Yes, most black Applebee’s takeout containers are made of polypropylene (plastic #5) and are microwave-safe, but you must remove the clear lid and check the bottom for a “Microwave Safe” icon or “PP” stamp before heating.
You enjoyed the meal, but the portion sizes at Applebee’s often leave you with plenty of leftovers. Now you are standing in your kitchen, holding that black plastic container, wondering if it can go straight into the microwave. Nobody wants to ruin a good meal with melted plastic or leach chemicals into their food.
Restaurant chains utilize various suppliers for their packaging. While many locations have standardized their to-go boxes, differences exist based on region and stock availability. You need to know exactly what to look for on the container itself to verify it is safe for heat.
This guide breaks down how to identify the material of your takeout box, the symbols that matter, and the best ways to get your food hot without damaging the container.
Identifying Your Applebee’s Container Material
Before you hit the start button, you need to understand what you are holding. Applebee’s generally uses a specific type of clamshell or two-piece container system. Most modern locations use a black rectangular base with a clear, snap-on lid. These two pieces are often made of different materials.
The base is usually thicker and feels slightly waxy or textured. This is typically Polypropylene. It resists heat well and handles the dishwasher. The lid, however, is often crinkly, clear, and thinner. These lids are usually designed for presentation and transport, not heat. If you microwave the lid, it will warp, shrink, and likely melt onto your food within seconds.
The Shift From Styrofoam
Years ago, expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) was the standard for casual dining takeout. It keeps food hot but is terrible for reheating. If your local Applebee’s franchise still uses white foam containers, do not microwave them. Foam can deform at low temperatures and release styrene, a likely carcinogen, into your food.
Most corporate locations have moved away from foam to rigid plastics. This shift improves the customer experience and aligns with environmental pressures. However, just because it is rigid plastic does not guarantee it is heat-stable.
Common Takeout Plastic Codes
Plastic containers carry a Resin Identification Code. This is a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle of arrows, usually found on the bottom of the container. This number tells you the melting point and safety profile of the material.
This table outlines the common plastics you might find in a takeout bag and their reaction to heat.
| Resin Code | Plastic Name | Microwave Safety |
|---|---|---|
| #1 (PET) | Polyethylene Terephthalate | No (Melts/Warps) |
| #2 (HDPE) | High-Density Polyethylene | Usually Yes (Check label) |
| #3 (PVC) | Polyvinyl Chloride | Never (Releases toxins) |
| #4 (LDPE) | Low-Density Polyethylene | Sometimes (Wraps/Bags) |
| #5 (PP) | Polypropylene | Yes (High heat tolerance) |
| #6 (PS) | Polystyrene (Styrofoam) | No (Melts/Leaches) |
| #7 (Other) | Bioplastics/Mixes | Depends (Must verify) |
Are Applebees Containers Microwave Safe?
The black base of the standard Applebee’s container is generally safe for microwave use. These containers are manufactured using Polypropylene (PP), which has a high melting point of roughly 320°F (160°C). This allows the plastic to withstand the boiling point of water without losing structural integrity.
However, safety depends on usage. Even microwave-safe plastics have limits. If you overheat food with high oil or sugar content, the temperature of the food can exceed the boiling point of water. This creates “hot spots” that can pit or melt the plastic surface. Once the plastic surface is damaged, you risk chemical migration into your meal.
You should always inspect the container before reheating. If the container looks flimsy, cracks when you squeeze it, or lacks any markings, transfer the food to a ceramic or glass plate. It is better to wash an extra dish than to eat plastic byproducts.
How To Locate The Safety Symbols
You do not need to guess. The manufacturer stamps the safety information directly onto the product. Flip your container over. You might need to wipe off grease or condensation to see it clearly.
Look for a number 5 inside the recycling triangle. You might also see the letters “PP” stamped below it. This confirms the material is Polypropylene. If you see a #6 (PS) or #1 (PET), stop immediately. Those materials cannot handle heat.
You should also look for the microwave-safe icon. This usually looks like a square box with three squiggly lines inside it, representing microwave waves. Sometimes it simply says “Microwave Safe” or “Micro Safe” in small raised letters. If you see a fork and glass icon, that means it is food safe, but not necessarily heat safe.
Microwave Safety For Applebee’s To-Go Boxes
Even if you confirm the material is safe, you must follow specific steps to reheat your food correctly. The container is only one part of the equation. The way you heat the food impacts the safety of the container.
Remove The Lid
As mentioned earlier, the lid is the weak link. Take it off completely. If you need to cover the food to prevent splatters, use a paper towel or a dedicated microwave-safe splatter guard. Do not rest the plastic lid loosely on top. Steam can build up and warp the lid, causing it to drop into your food.
Check For Grease And Sauce
Foods like the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp or cheesy pasta dishes pose a risk to plastic. Fats and oils heat up much faster than water. While water boils at 212°F, oils can quickly hit 350°F or higher in a microwave. This exceeds the melting point of Polypropylene.
If your leftovers are swimming in oil or heavy sauce, lower the power setting on your microwave. Heat in short intervals. This gives the heat time to distribute and prevents the oil from superheating one specific spot on the plastic floor.
Health Concerns With Heating Plastic
Many people worry about chemicals leaching from plastics into food. This is a valid concern. The primary chemicals of concern in older plastics were Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances can disrupt endocrine function.
Today, most rigid takeout containers made from Polypropylene are BPA-free. The FDA regulates food contact substances strictly to ensure that containers labeled “microwave safe” do not release unsafe levels of chemicals when used as directed. However, this safety rating applies to the plastic in its original, undamaged state.
If you reuse the container too many times, and the surface becomes scratched or scoured from utensils, bacteria can harbor in the grooves, and the plastic matrix can weaken. Treat these containers as limited-use items. They are not heirloom Tupperware.
Proper Reheating Techniques
Getting your food hot without ruining the texture requires a bit of strategy. The microwave blasts water molecules with energy, which can make bread chewy and meat tough. Since you are likely eating mixed items from Applebee’s—like fries, wings, and steak—you need to adjust your approach.
Use The 50% Power Rule
Most people nuke their food on high (100% power) until it sizzles. This is aggressive. It causes the outer edges of the food to dry out while the center remains cold. It also puts maximum stress on the plastic container.
Set your microwave to 50% power. This pulses the magnetron on and off, allowing the heat to conduct through the food naturally during the “off” cycles. Your food will heat more evenly, and the container will stay cooler.
Stir Frequently
If you are reheating pasta, mashed potatoes, or soup, stop halfway through and stir. This eliminates cold spots and prevents the edges from overheating. If you leave a dense mass of food alone, the bottom layer in contact with the plastic might overheat and cause pitting.
When To Transfer To Glass
Sometimes, the risk isn’t worth it. If you have a steak, a burger, or anything that requires high heat to taste good, move it to a real plate. Glass and ceramic are inert. They will not melt, pit, or transfer flavor. They also hold heat better than thin plastic, keeping your meal warm while you eat.
Transferring to glass is also the smartest move if your Applebee’s container has been in the fridge for several days. Cold plastic becomes slightly more brittle. A sudden blast of high heat can sometimes cause older containers to crack effectively dumping your dinner onto the turntable.
Alternative Reheating Methods
Are Applebees containers microwave safe? Yes, but the microwave might not be the best tool for the job. Reheating specific items in the oven or air fryer often yields better results.
You cannot put the black plastic container in the oven or air fryer. It will melt instantly and create a fire hazard. You must transfer the food for these methods. An air fryer restores the crispiness to fries and mozzarella sticks that the microwave destroys.
Reheating Times By Food Type
Different foods require different times to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F without ruining the quality. This table guides you on how long to zap your leftovers.
| Menu Item | Reheat Method | Est. Time (High Power) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Wings | Microwave (loosely covered) | 1:30 – 2:00 mins |
| Pasta / Alfredo | Microwave (add splash of water) | 2:00 – 3:00 mins |
| Steak / Ribs | Microwave (50% power) | 2:00 – 4:00 mins |
| Mashed Potatoes | Microwave (Stir halfway) | 1:30 – 2:00 mins |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Microwave (Stir well) | 1:00 – 1:30 mins |
| Fries / Onion Rings | Oven / Air Fryer (Recommended) | 3:00 – 5:00 mins (Oven) |
| Burgers | Microwave (Disassemble bun) | 1:00 – 1:30 mins |
Environmental Considerations
Once you finish your meal, you have to decide what to do with the container. Black plastic faces a unique challenge in the recycling stream. Optical sorters at recycling facilities use light reflection to identify plastic types. Carbon black pigments absorb this light, making the containers invisible to the sorting machines.
Because of this, many black plastic containers end up in landfills even if you put them in the recycling bin. Check your local municipal guidelines. Some modern facilities have updated sensors that can detect black Polypropylene, but many have not.
If you cannot recycle it, consider reusing it. These containers are durable enough for organizing garage items, storing craft supplies, or sending leftovers home with guests you don’t expect to return the Tupperware. Just hand wash them to prolong their life.
Signs Your Container Is Damaged
Inspect your container after you wash it. If you see white lines forming where the plastic bends, that is stress whitening. It means the plastic is weakening. If the bottom feels rough or looks like the surface has bubbled, the plastic has been heat-damaged.
Do not use damaged containers for food storage. The rough texture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that a dishwasher might not fully clean. When in doubt, throw it out.
The “Cold Food” Rule
Applebee’s also sells salads and cold wraps. These often come in clear, clamshell containers made of PET (plastic #1) or OPS (Oriented Polystyrene). These look high-quality, but they have zero heat resistance.
Never microwave the clear containers used for salads. They will collapse and warp immediately. If you want to warm up the chicken from a salad, pick the meat out and put it on a plate. The clear plastic is strictly for cold storage and display.
Handling Multiple Containers
Large orders often come stacked in a brown paper bag. The bottom container supports the weight of everything above it. If the food was packed piping hot, the bottom container might already be slightly warped from the weight and heat during the drive home.
Check the structural integrity before lifting a heavy container full of pasta with one hand. The sides might buckle if the plastic softened. Always support the bottom with both hands when moving hot takeout boxes.
Summary Of Reheating Rules
You can safely reheat your Applebee’s leftovers if you follow the evidence on the packaging. The black containers act as reliable vessels for moderate reheating, but they are not invincible. Paying attention to the resin codes and the state of the food ensures your meal stays safe.
For more details on plastic safety standards, the American Chemistry Council provides in-depth breakdowns of resin codes and their appropriate uses. Educating yourself on these symbols protects your health and helps you manage your kitchen plastics better.
Keep the wattage lower, remove the lid, and check for the #5 symbol. If you do that, your second round of Riblets will be just as good as the first.