Plain paper plates can be microwaved, but some disposable tableware is actually coated in a thin layer of plastic. Before you microwave a paper plate or bowl, be sure that it's clearly marked as microwave safe.

How can you tell if a plate is microwave safe?

Set the Time. Microwave the dish and cup for one minute. If the dish or container is warm or hot after heating, the dish or container isn't microwave safe. If the dish or container is cool and the cup of water is hot, the dish or container is microwave safe.

What plates can you not put in the microwave?

Materials Unsafe in the Microwave

Brown paper bags, newspapers, and recycled or printed paper towels. Recycled paper products, such as paper towels, napkins, and wax paper, can contain small amounts of metal. Metal, such as pans or utensils. Foam-insulated cups, bowls, plates, or trays.