{"id":22510,"date":"2022-01-24T17:08:19","date_gmt":"2022-01-25T01:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.karatpackaging.com\/?p=22510"},"modified":"2022-01-24T17:08:19","modified_gmt":"2022-01-25T01:08:19","slug":"a-guide-to-microwaveable-take-out-containers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/karatpackaging.com\/blogs\/latest-news\/a-guide-to-microwaveable-take-out-containers\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Microwaveable Take Out Containers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you own a restaurant, it is essential to stock take out containers. Not all take out containers are created equal; some are best for cold food, some are\u00a0environmentally friendly, and some are microwave safe.\u00a0When serving your\u00a0customer foods best enjoyed warm, be sure to select the right microwaveable take out container. This is a complete guide\u00a0to help you decide.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microwavable Take Out Containers<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karat and Karat Earth have several options that include rectangular, round, and even hinged. This chart provides an overview of available sizes. Some sizes come in multiple compartments that are perfect for meals with smaller sides and some have lids that can also be used inside of microwaves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Container type<\/strong> <\/td>Sizes<\/strong> <\/td>Compartments<\/strong> <\/td>Sold with Lid<\/strong> <\/td>Microwaveable Lid<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Rectangular Injection Molded IM- <\/td>\u2022 12 oz\u00a0
\u2022 16 oz\u00a0
\u2022 24 oz\u00a0
\u2022 30 oz\u00a0\u00a0
\u2022 32 oz\u00a0
\u2022 38 oz\u00a0
\u2022 48 oz\u00a0<\/td>		1, 2 or 3 <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Rectangular Take Out Boxes  FP-BB <\/td>\u2022 24 oz\u00a0
\u2022 48 oz\u00a0<\/td>		1, 2, or 3 <\/td>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Round Injection Molded IM- <\/td>\u2022 16 oz\u00a0
\u2022 24 oz\u00a0
\u2022 32 oz\u00a0
\u2022 48 oz\u00a0<\/td>		1 <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Round Take Out Boxes FP-RC <\/td>\u2022 32 oz\u00a0
\u2022 48 oz\u00a0<\/td>		1 <\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Injection Mold Bowl FP-IM <\/td>\u2022 36 oz\u00a0
\u2022 48 oz\u00a0<\/td>		1 <\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Mineral-filled hinged containers KE-HC <\/td>\u2022 6\u201dx 6\u201d\u00a0\u00a0
\u2022 9\u201dx 6\u201d\u00a0\u00a0
\u2022 8\u201dx 8\u201d\u00a0\u00a0
\u2022 9\u201dx 9\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/td>		1 or 3 <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Paper Food Containers <\/td> <\/td>1 <\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
  1. Bento containers <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Single serve\u00a0to-go containers such as disposable bento boxes are ideal to pack\u00a0complete meals.\u00a0With a selection between\u00a0two distinct design types, each with varying\u00a0shapes\u00a0and compartments, you cannot go wrong with microwaveable bento\u00a0containers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Microwaveable bento box-style container<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Rectangular\u00a0take out containers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Karat offers two different types of rectangular take out containers:\u00a0Injection Molded and Take Out Boxes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Injection-molded\u00a0microwavable<\/strong>\u00a0to go containers are\u00a0made from thick durable polypropylene (PP) plastic and is sold as a bundle with PP lid. These lids are\u00a0built tough like the container which means you can put both into the microwave to reheat food.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sizes for injection molded containers range from 12 oz all the way to 48 oz.\u00a0The 30 oz rectangular size comes with 2-compartments to fit a smaller side along with the main dish. The 32 oz rectangular size\u00a0has 3-compartments to accommodate two smaller sides and the main food section.\u00a0The most famous shape and size is the\u00a0single compartment\u00a016\u00a0oz\u00a0rectangular container\u00a0used for personal weekly meal prep. Both consumers and businesses alike use these often.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Take-out\u00a0boxes<\/strong>\u00a0are also made from sturdy\u00a0PP material\u00a0and\u00a0tend to be\u00a0wider and\u00a0shallower. Lids are sold separately so restaurants that offer dine-in may prefer containers without lids. Optional lids for these containers are made from oriented polystyrene (OPS)\u00a0\u00a0which\u00a0are much more transparent than PP lids\u00a0but\u00a0not microwave safe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Microwavable\u00a0take-out\u00a0boxes have a size selection of 24 oz or 36 oz. The 24 oz is only available in single\u00a0compartment;\u00a0however, the 36 oz\u00a0comes in single, double, or triple compartments. The 2-compartment\u00a0container has a larger space for the side item than the injection-molded ones do.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Round\u00a0to go containers\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Round-to-go containers are fantastic for rice bowls or pasta dishes. Karat carries injection molded and round take-out containers to fit the preference of any foodservice\u00a0operator.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Injection-molded<\/strong> microwavable\u00a0round-to-go containers mirror the same\u00a0heavy-duty structure as the rectangular ones but in an alternate form factor. You can place\u00a0both the container and bundled lid into the microwave safely.\u00a0These are available in 16 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, and 48 oz sizes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Take-out boxes\u00a0<\/strong>that are round\u00a0are versatile options when packing meals to go. These containers have compatible lids sold separately that are made in PP plastic, making them safe to use inside of a microwave too!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Injection molded bowls <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Broth-based soups are best enjoyed hot\u00a0so customers that receive\u00a0lukewarm\u00a0soup\u00a0or,\u00a0even worse, an unacceptable cold temperature\u00a0need to be able to pop the container into the microwave for a quick reheat. Karat injection-molded bowls\u00a0perfect for this purpose. They are strong, sturdy, and available in larger capacities. You can\u00a0find 22 oz, 36 oz or 48 oz PP injection molded bowls for your restaurant. Choose between white or black colors based on the\u00a0aesthetic\u00a0of your establishment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The best thing about these bowls is that\u00a0all sizes share the same lid! Maintain a single\u00a0SKU\u00a0for multiple containers to save on product storage space. The flat lid for injection-molded bowls\u00a0is sold separately and is also microwavable, which provides an added convenience.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Injection molded deli containers <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Deli containers are the most versatile to-go containers of them all; they\u2019re clear for better content visibility,\u00a0stackable for compact storage, and are great for soups\u00a0or salads, storage for loose items,\u00a0and so much more! However, not every deli container is equal. Injection-molded deli containers\u00a0are specially designed to withstand higher temperatures than regular deli containers. This means you can reheat pre-made soups directly inside the container.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Karat injection-molded deli containers are available in 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz sizes and come with lids as well.\u00a0If you prefer a premium-style deli container, Karat now carries black injection-molded deli containers. The black color\u00a0offers a more expensive feel without the added cost!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Mineral-filled hinged containers <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Hinged-to-go containers, or clamshell containers, are very common in casual dining restaurants. Unfortunately, many\u00a0foodservice establishments are using Styrofoam which is not only horrible for the environment, it is harmful to consumers. When food is reheated in Styrofoam containers, chemicals may leak onto your food and then is ingested. Make the smart move and switch to Karat Earth mineral-filled hinged containers. These\u00a0food containers are made with up to 50% organic mineral content, which lessens the impact on the environment and consumers\u2019\u00a0health.\u00a0Most importantly,\u00a0mineral-filled PP containers can be reheated safely in the microwave!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"
          Mineral-filled Hinged container<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Karat Earth mineral-filled PP take out containers\u00a0come in classic white or elegant black colors. They are available in:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n