Looking to find out if your Pyrex product is microwave-safe? This article gives you the inside scoop in discovering if it is!
You may have acquired a new Pyrex bowl, or you have a collection of Pyrex products.
Now, you’ve got a dish you refrigerated for some time. Or maybe you’ve been cooking and looking for ways to store and reheat your food.
You want to reheat it and microwave Pyrex glass bowls. Or maybe you have something you want to heat up in an empty Pyrex cup.
But you’re worried. You have the option of a microwave oven or a toaster oven.
Could Pyrex glass be microwave-safe?
We’re here to answer your question. Yes, Pyrex glass is microwave-safe, but there are certain things you have to look out for. Read our article to know more!
What is Pyrex?
Pyrex is a brand of kitchen cookware and laboratory glassware that’s been around since 1915.
They started as a brand by using borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass cookware is less likely to be subjected to thermal stress. As a result, borosilicate glass, or Pyrex glass, can withstand higher temperatures than usual.
Later on, soda-lime glass was also used for their glass cookware.
In any kitchen, you can find everything from a Pyrex glass measuring cup to Pyrex bowls. You may also find some people who collect vintage Pyrex dishes – or that may be you in this case!
Is Pyrex Glass Different?
Yes, Pyrex glass is quite different from other common glass cookware.
Pyrex glassware products are known for their high heat-resistant properties.
The Pyrex brand in Europe is still made of borosilicate glass, but the North American manufacturers have since changed their products into tempered glass.
The use of tempered glass still makes Pyrex shatter-resistant, while keeping the price point low.
The 10 pcs Pyrex set is a must have in any home – they’re perfect for packing lunches especially if you’re worried about leakage.
The point is: Pyrex products, may it be a Pyrex jug, Pyrex cup, or Pyrex bowl, can all withstand wider ranges of heat in comparison to other glass products.
Is Pyrex Microwave Safe?
Yes, you can microwave Pyrex! However, it can depend on the type of product.
You can microwave both plastic and glass Pyrex products. Thankfully, plastic Pyrex is microwave-safe and BPA-free.
You can also microwave Pyrex lids in a microwave oven.
However, do take a second look at your Pyrex dishware. If it’s decorated with gold leaf or other metallic decorations, it may be incompatible with microwave ovens.
Don’t microwave Pyrex that has these decorations, or you may risk shattering inside your microwave oven!
Is Pyrex Glass Also Oven-Safe?
So you can microwave Pyrex. But is it safe if you’re heating food or cooking using an oven?
Yes, Pyrex glass cookware is oven-safe.
However, the same cannot be said for plastic Pyrex cookware. Be especially careful with plastic lids.
While heat-resistant, there’s a risk of Pyrex lids reaching a melting point with high heat inside a conventional oven.
Is Pyrex Glass Dishwasher-Safe?
Yes, Pyrex glass is dishwasher-safe! You can opt to wash your plates by hand or have them go through the dishwasher.
However, you should still be careful. Dishwashers can slowly etch Pyrex glassware.
Make sure to keep plastic lids and glassware away from heating in the dishwasher. While Pyrex glass is absolutely microwave-safe and heat-resistant, we don’t know what could happen with the heating elements in a dishwasher!
You may also like: Water In The Bottom Of Your Dishwasher (6 Quick Solutions)
Is Pyrex Glass Freezer-Safe?
As long as you follow manufacturer’s instructions, your Pyrex can thrive in a freezer.
The manufacturer’s instructions include allowing it your Pyrex cool before inserting it into the freezer. Be careful in handling the Pyrex as well so it won’t break or hit any utensils.
Pyrex can survive a very cold surface — up to negative 40 degrees Celsius, to be exact.
How to Make Sure Pyrex Glass Doesn’t Shatter
Sure, Pyrex is safe to go through your microwave oven. But there are still safety tips you must follow when cooking, heating food, or using a microwave.
01 Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes
Yes, Pyrex can technically withstand any drastic temperature. That’s why it’s safe to microwave in the first place!
But a drastic temperature change can break your dish.
Glass products, after all, are still vulnerable to thermal expansion. If you move Pyrex glass bowls from cold temperatures to high temperatures suddenly, the extreme temperatures can make it break.
If you’re going to microwave a cold dish from the freezer, make sure it cools down a little before transferring it inside a microwave oven. Cold Pyrex glass may shatter if you microwave it right away!
Plus, we advise you not to pour hot liquid into a cold Pyrex glass, or put hot Pyrex on a cold surface. Thermal shock may occur, which will lead the Pyrex to shatter, too.
02 Use Dry Mitts When Handling Cookware
If you’re getting your Pyrex from a microwave or oven, use dry mitts.
This is especially advised if you’re handling or cooking a hot dish. Not only does it save you from getting burned, it also makes sure the glass doesn’t break as easily.
03 Don’t Use Glass Cookware For Cooking With High Heat Techniques
Extreme temperatures will eventually get to the glass you’re using. A microwave is fine, but broiling and grilling using your glass cookware is not advisable.
How to Take Care of Your Pyrex Glass Dishes
Aside from making sure your Pyrex glass is safe to microwave, you can go the extra mile to make sure you take care of your Pyrex glassware.
From food storage to cleaning tips, we have the guide to taking care of your Pyrex collection below:
01 Avoid Temperature Changes – Especially with a Hot Pyrex Dish
Extreme temperature changes can break your Pyrex glassware. While Pyrex is usually heat-resistant and microwave-safe, temperature changes will still affect them and they may go into thermal shock.
For example, you should avoid dousing a hot Pyrex dish in cold water. Don’t pour hot liquids on cold Pyrex either, or put a cold Pyrex on a hot stove.
Instead, let the Pyrex bowls or dishes cool at room temperature, then soak them in warm water. Don’t let a hot Pyrex dish touch even a wet cloth!
Otherwise, your Pyrex dish could go through thermal shock.
Thermal shock occurs when sudden temperature changes cause tension in the material, causing it to break.
Broken Pyrex could potentially injure you as well.
If your Pyrex dish came from a refrigerator, however, you can microwave cold Pyrex or place it in a conventional oven right away. It’ll be safe as the cold Pyrex dish will change its temperature evenly.
The same goes when you want to microwave cold Pyrex. It’s still safe to microwave as long as the heat is distributed evenly.
To make sure you safely microwave Pyrex, however, it may be advisable to let it cool down to room temperature first.
02 Use Mild Abrasives for Tougher Residue
Even the best dish can leave some residue on your Pyrex dish after cooking and eating.
Usual residue on your Pyrex dishes can be removed by soaking it in warm water. Remember, if you have a cold Pyrex dish, let it get back to room temperature first.
After soaking the dish in warm water, you can go forward with your usual dishwashing process and scrub the area clean with liquid soap, a sponge, and water.
Tougher residue can benefit from mild abrasives. However, it’s best if you avoid abrasives on painted and decorated surfaces of your Pyrex dishes.
03 Handle Your Pyrex Glass Dishes Carefully
Careful handling is essential to the maintenance of your Pyrex dishes!
The lids don’t fit as tightly on Pyrex glassware in comparison to other products. Make sure to hold your Pyrex dishes carefully with both hands when transferring them from one place to another.
Pyrex glassware are usually heat-resistant and durable, but they’re still breakable. Proper handling will make your Pyrex glassware last longer.
04 Store Them Properly
Proper storage also goes a long way with Pyrex. Make sure all the shelving and racks you use are sturdy, and can reasonably support several Pyrex dishes’ weight.
Try to avoid sharp corners or any material that may scratch or mar your Pyrex glassware. Stack them according to size to avoid breakage.
05 Don’t Use a Dishwasher
Pyrex is also dishwasher-safe, but it’s not advisable to put Pyrex through a dishwasher. Instead of safely cleaning your Pyrex cookware, all it will do is slowly etch the glass — damaging it in the process.
Instead of using a dishwasher, you can choose to wash Pyrex glassware and Pyrex lids by hand.
FAQs
Are Pyrex Measuring Cups Microwave-Safe?
Yes! Just like all other Pyrex products, Pyrex measuring cups are also microwave-safe.
Is a Vintage Pyrex Safe?
While mostly safe, vintage Pyrex does have lead in it. You might be curious as to the safety of these products and their impact to your health. Remember that no product is 100% lead-free!
