Looking for beautiful and sturdy new kitchen glassware perfect for baking and all kinds of recipes? Well, look no further! Pyrex glassware is a top choice for homeowners and chefs. But, the million dollar question remains.
Is Pyrex oven safe? Can Pyrex go in the oven?
It is imperative to take safety precautions for all kitchen equipment and appliances and this is also especially true for Pyrex glass. Improper use and poor handling may cause it to shatter.
In this article, you will get to know more about Pyrex glassware, Pyrex dishes, Pyrex glass lids, etc., and oven safety. You will learn:
- the difference between Pyrex glass products
- which Pyrex dishes are oven safe
- how to safely handle Pyrex dishes in a hot oven
- the precautions to take when handling Pyrex hot glassware
- whether Pyrex glass lids can go in the oven
Keep on reading to know more about hot Pyrex dishes and oven safety facts!
Can Pyrex Glassware Go in the Oven?
Expensive, sturdy, and aesthetic, Pyrex bakeware is a popular choice for homeowners.
But, is Pyrex oven safe?
Yes! To put it simply, Pyrex cookware can be placed in a preheated or hot oven safely. However, this is not true for Pyrex plasticware including the Pyrex plastic lids which come with the sturdy glassware as well. These Pyrex lids are for storage and covering purposes only. They will melt if placed in a hot oven.
Most homeowners aren't aware of the fact that Pyrex dishes are preheated oven safe, which means they are perfectly alright to use so long as the oven is preheated. We will discuss this further in the article.
Here is a handy guide to which Pyrex items are oven safe, and which are not:
- Pyrex Glass Bakeware – Safe
- Pyrex Glass Lids – Safe
- Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups – Safe
- Pyrex Glass Pie Plates – Safe
- Pyrex Glass Food Storage Containers – Safe
- Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls – Safe
- Pyrex Glass Custard Cups – Safe
- Pyrex Plastic Lids – Unsafe
For further information, you can check out PyrexHome.com. You can read in detail about product safety if you find yourself in doubt.
When you purchase a Pyrex product, the packing comes labeled with directions and whether the item is oven safe. You can also learn about maintenance, care, and correct usage of Pyrex glassware and vintage Pyrex dishes such as casserole dishes, Pyrex glass bowls, etc.
If a Pyrex item has “Preheated Oven Only” labeled on the bottom, then you can rest assured that it is oven safe.
Correct Ways to Use Pyrex in the a Hot Oven
If you have ever owned a Pyrex product and the hot glass broke or cracked, then it is probably due to thermal shock.
Thermal shock results when fragile materials such as glass are exposed to sudden temperature changes. When transferred from direct heat to room temperature, or low temperature, Pyrex glassware can shatter or crack due to the competing pressures on its surface area.
When exposed to high temperatures in a hot oven, the part closest to the heat source will grow hotter while the other side will remain cool. As pressure builds up due to the fluctuation in temperatures and stress on the glass, it can easily shatter.
This can be extremely risky and dangerous as broken glass is difficult to clean and if not done properly, it may cause severe injury. For this reason, it is imperative that you always preheat the oven before you pop in your Pyrex dishes. Thanks to the uniform temperature inside a preheated oven, there is no pressure or stress on breakable materials and radiant heat won't be focused on one part of the dish.
More importantly, always ensure that your Pyrex glassware comes to room temperature before you heat it. Never place a hot Pyrex dish directly in the fridge or freezer and vice versa.
Thermal shock can also be a result of cold liquids or juices spilling out of the food and onto the cold surface of the glass. You can avoid this from happening by adding a small amount of liquid in your Pyrex glassware before placing it inside a preheated oven. This helps in avoiding any cracks or breaks.
For your safety, always wear oven mitts when pulling out a hot Pyrex dish from the oven. Remember to use both hands and once it is out, place it on a dry dish towel, cooling rack, or any other padded surface.
If you place it directly on the sink, countertop, or a damp surface, the difference in temperature may cause thermal shock.
Always wait till your dish has reached room temperature before popping it in the fridge. In case your Pyrex breaks, do not use it again, even if the crack seems small and insignificant.
Keep an Eye Out for These Dangers When Using Pyrex
While it has many uses and benefits, there are times when you should absolutely avoid using Pyrex glassware.
You should never use Pyrex products:
- under a broiler
- on a traditional or modern stove range
- in a microwave when the dish is empty
- on a grill
- to bake food inside a microwave
- to heat up fatty contents like butter, oil, fat, etc.
These can cause the Pyrex glass to shatter and cause a dangerous mess.
Can You Use Pyrex Lids inside an Oven?
Pyrex products – both glass and plastic – come with plastic lids. Therefore, they are not oven safe at all. If you place them inside an oven, they will melt and cause a mess that will take days hours, if not days to clean.
These kids are simply meant to keep your food covered or safely stored inside the fridge or on the counter.
You can still use these inside a microwave for reheating food but we strongly recommend always reading product usage instructions, checking out their Pyrex website, and reading through the product label.
If you are baking something that needs to be covered inside the hot oven, then simply use a sheet of aluminum foil or a brown baking sheet.
However, Pyrex casserole dishes come with glass lids and are preheated oven safe.
Can You Use Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls inside a Hot Oven?
These Pyrex mixing bowls are designed for storing, whipping, mixing, and combining foods. Despite this, the bowls are safe to use in a preheated oven up to 425°F. You can also easily use them to reheat food inside the microwave.
However, as is the case with all Pyrex glassware, you must ensure that the mixing bowl is room temperature when you place it inside a preheated oven. Otherwise, there is a risk of thermal shock to the glass.
As mentioned earlier, if the food you are cooking at home or reheating has fatty elements, juices, or other moisture oozing out, then it is important to cover the bottom of the bowl with just a bit of liquid to buffer it. This will prevent sudden temperature changes when the liquid content drips out.
Keep in mind that Pyrex mixing glass bowls are not safe to use on a stove range or on a grill or under a broiler. These dishes usually come with a warning etched to the surface which says “No Broiler” or “No Stovetop”, etc.
Does Pyrex Provide any Warranty Coverage for its Products?
Yes! Pyrex provides a 2-year warranty on its glass products and this is specifically meant to cover damages from thermal shock, cracking, and shattering. However, this warranty is not applicable for plastic Pyrex.
There are different warranties for plastic containers, lids, etc., that offer some protection against manufacturing defects.
Final Verdict: Pyrex Glassware Is Safe in a Preheated Oven
Durable, aesthetic, and versatile, Pyrex glassware remains a top choice for home cooks and even commercial businesses.
While there may be some concerns when using it in an oven and a constant fear of glass shattering in your oven, this can easily be avoided if the directions of usage are followed and if proper care and maintenance is given to the products.
It is important to remember that while Pyrex cookware is preheated oven safe, the lids are not!
You should keep these tips in mind when using a Pyrex to avoid thermal shock and other risks:
- Ensure that your oven is preheated before you put your Pyrex inside
- Your Pyrex glassware should be room temperature before you place it in an oven
- Add some water in the bottom of the Pyrex before placing it in the oven
- Your oven should not exceed 425°F
- When taking the hot glass out, be mindful of where you place it and use both hands when carrying the Pyrex dish. Use a dry kitchen towel or a cooling rack to place it on.
- Never run it directly under cold water or place it in the fridge right after scooping it out from the oven.
