How to Reheat Food in Stainless Steel Containers (Without a Microwave)
Stainless steel containers are great at packing food, but when it is time to warm lunch up, many people default to the microwave out of habit. Metal does not belong in there, so that means dirtying a second dish. The good news is that several of your steel containers can go straight into an oven, and there are other easy ways to warm food without transferring it.
Reheating in steel can also give you better results, with crisp edges on a casserole and no rubbery spots. Here is which containers are oven safe, how to use the oven and toaster oven, a gentle stovetop method, which foods reheat best, and when a bowl in the microwave is the smarter move.
Which containers can go in the oven
Several ECOlunchbox containers are listed as dishwasher and oven safe: the Seal Cups, the Splash Box, the Splash Pod and the Oval & Snack Cup set. The Bento Wet Boxes and the Solo Rectangle (Leaves) are also suitable, since food may be reheated in the metal container in a medium-heat oven.
One rule applies to all of them: always remove silicone lids and gaskets before heating. The steel goes in the oven; the silicone stays on the counter. Set the lid aside so it is clean and ready to seal leftovers once the food has cooled.
Oven and toaster oven method
Preheat your oven to a medium setting, remove the lid, and add a tablespoon or two of water to dry foods like rice or pasta so they steam instead of drying out. Cover the top loosely with foil if you want to keep moisture in. Set the container on a baking sheet so it is easier and safer to handle.
Check after 10 to 15 minutes and stir. Most single portions are hot through in 15 to 25 minutes depending on the food and how cold it started. A toaster oven works the same way for smaller containers like a Seal Cup Medium. Leave space around the container so it does not touch the heating elements, and always use oven mitts, since the steel gets hot.
Stovetop and water bath method
No oven? A gentle water bath on the stove works well for soups, stews and grain dishes. Fill a wide pan with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a low simmer. Remove the lid from your container and set it in the water so the water comes partway up the sides, like a double boiler.
Stir the food every few minutes until it is warmed through. This method is slow and gentle, so it will not scorch the bottom. Never set a steel food container directly on a burner, and lift it out with oven mitts or tongs, since both the water and the steel will be hot.
Pack with reheating in mind
A little planning in the morning makes noon easier. Spread food in an even layer rather than piling it high in the middle, since a flat portion heats through faster and more evenly. Keep cold toppings like sour cream, fresh herbs or a crisp salad in a separate container so they do not get cooked along with the main dish.
Start with food that is fridge-cold, not frozen. A frozen block takes much longer to heat and often stays icy in the center while the edges dry out, so move frozen portions to the fridge the night before. And leave the container a little underfilled, which gives you room to stir without spilling hot food on the baking sheet.
What reheats well, and what to transfer
Casseroles, enchiladas, roasted vegetables, pasta bakes, stews, chili and rice dishes all reheat beautifully in the oven. They often come out better than they would in a microwave, with crisp edges and even heating. Delicate fish, leafy greens and fried food can dry out or go limp, so warm them briefly or eat them cold.
Sometimes a bowl is simply the better choice. At work with only a microwave, or when you are short on time, transfer your food to a ceramic or glass bowl and heat it there. Browse the Leak-Proof Plastic Free Containers collection to find oven-ready containers for every meal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put stainless steel in the oven?
Many ECOlunchbox pieces can go in the oven, including Seal Cups, the Splash Box, the Splash Pod and the Oval set. Always remove silicone lids and gaskets first and use medium heat.
Do I need to remove the silicone lid before heating?
Yes, make it a habit. Take the silicone lid or gasket off before the container goes in the oven or into a water bath, then put it back on once the food has cooled a little.
How long does it take to reheat food in the oven?
Most single portions take 15 to 25 minutes at a medium setting. Check and stir after about 10 minutes, and add a splash of water to dry foods.
Can I heat a steel container on the stovetop?
Do not place it directly on a burner. Instead, set the uncovered container in a pan of simmering water and stir the food until it is warm.
When should I transfer food to a bowl instead?
If you only have a microwave or need lunch hot in a hurry, move your food to a ceramic or glass bowl and heat it there.
