Yes, the black plastic bottoms are usually microwave-safe (polypropylene), but you must remove the clear lids. Always check the bottom for a #5 symbol.
You just finished a meal at Applebee’s, and you have enough Riblets or Fiesta Lime Chicken left for tomorrow. Bringing leftovers home is a great way to stretch your food budget. But when hunger strikes the next day, you face a common kitchen dilemma.
You need to know if that plastic container can go straight into the microwave. Nobody wants to ruin a good meal with melted plastic or chemical tastes. The packaging looks sturdy, but appearances deceive. Different parts of the container handle heat differently.
Microwaving takeout containers requires a quick safety check. Applebee’s uses specific types of packaging that have distinct rules. If you ignore these rules, you might damage your microwave or contaminate your food. This guide covers exactly how to handle those boxes.
Identifying Applebee’s To-Go Containers
Applebee’s locations generally use a standardized set of containers. Knowing what you have is the first step. Most meals come in a two-piece rectangular or round assembly. These usually feature a black base and a clear, snap-on lid.
The base feels rigid and thick. It often has textured ridges on the bottom. Restaurants choose this material because it resists grease and holds heat well during transport. It is designed to keep your food warm on the drive home.
The lid is different. It is clear, crinkly, and much thinner than the base. It lets the server double-check the order without opening the box. However, this plastic type reacts poorly to high heat. It warps easily.
Some locations may still use older packaging styles. You might see cardboard boxes, especially for appetizers like wings or nachos. A few franchise locations might even use expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), though this is rare now due to environmental bans in many states.
Container Material Breakdown
Table 1 below details the specific materials you will find in your takeout bag. It provides a quick reference for which parts can handle heat.
| Container Component | Material Type | Microwave Safety Status |
|---|---|---|
| Black Rectangular Base | Polypropylene (PP) | Safe (Check for #5) |
| Round Black Bowl | Polypropylene (PP) | Safe (Check for #5) |
| Clear Snap-On Lid | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | Not Safe (Remove before heating) |
| Small Sauce Cups (Ramekins) | Polystyrene (PS) | Not Safe (Will melt) |
| Cardboard Clamshell | Paperboard | Safe (If no metal handle) |
| Foil Wrapping | Aluminum | Never Safe (Fire hazard) |
| Paper Bag | Recycled Paper | Risk (Can catch fire if dry) |
Detailed Assessment: Are Applebees Containers Microwavable?
The question “Are Applebees Containers Microwavable?” has a two-part answer. The bottom half usually works fine, but the top half spells trouble. This distinction matters because a single mistake can ruin your lunch.
Most Applebee’s black bases are made of Polypropylene. This plastic is tough and heat-resistant. It withstands temperatures up to roughly 250°F (121°C). Since microwaves heat water molecules in food to boiling (212°F), this plastic typically stays stable.
However, the clear lids are usually Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or Polystyrene. These plastics have a much lower melting point. If you leave the lid on, steam builds up inside. The hot steam hits the lid, causing it to warp, shrink, or melt directly onto your food.
Sauce cups pose a sneaky risk. Those small plastic cups holding your ranch or salsa are often made of standard polystyrene. They look like the clear lids but are even more fragile. If you zap them for even 10 seconds, they often collapse into a puddle.
Why The “Microwave Safe” Label Matters
Manufacturers test containers specifically for microwave use. A container passes only if it does not warp, melt, or release chemicals at standard reheating temperatures. If a container lacks a safety label, you are guessing.
You should verify the labeling on every single container. Even if it looks like the one you had last week, suppliers change. A shortage might force a local manager to buy generic containers that lack the heat resistance of the standard brand.
Checking The Resin Identification Codes
You do not need to be a chemist to identify safe plastics. The industry uses a numbering system called Resin Identification Codes. You will find these numbers inside a triangle of arrows, usually stamped on the bottom of the container.
Number 5 PP (The Gold Standard)
Look for the number 5. The letters “PP” often appear below the triangle. This stands for Polypropylene. It is the most common material for microwave-safe takeout boxes. It is tough, flexible, and resists high temperatures.
If your black Applebee’s tray has a number 5, you can proceed with caution. This material does not leach chemicals easily during short heating cycles. It is the industry standard for hot food delivery.
Number 1 PET & Number 6 PS (The Danger Zones)
The clear lids usually bear a number 1 (PET or PETE). While excellent for water bottles and cold salads, PET degrades under heat. It is not designed for the microwave. If you heat this, it may warp and release additives into your meal.
Number 6 is Polystyrene (PS). This includes Styrofoam and hard, brittle clear plastics. You must keep number 6 away from the microwave. It contains styrene, a compound that can migrate into food when heated. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, styrene is a reasonably anticipated carcinogen, so avoiding heat exposure with this plastic is a smart health move.
Number 7 (The Wild Card)
Sometimes you see a number 7. This category means “Other.” It includes bioplastics, polycarbonate, and mixed blends. Unless the container explicitly says “Microwave Safe” next to the number 7, assume it is unsafe. The variability in this category makes it too risky for guesswork.
How To Reheat Applebee’s Leftovers Safely
Proper reheating preserves the texture of your food and keeps you safe. Once you confirm the base is safe, follow these steps. Do not just hit the “Add 30 Seconds” button and walk away.
Step 1: Inspect The Container
Flip the black base over. Wipe off any grease so you can see the code clearly. Confirm it has a #5 symbol or the words “Microwave Safe.” If you see no markings, transfer the food to a plate. It is better to wash a dish than to eat melted plastic.
Step 2: Remove The Lid And Sauce Cups
Take the clear lid off completely. Do not simply pop the corners to vent it. The rising steam is hot enough to warp the lid even if it is not touching the food. Check for any hidden ramekins of coleslaw or dressing and remove them.
Step 3: Cover With A Safe Alternative
You need to cover the food to prevent splatters and retain moisture. Use a paper towel or a microwave-safe ceramic plate. A damp paper towel works best for items like pasta or rice, as it steams the food gently.
Step 4: Heat In Intervals
Microwaves heat unevenly. This creates hot spots that can scorch the plastic bottom. Heat your food in 60-second intervals. Stir the food between cycles. This distributes the heat and prevents the container from getting too hot in one specific area.
Applebee’s Takeout Box Heat Safety Risks
Even with safe plastics, risks exist. Plastic is a petroleum product. Overheating it pushes the material to its limit. If you cook food for too long, fats and oils reach temperatures well above the boiling point of water.
Greasy foods like cheese, butter, or meat fats can superheat. They might exceed the temperature rating of Polypropylene (250°F). When this happens, the plastic surface can pit or blister. This is a sign of thermal damage.
When plastic pits, microscopic bits of the material may enter your food. This is migration. While regulatory bodies consider approved plastics safe, they test them under specific conditions. Superheating fatty foods creates conditions outside the safety zone.
Old or scratched containers pose another issue. If you reuse the black trays multiple times, the protective surface wears down. Scratches harbor bacteria and weaken the structure. Treat these containers as single-use items for the best safety.
Detailed Reheating Instructions By Dish
Different foods require different approaches. Table 2 outlines the best method for common Applebee’s menu items. This ensures your food tastes fresh and stays safe.
| Menu Item | Recommended Method | Time & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Riblets / Ribs | Microwave (Low Power) | Heat 2 mins at 50% power to keep meat tender. Add a splash of water. |
| Pasta / Chicken Alfredo | Microwave (covered) | Add 1 tbsp milk/water. Heat 90 secs, stir, heat again. |
| Chicken Wings | Oven / Air Fryer | Microwaves make wings soggy. Oven at 375°F for 10 mins is best. |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Microwave | Heat 45 secs, stir well to avoid cold center. Repeat until bubbly. |
| Burgers | Disassemble | Heat patty only (60 secs). Toast bun separately. Add cold toppings after. |
| Fries | Oven / Air Fryer | Do not microwave. They become soggy. Air fry 3 mins at 400°F. |
| Salads | Do Not Heat | Remove protein (chicken/shrimp) to heat separately. |
Better Alternatives To Microwaving Plastic
While asking “Are Applebees Containers Microwavable?” is smart, asking “Is there a better way?” is smarter. Microwaving is fast, but it rarely yields the best flavor. Transferring food to real cookware usually improves the quality of your meal.
Glass and Ceramic
Glass containers are chemically inert. They do not react with acids or fats. You can heat glass for long periods without worrying about melting. Ceramic bowls work equally well. They hold heat longer, keeping your food warm while you eat.
Using a real plate also helps with portion control and presentation. Eating directly from a plastic box feels like a sad desktop lunch. Plating your food makes the leftovers feel like a proper meal again.
The Oven Method
For items like appetizers, wings, or fries, the oven wins. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the food on a foil-lined baking sheet. This restores the crispness that the microwave destroys. Never put the plastic Applebee’s container in the oven. It will melt instantly and ruin your appliance.
The Stovetop Method
Pasta dishes and soups reheat best on the stove. Dump the Alfredo or tomato soup into a small saucepan. Add a splash of water or cream. Heat over medium-low flame. This prevents the sauce from breaking or separating, which often happens in the microwave.
Environmental Impact And Disposal
Once you finish your meal, you must dispose of the packaging responsibly. The black plastic bases are technically recyclable (Number 5), but they face a sorting challenge. Many recycling facilities use optical scanners to sort plastics on conveyor belts.
Black plastic absorbs light. The scanners often fail to “see” the black trays against the black conveyor belt. Consequently, many of these trays end up in landfills even if you put them in the recycle bin. Check your local municipal guidelines to see if they accept black polypropylene.
The clear lids (Number 1 PET) are highly recyclable. Rinse them off and toss them in the blue bin. Cardboard boxes should be flattened. If the cardboard is soaked in grease, it cannot be recycled, but it might be compostable depending on local rules.
General Rules For Takeout Containers
The lessons from Applebee’s packaging apply to most chain restaurants. The industry is shifting toward safer plastics, but you must remain vigilant. Always look for the relevant symbols.
Avoid assuming that “sturdy” means safe. Heavy-duty Deli containers often handle heat well, but rigid polystyrene (like clear bakery boxes) cracks and melts. The texture is a clue. Waxy or brittle plastics usually fail the heat test. Slightly flexible, cloudy, or matte plastics usually pass.
Be careful with “compostable” or “eco-friendly” bowls. These fiber-based bowls often contain a liner to hold liquids. Some of these liners degrade rapidly under high heat. If a fiber bowl feels soft or soggy, do not microwave it. It might collapse when you try to lift it.
Common Myths About Microwaving Plastic
Myth: If it doesn’t melt, it’s safe.
False. Plastic can release additives before it reaches visible melting points. Chemical migration happens at the molecular level. This is why checking the code matters more than a visual inspection.
Myth: You can reuse the container forever.
False. Takeout containers are designed for limited use. Repeated heating and scrubbing create micro-abrasions. These scratches trap food particles and bacteria. Retire the container after a few uses.
Myth: All clear plastic is unsafe.
False. While the Applebee’s lid is unsafe, some clear heavy-duty containers (like Rubbermaid or Tupperware) are made of Tritan or other heat-safe materials. The thickness and the code (#7 or #5) usually differentiate these from disposable lids.
Recap On Reheating
Safety comes first when dealing with leftovers. So, are Applebees containers microwavable? The black base generally is, but the lid is not. Ignoring this distinction leads to warped plastic and potential chemical exposure. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, regardless of the container you use.
Take ten seconds to check the bottom of the tray. Look for the number 5. Remove the lid. Cover with a paper towel. These simple steps ensure your second meal tastes just as good as the first one. When in doubt, grab a ceramic plate. It is the only way to be 100% sure your food remains chemical-free.