Can You Put Paper in the Microwave? What’s Safe and What’s Not

Can you put paper in the microwave? Sometimes, but not all paper is microwave-safe. Plain paper towels, parchment paper and some paper plates are generally suitable, while brown paper bags, newspaper and paper with metallic elements should be avoided. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can You Put Paper in the Microwave?

Short answer: it depends on the paper. Reheating leftovers under a paper towel is common and usually fine. Putting a paper bag in the microwave is a fire risk.

Consumer group CHOICE says paper towels can be used, but warns that paper bags are hazardous and can cause fires. So the real question is which paper, and how you’re using it.

Why Isn’t All Paper Microwave-Safe?

Paper is made from cellulose fibres. A microwave heats the water in your food, not the paper itself. The trouble starts when paper dries out. Fire and Rescue NSW explains that materials which dry out in a microwave can overheat and ignite.

Several things decide whether a paper product is safe:

• Coatings: wax, silicone or plastic linings behave differently under heat.
• Printing and ink: some inks, especially metallic ones, can cause sparks.
• Adhesives: glued seams can break down when heated.
• Recycled content: recycled paper can contain tiny metal flecks, so it should only be used if approved for microwave use.
• Heating time: a short reheat is not the same as long cooking.

Paper alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is microwave-safe. The coating, printing and construction matter just as much.

Which Paper Can Go in the Microwave?

Can You Microwave Paper Towels?

Yes, in most cases. Plain, white, unprinted paper towels are commonly used to cover food and stop splatter. Keep the heating short and stay nearby. Avoid heavily printed or recycled towels unless they’re approved for microwave use.

Can You Microwave Parchment Paper?

Yes. Parchment paper is silicone-coated, which is why it handles heat well. The US Department of Agriculture’s food safety service (FSIS) lists parchment among the paper products suitable for microwave use. That guidance is from the US, so check the pack for Australian instructions. If you need sheets sized for your product, see our custom parchment paper range.

Can You Microwave Wax Paper?

Often, yes, but it’s not a blanket rule. FSIS also lists wax paper as suitable. Wax can soften or melt with heat, so wax paper suits light tasks, like covering a plate. It isn’t ideal for long or high-heat use. Many custom wax paper products are designed for wrapping and serving, not high heat. Always check the intended use.

Can You Microwave Paper Plates?

Some can. Plain white paper plates are usually fine for a quick reheat. Plates with heavy printing, foil-like decoration or a thick plastic coating may not be. If the plate has no microwave instructions, move the food to a ceramic or glass dish.

Which Paper Should You Avoid?

Keep these out of the microwave:

• Brown paper bags: FSIS lists them as unsafe, and CHOICE flags them as a fire hazard.
• Newspaper: the ink and loose fibres are a problem, and FSIS lists it as unsafe.
• Recycled paper not approved for microwave use: it may contain metal flecks.
• Paper with metallic ink or foil elements: metal can cause arcing (sparks).
• Packaging not labelled for microwave use: the coating or glue may fail.

Fire and Rescue NSW also advises against heating anything that isn’t approved for microwave use.

What About Paper Food Packaging?

A takeaway box made from paper is not automatically microwave-safe. Most food packaging has several layers: paperboard, a moisture or grease barrier, printed ink and glued seams. Each one affects how it handles heat.

“Food-safe” and “microwave-safe” also mean different things. Food-safe means the material can touch food. Microwave-safe means it has been designed for microwave heating. A package can be one without the other.

Australian food businesses should look for clear microwave instructions from the supplier. Our custom food paper options come in different coatings, such as wax for lower-heat uses and silicone for heat-resistant ones. For wrapping sandwiches, burgers and baked goods, custom deli paper is a common choice. Whatever you choose, match the coating to how your customers will actually heat the food.

How to Check if Paper Is Microwave-Safe

1. Look for a microwave-safe symbol or wording on the pack or product page.
2. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, including any time limits.
3. Check what the product was made for. Paper designed for wrapping cold food may not suit heating.
4. Don’t assume food-grade means microwave-safe.
5. When in doubt, swap it out. Use a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish.

We’ve deliberately avoided giving one universal time limit. Safe heating time depends on the product, the food and your microwave’s wattage.

What If Paper Starts Smoking or Burning?

Don’t open the door. Fire and Rescue NSW advises turning the microwave off straight away and keeping the door closed so the fire is starved of oxygen. Unplug it if it’s safe to do so. If flames continue or smoke spreads, call Triple Zero (000). Don’t use the microwave again until it has been checked.

Frequently Asked Question

Can you put paper in the microwave?

Some paper can go in the microwave, such as plain paper towels and parchment paper. Brown paper bags, newspaper and paper with metallic elements should be avoided. Check the product’s instructions every time.

Is all paper safe to microwave?

No. Safety depends on the paper’s composition, coatings, printing, intended use and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can you microwave paper towels?

Plain paper towels are commonly used for short heating, such as covering a bowl. Use white, unprinted towels where possible, and don’t leave the microwave unattended.

Can paper catch fire in the microwave?

Yes. Paper can overheat and ignite if it dries out, especially during long heating times. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends only heating items approved for microwave use.

Can you microwave paper takeaway containers?

Only if the packaging is specifically labelled for microwave use. If there’s no label, transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish.

Final Thoughts

So, can you put paper in the microwave? Yes, if it’s the right product, used for the right job. Plain paper towels, parchment paper and some paper plates are common choices. Brown bags, newspaper and unlabelled packaging are not.

If you run a café, bakery or takeaway business and need paper that suits your food and heating method, explore our custom food paper options. Our team can help you match the coating and size to your application.