Microwavable food containers are a practical choice for takeaways, restaurants, meal-prep businesses, caterers and delivery kitchens that need containers suitable for storing, transporting and reheating food.
This guide explains the main sizes and styles of microwave-safe takeaway containers, including rectangular, round, oval and compartment containers. It also covers polypropylene (PP), lid compatibility and how to choose the right size for different meals.
Browse our full microwavable food containers and lids.
What Is a Microwavable Food Container?
A microwavable food container is designed to hold prepared food and withstand the temperatures associated with microwave reheating when used according to the product instructions.
Many takeaway microwave containers are made from polypropylene, commonly abbreviated as PP. PP is widely used in foodservice packaging because it is lightweight, durable and suitable for many hot and cold food applications.
Why Is Polypropylene Used for Microwave Containers?
Polypropylene is a common material for reusable and disposable microwave food containers because it offers good heat resistance and remains relatively rigid during normal foodservice use.
Many of the microwave containers stocked by Smart Food Packaging use food-contact PP bases, including products from Satco, Somoplast, Mani and Packit.
What Are the Most Common Microwave Container Sizes?
Common takeaway microwave container capacities range from smaller 375ml and 500ml portions through to 650ml, 750ml, 1000ml and larger meal containers.
| Approximate Size | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| 375–500ml | Sides, desserts, rice, smaller meals and children's portions |
| 650ml | Standard takeaway meals, pasta, curries and meal prep |
| 750ml | Generous individual meals and larger main portions |
| 1000ml | Large meals, meal prep and substantial takeaway portions |
| 1250ml+ | Extra-large meals, sharing portions and catering |
500ml Microwave Containers
500ml containers are useful for smaller main meals, rice dishes, side portions, desserts and prepared food.
For a complete base-and-lid set, the Satco 500ml microwave-safe food containers with lids provide a compact option for takeaway, catering and meal prep.
650ml Microwave Containers
650ml is a popular medium size for curries, pasta, rice dishes, noodles, prepared meals and takeaway mains.
For a premium rectangular option, see the Satco 650ml microwave-safe food container sets.
Another useful option is the Packit 650ml microwave-safe food containers with lids, supplied in a pack of 250 sets.
For value-focused foodservice operations, Smart Food Packaging also stocks 650ml Economy Black microwave containers with PP lids.
750ml Microwave Containers
750ml containers provide more room for generous individual portions and are commonly used for larger curries, rice meals, pasta, meal prep and delivery food.
The Satco 750ml microwave container and lid is supplied as a complete container-and-lid set.
For a lower-cost alternative, see the 750ml Economy Black microwave containers with PP lids.
1000ml Microwave Containers
1000ml containers are suitable for larger takeaway meals, generous meal-prep portions and dishes that need more capacity.
Browse the Satco 1000ml rectangular microwave-safe containers with lids for larger individual meals, takeaway portions and meal prep.
Small Microwave Containers
Smaller microwave containers are useful for controlled portions, sides, sauces, desserts and smaller prepared meals.
The Somoplast 739 375cc black microwave container is a compact rectangular option.
For an oval format, the Somoplast 755 375cc oval microwave container is another choice.
Large Microwave Containers
For bigger individual portions or substantial takeaway meals, larger containers provide additional capacity.
The Somoplast 820 1250cc microwave container is suited to larger meals and catering portions.
Another larger option is the Mani M-9000B 1040ml microwave container.
Rectangular Microwave Containers
Rectangular containers are one of the most common formats for takeaway meals because they stack efficiently and suit foods such as curries, pasta, rice, noodles and prepared meals.
Smart Food Packaging stocks rectangular microwave container options from ranges including Satco, Somoplast, Packit and Economy, with capacities suitable for smaller portions through to larger takeaway meals.
Oval Microwave Containers
Oval containers provide a different presentation and can work well for rice dishes, curries, side portions and prepared meals.
The Mani M-7100 PP 16oz oval microwave container is designed for larger individual portions.
For a smaller option, the Mani M-700 PP 12oz oval microwave container is suitable for smaller meals, sides and portion-controlled prepared food.
Round Microwave Containers
Round containers are useful for curries, rice, soups, noodles, stews and other meals that suit a bowl-style format.
The Satco T1100 round microwave container and lid sets provide a 750ml round option for takeaway and meal prep.
Compartment Microwave Containers
Compartment containers keep different parts of a meal separated and are particularly useful for meal prep, rice-and-curry combinations, meat with sides and dishes where presentation matters.
Two-Compartment Containers
The Somoplast 827 750cc two-compartment microwave container is designed for smaller divided meals.
For a larger option, the Somoplast 825 1000cc two-compartment container provides additional capacity.
The Somoplast 819 1250cc two-compartment container is suitable for substantial portions.
Three-Compartment Containers
Three-section containers are useful when a meal needs a main dish plus two separate side portions.
The Somoplast 824 three-compartment microwave container provides a divided format for portion control and organised presentation.
Another option is the Somoplast 822 three-section microwave container.
Microwave Container Bases and Lids
Some microwave containers are sold as complete sets with lids, while others are supplied as bases with compatible lids available separately.
Always check the product description before ordering, especially when purchasing Somoplast or Mani bases.
For example, the Mani M-9000TM2 clear domed lids are designed to fit the compatible Mani M-9000B base.
Can Microwave Container Lids Go in the Microwave?
Do not assume that every lid has the same microwave suitability as the base. Lid material varies by product.
If the product instructions allow reheating with the lid fitted, it may need to be loosened or vented so steam can escape. Always follow the specific product and microwave manufacturer's instructions.
Microwave Containers for Meal Prep
Microwavable PP containers are widely used for meal prep because food can be portioned in advance, stored and reheated in the same base where the product instructions permit.
Single-compartment containers are useful for mixed dishes, while two- and three-compartment options help separate proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and sauces.
Microwave Containers for Takeaways and Delivery
For takeaway and delivery businesses, the container should provide enough capacity for the meal without excessive empty space.
A correctly fitted lid also helps keep food secure during stacking, collection and delivery.
Popular sizes for takeaway mains include 650ml, 750ml and 1000ml, although the best capacity depends on the food and portion size.
Microwave Containers vs Foil Containers
| Feature | PP Microwave Containers | Aluminium Foil Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave reheating | Many are designed for microwave use | Only where specifically permitted by product and appliance instructions |
| Conventional oven use | Generally not suitable | Many foil trays are suitable, subject to instructions |
| Meal prep | Very commonly used | Used more often for cooking, catering and takeaway |
| Compartment formats | Widely available | Less common |
For oven-oriented food packaging, see our aluminium foil trays and containers.
Microwave Containers vs Bagasse Containers
PP microwave containers and bagasse containers can both be used for takeaway food, but they have different characteristics.
PP containers offer a smooth plastic construction and are commonly chosen for microwave reheating and meal prep. Bagasse containers use moulded plant fibre and are popular where a fibre-based clamshell, bowl or tray is preferred.
Browse our bagasse, pulp and cardboard food containers to compare alternatives.
How to Choose the Right Microwave Container
Before ordering, consider:
- The portion size you normally serve
- Whether the food needs separate compartments
- Whether you prefer rectangular, oval or round packaging
- Whether a lid is included or sold separately
- Whether the food will be chilled or frozen before reheating
- Whether product visibility is important
- The amount of storage space available
- The number of meals prepared each day
Quick Microwave Container Size Guide
| Requirement | Suggested Capacity / Format |
|---|---|
| Small sides and desserts | 375–500ml |
| Standard takeaway meal | 650ml |
| Generous individual meal | 750ml |
| Large meal or meal-prep portion | 1000ml |
| Main plus side dishes | 2-compartment container |
| Main plus two sides | 3-compartment container |
Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Food Containers
What are microwave food containers made from?
Many takeaway microwave containers are made from polypropylene, or PP, because it provides good heat resistance and durability for foodservice use.
What size microwave container is best for a takeaway meal?
650ml and 750ml containers are commonly used for standard individual takeaway meals, while 1000ml containers provide more room for larger portions.
Can PP food containers go in the microwave?
Many PP takeaway containers are designed for microwave reheating, but always check the specific product instructions before use.
Can microwave food containers go in the freezer?
Many of the PP containers stocked by Smart Food Packaging are described as suitable for freezer use, but suitability should always be checked on the individual product page.
Can the lid stay on during microwaving?
This depends on the lid material and product instructions. Where reheating with a lid is permitted, the lid may need to be loosened or vented to allow steam to escape.
What is the advantage of compartment microwave containers?
Compartment containers keep different parts of a meal separated, helping with portion control and presentation during takeaway, delivery and meal prep.
Are round or rectangular microwave containers better?
Neither shape is universally better. Rectangular containers stack efficiently and suit many standard meals, while round containers can work particularly well for curries, soups, rice and bowl-style dishes.
Where can I buy microwave food containers in bulk?
Smart Food Packaging supplies microwave-safe PP containers and lids in bulk packs for restaurants, takeaways, caterers, meal-prep companies and delivery kitchens.
Shop Microwavable Food Containers
Smart Food Packaging stocks microwave containers in a wide range of capacities, shapes and compartment formats, including products from Satco, Somoplast, Mani and Packit.
Browse our full microwavable food container and lid range or explore all hot and cold takeaway food packaging.