Is Pyrex Safe In The Microwave – What to Pay Attention

Ivy Smith February 9, 2023 in Kitchen & Food, Microwave Oven - 8 Minutes

Read Time:7 Minute, 20 Second

For quick preparations in my daily life, I rely on my microwave. The microwave is the most crucial component of my kitchen, and I use it for nearly all of my meals.

I just got some pyrex cookware from the neighborhood shop. What attracted me was its ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Do pyrex pieces work in microwaves? Let us find out!

Table of Contents

What is Pyrex Anyway?

Food storage tubs, bowls, and liquid measuring cups are just a few of the useful and dependable items made by the well-known brand Pyrex out of borosilicate glass.

The superhero of all glass products is made possible by this unique fusion of silica and boric oxide.

However, as with any glassware, there are always risks. When exposed to abrupt and significant temperature changes, glass is vulnerable to cracking or exploding.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer advises throwing away cracked Pyrex right away because it now poses a fire hazard. Nobody desires that, though.

We advise you to take the following safety measures to prevent explosions, cracks, or shattering.

Also Read: How Does A Microwave Oven Work – Complete Guide to Use It in 2023

Is It Safe to Microwave Pyrex?

Indeed, the best microwaveable materials are frequently thought to be made of glass and ceramic. You don’t need to be concerned about BPA exposure or plastic melting and leaking into your food if you use Pyrex.

That being said, there are a few situations where it is not safe to microwave your Pyrex.

The pyrex cookware may crack or break due to a sudden change in temperature.

For you to get a clear picture, allow me to provide specifics regarding the pyrex material. Moreover, I’ll explain to you how to use pyrex cookware in a microwave.

Check if the following Materials can be put in the microwave oven:

What is Pyrex?

When silica and boric oxide are heated for an extended period of time at a high temperature, a molten substance called pyrex is produced.

Stabilisers, formers, and flux materials are all used in the production of Pyrex cookware. Their combination makes the glass tough and prevents it from breaking or shattering easily.

820°C (1510°F) is the melting point of Pyrex. That much heat cannot possibly be produced inside your kitchen microwave.

They are strong because they are thicker than typical glassware. For this reason, pyrex cookware is suitable for use in a microwave.

How Long Can You Safely Microwave Pyrex?

Each piece of Pyrex glassware is tested before being put on the market, which is an interesting fact. Perhaps tested is too mild a word; Pyrex’s exhaustive testing cycles typically last around 1,000 hours!

Now, I doubt you’ll be microwaving leftovers for a thousand hours any time soon, so regardless of how long you might need to microwave your pyrex for, you shouldn’t be concerned.

How Can You Tell If Pyrex is Microwave-Safe?

Since Pyrex has been at the top of its game for years, it shouldn’t be surprising that all of their glass products are microwave-safe. All of it!

However, if you’re unsure, it never hurts to test your Pyrex. Place it in the microwave, fill it up, and watch it spin for about a minute.

Keep your glassware out of the microwave if it is still extremely hot to the touch, possibly to the point where it could burn you.

Is It Safe to Microwave Cold Pyrex?

No, not always. If you take your Pyrex out of the refrigerator or freezer, the abrupt temperature change in the microwave might cause an explosion, a crack, or a fissure in the glass.

Is It Possible for Cold Pyrex to Explode in the Microwave?

Unfortunately, yes. Thermal expansion can cause cold Pyrex to blow up in the microwave. All glass products are subject to the laws of thermal expansion.

Extreme heat or rapid temperature changes will cause glass molecules to enlarge and possibly explode.

A burning hot dish might crack or burst, for instance, if it is placed on a cold surface. The inverse may also be accurate.

To avoid a potentially dangerous situation, read the following tips and tricks:

Tips for Microwaving Cold Pyrex

Read the user guide. Some Pyrex collaborations can withstand being placed in both a microwave and a cold fridge. Others not so much.
Let Pyrex taken from the refrigerator or freezer rest and raise to room temperature before microwaving for long periods of time.
Try heating the Pyrex in sections if you’re short on time. Thermal expansion will be much less likely during these shorter times on a lower heat.
As much as you can, remember to make the transition from cold to hot or from hot to cold easier.

Can Pyrex Go from Freezer to Microwave?

Not safely, even though Pyrex is made of glass, an incredibly robust substance.

The molecules will expand as a result of rapid exposure to extremely high or low temperatures, which will cause the glass to shatter or crack.

An explosion or cracking due to thermal shock could occur if you put an ice-cold Pyrex from the freezer into a microwave.

Can You Microwave Pyrex Lids?

Yes, Pyrex offers both plastic and glass lids to go with its kitchenware.

Glass Lids

Similar guidelines apply to the glass container and its matching glass lids.

Despite being made of the same durable glass, they can still break or crack when exposed to sudden changes in temperature.

Glass Pyrex lids, however, can be used in both the microwave and the oven when handled properly.

Plastic Lids

Pyrex is a very thoughtful brand, so their plastic lids are BPA-free. They can therefore be microwaved without risk!

Plastic lids do not have the same level of heat resistance as glass lids, which is their one disadvantage.

Unfortunately, the high heat and potential for melting prevent them from being used in the oven.

What Temperatures Are Safe for Pyrex?

Pyrex is incredibly heat-resistant because it contains a combination of boric oxide and silica sand. My best guess is that your container won’t melt anytime soon because its melting point is 1510°F.

But let’s scale it down. Pyrex can and will satisfy all of your cooking needs because it can safely withstand temperatures between -104°F and 572°F.

Can Pyrex Go in the Oven?

In most cases, yes, Pyrex is absolutely safe to put in the oven. However, there are a few things to be wary of before baking with your Pyrex:

Preheat the oven BEFORE placing your Pyrex into it.
Do not put Pyrex under the broiler.
Put a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the Pyrex before baking anything that could release liquid (like fat, juices, or extra water).
Never place hot Pyrex onto a wet, cool, or metal surface after taking it out of the oven. Put it on a wooden rack, a hot pad, or an oven mitt instead.

These advice and techniques are required to stop thermal shock from causing your Pyrex to shatter, crack, or explode inside the oven.

How to Clean Pyrex?

Pyrex is straightforward to clean. Dishes that are dirty can either go in the dishwasher or be rinsed after soaking in a warm, soapy water solution.

Use a sponge without metal. Use the soft sponge you can find.

Given that glass is prone to scratches, it is preferable to clean with a soft cloth.

How Long Can I Microwave Pyrex?

Before being introduced to the market, Pyrex, according to the manufacturer, underwent up to 1000 hours of testing.

Instructions for use are included with every piece of Pyrex cookware and glassware. You must use them in accordance with the directions provided by the manufacturer.

The length of time you can use the cookware depends on its size and shape.

But watch out for any abrupt temperature changes. Preheating or beginning with low heat will allow the Pyrex to gradually acclimate.

Conclusion

Although Pyrex is completely safe to use in the microwave, there are a few situations you should avoid.

So long as you keep in mind those drastic temperature shifts and follow the provided instructions, you and your Pyrex should have a long and happy life together.

We appreciate you reading and encourage you to get in touch if you have any additional queries…we are here to help.