No, it is not safe to reheat pizza in the microwave with the box on. Microwave ovens work by using microwave radiation to heat the food directly, and putting a pizza box or any other form of metal or foil-coated packaging inside the microwave can cause a fire or damage the appliance.
Pizza boxes often have metal staples, pieces of foil, or a metallic coating on the inside, which can spark and create arcing when exposed to microwaves. This can lead to a fire hazard and potentially damage the microwave.
To safely reheat pizza in the microwave, follow these steps:
- Remove the pizza from the box and any additional packaging (such as plastic wrap).
- Place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate or a microwave-safe container.
- Cover the pizza loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe microwave cover. This helps retain some moisture and prevent splattering.
- Heat the pizza in short intervals, checking for doneness after each one, to avoid overcooking.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the microwave and never place any metal or foil-containing items inside the microwave, as they can cause serious problems, including fires and damage to the appliance.