip is high in fat and cheese. It requires gentle heating. If you nuke it on high, the oil will separate, and the edges will bubble violently. Keep it in the black base, cover with a paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval. This distributes the heat and keeps the emulsion smooth.
Riblets and Chicken Tenders
Meat dries out quickly. For Riblets, add a teaspoon of water to the container before heating. The water turns to steam and revitalizes the BBQ sauce. For Chicken Tenders, the microwave will ruin the crunch. The black container is safe, but the result will be soggy. A toaster oven or air fryer is a better choice for anything breaded.
Comparing Reheating Methods
Sometimes the microwave isn’t the best tool, even if the container allows it. The table below helps you decide when to use the black box and when to switch methods for quality.
| Menu Item | Best Method | Container to Use | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta / Bowls | Microwave | Black Base (Safe) | 2-3 Mins (Stir halfway) |
| Boneless Wings | Air Fryer / Oven | Metal Sheet / Basket | 5-7 Mins at 375°F |
| Steaks / Ribs | Oven / Skillet | Glass / Pan | 10-15 Mins at 250°F |
| Salads | Do Not Heat | Original Container | N/A |
| Soups | Microwave / Pot | Ceramic Bowl | 2-3 Mins |
| Fries | Skillet / Air Fryer | Pan | 3-5 Mins |
| Burgers | Disassemble | Plate (Patty only) | 1 Min (Heat patty only) |
Reuse and Recycling of Takeout Containers
Once you finish your meal, you have an empty black box. Since it is durable Polypropylene, you might want to keep it. These containers are generally top-rack dishwasher safe. The heat of the dishwasher is lower than the melting point of #5 plastic.
However, these are meant to be “sem-disposable.” They are not Tupperware. After a few uses, micro-cracks can form. These cracks harbor bacteria that standard washing might not remove. Use them for storing leftovers or organizing small items like screws or office supplies, but retire them if they show signs of scratching or warping.
Recycling the Black Plastic
Disposal is tricky. While #5 plastic is recyclable, the black pigment poses a problem for many recycling facilities. Optical sorters at recycling plants use light reflection to identify plastic types. Black plastic absorbs light, making it invisible to many of these machines. Consequently, it often ends up in the landfill even if you put it in the blue bin.
Check your local municipal guidelines. Some modern facilities can handle black polypropylene, but many cannot. The clear lids (#1 PET) are almost universally recyclable, so always toss those in the recycle bin after a quick rinse.
Handling Fiber and Cardboard Containers
Occasionally, Applebee’s might use fiber or cardboard boxes, especially for appetizers or sides. These look like brown paper material. These are microwave-safe in terms of toxicity; they won’t leach chemicals. However, they lack structural integrity when wet.
If your food is saucy or greasy, the bottom of a fiber box will get soggy and may tear when you lift it. It is always smarter to slide the food onto a real plate. Fiber containers can also catch fire if heated for too long without enough moisture content, though this is rare with standard reheating times.
Summary of Safety Steps
Eating leftovers should be easy and safe. When dealing with Applebee’s packaging, remember to separate the components. The sturdy black bottom is your friend; the clear flimsy top is your enemy. Keep the heat moderate, use a cover to prevent messes, and inspect the container for damage before reusing it.
If you ever feel unsure about a container’s material—perhaps it lacks a code or feels unusually thin—skip the risk. A ceramic plate is always 100% safe, easy to clean, and presents your food better than a plastic box ever could.