Pyrex is a well-known brand with an excellent reputation for top quality kitchenware products with an unbeatable track record. Generally speaking, Pyrex products stand for the hard-heated resistant type of glass, but are Pyrex products safe to use in the microwave?
Pyrex is absolutely microwave safe with important considerations to follow. Do not use cold Pyrex in a high heat microwave, pour hot liquid into cold Pyrex measuring cup or place a hot Pyrex dish on a cold surface.
So, never expose cold Pyrex to high heat microwave or hot Pyrex to cold surfaces after microwaving. Pyrex is a great conductor of heat energy, however the thermodynamics of heat transfer will cause the Pyrex to break, crack or shatter.
If you want to get the best answer to this question, you need to evaluate all aspects carefully. Let us explore whether Pyrex is safe to use in a microwave and what precautions must be taken when microwaving Pyrex.
Is it safe to microwave Pyrex?
According to the manufacturer, Pyrex dishes are microwave-safe. However, the company advises not to shock the glass by putting in water or on cold surfaces immediately after heating.
All glass products experience a thermal shock when it is subjected to rapid changes in temperature. The thermal shock refers to a process in which various parts of a material expand differently causing cracks or shattering within the hardened material.
When you expose a Pyrex glass dish to rapid temperature changes, it fails to handle the stress involved with the uneven expansion. This situation may lead to a breakage or burst.
If you use a Pyrex glass in a microwave, you don’t need to worry about shattering or breakage.
When you replace a Pyrex glass dish from one appliance to another, it does not show the same resistance level. For example; taking cold Pyrex from the freezer or fridge and placing it in a microwave immediately may result in a small explosion.
However, the company has prides itself on quality and has durable, well made products that can stand the test of time. You don’t have to worry about any explosion or breakage when using Pyrex products and following the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
Will Pyrex melt in the microwave?
When you microwave Pyrex under normal circumstances, you don’t have to be concerned about it melting. Pyrex uses borosilicate glass to make kitchenware that can be used in a microwave, oven and even on the stovetop. Arranged into a structure with silicon and boron atoms, this type of glass offers admirable toughness and practicality.
The melting point of type 7740 Pyrex is 1,510°F or 820°C. If the heating temperature does not exceed this limit, the Pyrex glass doesn’t melt.
Home kitchen appliances, including the microwave, are not able to reach that level of heat. So, there is no need to worry about melting when you microwave Pyrex.
Can you microwave Pyrex safely?
It is always advisable to gradually preheat Pyrex dishes, jugs, cups, or bowls before placing in contact with a drastic temperature variation. The laws of thermodynamics relate that temperature must not be changed immediately otherwise you risk rapid expansion or contraction.
You can microwave Pyrex safely if you follow some general guidelines:
- Do not pour hot liquids into a cold Pyrex measuring cup.
- Never place a hot Pyrex dish on a very cold surface.
- Microwaving an empty Pyrex cup can lead to cracking or shattering.
When it comes to choosing a safe dish, you need to look at the packaging and manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. If the package doesn’t display microwave-safe, you should not buy it for microwaving purposes.
So, which is the best dish for a microwave? It is a very subjective decision because the preferential tastes and cooking methods of people vary.
Some people love to use a standard Pyrex glass bowl. According to them, a bowl with a handle is the most convenient to use in a microwave.
Pyrex glass products come with a thermal shock resistance up to 428 Fahrenheit or 220 Celsius. Supporting extreme temperatures from -104 to 572 Fahrenheit (-40 C to 300 Celsius), these kitchen glassware products stand taller among other products available on the market.
So, you can microwave Pyrex safely if you choose the right product that fits your needs, and follow the instructions carefully. The BPA-free Pyrex lids are also microwave-safe to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking process.
How long can you microwave Pyrex?
Generally speaking, glass and ceramic are the best choices available to use in a microwave. These materials last much longer and perform better than plastic and other disposable options.
When you use Pyrex glass, you can find clear guidelines on the package. Available in different sizes and shapes, the Pyrex glassware products meet the varying needs for different cooking styles.
Pyrex cookware has been tested up to 1000 hours before being introduced into the market. You should have no concern about how long you can microwave Pyrex because the testing far exceeds regular usage, however it is necessary to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer to avoid any unexpected turn of events.
Tips to Microwave Pyrex
Pyrex is a manufacturer brand of borosilicate glass, therefore it still follows basic thermodynamics of expansion and contraction based on temperature fluctuations. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe usage and you should have nothing to be concerned about.
Here are a few tips to safely microwave Pyrex:
- Allow frozen foods to thaw before placing on a microwave. It is a fact that Pyrex has introduced some jugs and bowls that can be transported immediately from your fridge to a microwave oven. However, you should allow frozen foods to thaw in the container whenever possible before putting into a high heat microwave.
- Strictly follow the guidelines of the manufacturer. You must follow the package guidelines when using a Pyrex glass measuring cup, container or cookware. The manufacturer puts forward clear guidelines to optimize the safety and longevity of the vessel.
- Wipe away the condensation or start on a low power. You need to wipe off any condensation on the Pyrex before microwaving. If you find it inconvenient, difficult or the glass is simply too cold, you can gradually heat for some time on low power to allow the dish to thaw steadily.
Microwaving Pyrex: Final Thoughts
To summarize, Pyrex can be microwave safe if you choose the right product and follow to heating instructions provided by the manufacturer. You have to buy a vessel based on your unique needs and preferences, however all the Pyrex products are made with the same high quality standards and microwave-safe assurance.
Glass is one of the best microwave safe containers to use for heating food in the electromagnetic kitchen appliance. Rest assured and stick to the simple directions provided by the producer of the brand.
If the safety recommendations aren’t printed on the product, the guidelines can be easily located online. So the bottom line is that you can place a Pyrex bowl on a microwave with great assurance and confidence.