How to Know if Glass Is Oven Safe?

There are all sorts of different dishes that can be made in an oven, and many of them require cookware that can withstand high temperatures.

If you’re not sure if your glass dish is oven safe, don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Here’s what you need to know to determine whether or not your glass dish can be used in the oven.

glass baking wares that are oven safe with food inside an oven_How to Know if Glass Is Oven Safe

Contents

Can Any Glass Bakeware Go in the Oven?

It depends. Certain glass items can safely be used in the oven, while others can’t.

You can usually tell if your glassware is oven safe by locating a symbol on the bottom of the container.

If the item is called “glass bakeware”, it’s likely oven safe. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s website or product packaging for more information.

Identifying what type of glass you have is also important. For example, tempered glass is a type of heat-resistant glass that is frequently used in cookware.

Many people have bakeware passed down through the family, which can make it tricky to know if it’s oven safe. If you can’t find any information about the dish, do some research.

There is usually a brand name etched or embossed on the bottom. You can look up the company online and see if they have any information about the product.

You may find forums or groups of bakers and heirloom baking equipment collectors that can help guide you. These are great places for asking specific questions that aren’t as easy to find on Google.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not your glass is oven safe:

1. How Much Heat Can It Withstand?

photo of a cooking glass ware with sauce on a stove top

 

One of the most important things to consider is how much heat your glass can withstand

Some bakeware can only be heated as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while, other, more heat-resistant items can be used at higher temperatures, up to 1000 degrees.

You’ll need to decide what temperature you’ll be cooking at and find glass cookware that can withstand those temperatures.

2. Are There Any Special Instructions?

Image of the front of an oven showing knobs to adjust temperature

 

Even if a glass dish is oven safe, there may be special instructions that come with it.

For example, you may need to preheat the oven before placing the dish inside or start cooking at a lower temperature and then gradually increase it.

It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid damaging your bakeware.

3. Is the Glassware Structurally Sound?

Even if a dish is oven safe, it’s important to make sure that it’s structurally sound before using it. If the dish has any chips, cracks, or other damage, it probably isn’t oven safe.

This could lead to glass shattering, which could ruin your dinner and dirty your oven.

4. Can I Use it in the Microwave Oven?

Image of a food in oven safe in front of microwave oven

Just because a glass dish is oven safe doesn’t mean it can be used in the microwave. In fact, many types of glass are not microwave-safe.

To be sure, check the bottom of the dish for a microwave-safe symbol or refer to the manufacturer’s website or product packaging.

What Happens if I Use Non-Oven Safe Glass in the Oven?

If you use non-oven-safe glass in the oven, it can cause the glass to break or shatter. This is because the glass container can’t handle a dramatic or fast temperature shift.

When placed in the oven, the glass may break due to the sudden change in temperature.

This break may result in a crack or a full break of the glass. This depends on the type of glass, the thickness of the glass, and how long it was in the oven.

Not only is this dangerous, but it can also ruin your meal! Not to mention leaving you with a big mess in the oven.

If you’re using a glass dish that isn’t meant for the oven, be sure to preheat the oven first and then place the dish inside to test it.

Keep in mind that it may shatter, so you may want to place it on a tray first.

How to Prevent Your Glass Dish from Breaking in the Oven

If you’re not sure if your glass is oven safe, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Here are a few tips to help prevent your glass from breaking in the oven:

1. Don’t Shock Your Glass Containers

Don’t place a room temperature or cold glass pan or bowl in the oven when it’s already heated. This could shock the glass and cause it to break.

Instead, let the oven heat up first, and then place your dish inside.

2. Gradually Increase the Temperature

An oven thermometer inside an oven

 

If you’re using a glass dish that’s meant for the oven, start cooking at a lower temperature and then gradually increase it as directed by the manufacturer.

This will help prevent thermal shock and shattering.

3. Start at a Lower Temperature

If you’re not sure how much heat your glass can withstand, start at a lower temperature and work your way up. This will help prevent breakage and ensure that your food is cooked evenly.

If you keep the oven temperatures under 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you should be safe.

4. Use Glass Cookware with a Thick Base

If you’re worried about shattering, use glass cookware that has a thick base. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the glass from breaking.

Look for bakeware that’s made of borosilicate glass or tempered glass, which are both durable and thick to prevent breakage in a hot oven.

5. Check For Cracks

Take a close look at your dish before putting it in the oven. If there are any cracks, chips, or other damage, it’s best to use another dish.

These imperfections can cause the glass to break in the oven.

What is Tempered Glass?

Image of six pieces of thick glasses in dark background

 

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that’s designed to withstand high temperatures. It’s often used in car windows, oven doors, and shower doors.

Tempered glass is made by heating the glass and then cooling it quickly. This process makes the glass stronger and less likely to break.

What is Borosilicate Glass?

Borosilicate glass is another type of heat-resistant glass. It’s often used in scientific lab equipment and cookware because it can withstand high temperatures.

This glass is made with boric oxide, which gives it its heat-resistant properties.

Is Pyrex Oven Safe?

A thick oven safe glass ware

 

Pyrex is a brand of borosilicate glass that’s often used in cookware. It’s oven safe and can withstand high temperatures.

Pyrex is also microwave safe, so you can use it to reheat food without worrying about shattering.

However, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using Pyrex in the oven. Some types of Pyrex are not meant to be used at high temperatures.

Now that you know how to prevent your glass from breaking in the oven, you can cook with confidence.

Just be sure to follow these tips and always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any type of glass in the oven.

Is Soda-Lime Glass Oven Safe?

Soda-lime glass is not resistant to thermal shock. This means that if you put a dish made of this type of glass in a hot oven, it’s likely to break.

If you’re not sure what type of glass your dish is made of, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume that it’s not oven safe.

Are Mason Jars Oven Safe?

Six pieces mason jars on a light colored background

 

Although mason jars are normally used for canning and other boiling methods, they aren’t able to withstand high enough temperatures for baking.

These jars can handle about 212 degrees Fahrenheit of heat.

So, if you’re using a mason jar in the oven, it’s only safe for recipes that require very low and slow cooking. Otherwise, find a better glass container to use for your baking needs.

How to Clean Up Broken Glass in the Oven

A man wearing gloves and cleaning the inside of oven

 

If your glass dish does break in the oven, don’t panic. Turn off the oven and let it cool down before opening the door.

Then, carefully remove any broken glass from the oven. Use a dustpan and brush to sweep up any small pieces.

For larger pieces, you may need to use gloves and pliers to remove them safely.

Once you’ve removed all the glass, you can clean the oven with soapy water or a commercial oven cleaner. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up the broken glass.

Using a vacuum hose can help pick up small glass debris in hard-to-reach spots. You can also use a slice of bread or another spongey food to pick up small shards of glass while protecting your hands.

If your oven is equipped with a self-cleaning cycle, you can use this to clean up the mess. Just be sure to remove as much glass as possible before starting the cycle.

The high temperatures of the self-cleaning cycle will melt any small pieces of glass, making them easier to clean up.

Make sure to keep children and pets away from the oven while you’re cleaning up the broken glass. Let your family know that there is a time out in the kitchen for a few hours.

You don’t want to rush this process because it can be dangerous to work with the oven while it’s still hot.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to prevent your glass from breaking in the oven and how to clean up any messes, you can cook with confidence.

Just be sure to follow these tips and always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any type of glass in the oven.

Do you have any tips for cooking with glass? Share them in the comments below!

An empty glass ware with towel and wooden board and text overlay that reads How to Know if Glass Is Oven