Putting a pizza box directly into the oven for heating seems convenient, but it poses several risks: fire hazards and exposure to toxic chemicals. At XiangGe Package, we specialize in manufacturing pizza boxes, and in this article, we will discuss why putting pizza boxes in the oven is unsafe and provide safe methods for heating pizza.
Last updated: December 2025 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
This article will answer your questions
- Why might pizza boxes catch fire at high temperatures?
- What is the relationship between the materials of the pizza box and the oven temperature?
- How can you avoid chemical contamination of food?
- How do you properly heat food in a microwave oven?
- How can you safely heat a pizza box without damaging its packaging materials?
Fire risk
Pizza boxes are made of cardboard, which is a flammable material. When cardboard is exposed to high temperatures, especially in an oven at 400°F (200°C), it’s enough to ignite a fire. Most home ovens can reach this temperature, and placing a pizza box in the oven significantly increases the risk of fire.
Once cardboard catches fire, it can spread rapidly, leading to a fire inside the oven. More importantly, a fire inside the oven will affect the food and can also damage the oven, causing even more problems.
What is the relationship between the materials of a pizza box and the oven temperature?
Cardboard has poor heat resistance, with a maximum temperature tolerance of approximately 200-250°C. Exceeding this temperature can easily cause deformation or ignition. The higher the oven temperature, the more stringent the requirements for the pizza box material. We recommend preheating the oven and testing the box’s heat resistance to avoid direct contact with high temperatures and prevent fire hazards. Learn further pizza boxes that keep heat in & grease out: how to choose for delivery.
How to avoid the risk of pizza box fires?
Do not place the pizza box directly into the oven. You can remove the pizza from the box and heat it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Use an appropriate baking pan. Baking pans designed specifically for pizza distribute heat better and prevent direct contact with the cardboard.
Releasing toxic substances into the pizza
When heated in the oven, the ink and glue in pizza boxes may decompose and release toxic gases, potentially contaminating the food and affecting its safety.
Even if the levels of these chemical substances in the ink and glue are low, prolonged exposure or heating at high temperatures can still pose health risks. To avoid this, the safest practice is to remove the pizza from the box before heating it, preventing these substances from being released into the food.
How can we prevent chemical contamination of pizza?
Heating the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone can prevent chemical contamination of the food.
Use non-toxic and heat-resistant packaging materials. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly pizza box packaging ensures that no harmful substances are released during heating.
It ruins the taste of the pizza
The material of the cardboard box cannot distribute heat evenly; therefore, the pizza may experience localized overheating or underheating, resulting in a less desirable texture. When a hot pizza is placed directly in the oven while still in its cardboard box, the box can affect the crispness of the pizza crust.
Pizza boxes do not heat evenly, and the structure of the cardboard itself may collapse under high temperatures, causing the pizza to leak sauce or become soggy, which ruins the texture of the pizza.
How can using inappropriate packaging materials affect the quality of pizza?
Using unsuitable cardboard packaging can cause the cardboard to absorb oil and moisture from the food, affecting the taste and appearance of the pizza. Baking trays, baking stones, or other suitable heat-resistant materials can help maintain the pizza’s optimal flavor.
How to properly heat food in a microwave oven
The correct heating method is crucial for maintaining the texture of the pizza. The best way is to take the pizza out of the box and place it directly on a baking sheet, or use a special pizza stone for heating. While a microwave is convenient, it will make the bottom of the pizza soggy. Learn other microwave oven safety guidelines.
Place the pizza on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven
Using a pizza steel is a great option. The steel plate helps to heat the bottom of the pizza quickly and evenly, preserving its original flavor and texture.
Heating the pizza on a steel plate
Heating pizza on a steel plate is an efficient method that quickly restores its crispy texture, making it especially suitable for leftover pizza or home cooking.
Heat the pizza wrapped in aluminum foil
Heating pizza wrapped in aluminum foil is a simple and effective method that allows for even heat distribution and keeps the cheese moist.
How can you safely heat a pizza box without damage
To avoid safety issues caused by high-temperature heating, using non-toxic, heat-resistant alternative materials is a good option. For example, silicone, glass, or specific high-temperature-resistant packaging can be used to heat food instead of cardboard or plastic materials.
FAQs
Cardboard typically starts to burn at temperatures above 400°F (200°C), which is the typical temperature range of most home ovens.
No, it's not safe to keep a pizza box in the oven, as the cardboard is flammable. Instead, remove the pizza from the box and place it on an oven-safe surface like a baking sheet or pizza stone.
For delivery, pizza can be wrapped in aluminum foil or placed on a suitable baking sheet and heated to prevent it from becoming soggy or soft.
Even at low temperatures, cardboard can dry out or be damaged by prolonged heating, making it not entirely safe.
High-temperature resistant packaging materials, such as glass, aluminum foil, and certain silicone materials, are suitable for high-temperature heating and insulation.
Conclusion
Placing a pizza box directly into the oven poses risks of fire, chemical contamination, and a decline in taste. To ensure safety and the best pizza experience, it is recommended to remove the pizza from the box and heat it using a suitable method. If you need to keep it warm, choosing non-toxic packaging materials is a wise option. You can also click here for custom pizza boxes.
