Is Pyrex Safe In The Microwave

Curious to know if Pyrex is safe in the microwave? The short answer is yes, with certain conditions to take into consideration. Use Pyrex glass safely and appropriately to avoid thermal cracks and breaks.

While we know that Pyrex glassware is heat resistant and primarily designed for cooking, there is still a question of whether Pyrex is microwave safe.

Investing in Pyrex containers, we want to be sure that they can be safely frozen, microwaved, and oven-safe. This is what the Pyrex manufacturer claims.

But what is the reality? Some users report different issues like cracks, explosions, or others. Let's discover the advantages and disadvantages of using Pyrex in the microwave.

What is Pyrex? Pyrex vs. PYREX

You might be wondering what Pyrex is. Pyrex is an American brand of manufactured glass known since 1915. Having a long history, Pyrex has earned its respect for its durable cook and bakeware.

Until the 1950s, Pyrex used borosilicate for manufacturing glass. Nowadays, the PYREX brand still makes borosilicate PYREX products, while American Pyrex manufactures tempered soda lime glass products.

Here is what you will discover in the world's market:

• French PYREX is made from low-thermal-expansion borosilicate glass,
• American Pyrex is made of tempered glass.

Is Pyrex microwave safe?

Glass is microwave-safe, and Pyrex glass is considered microwaveable material. In addition, it is plastic-free (it doesn't contain BPA), stain-resistant, non-porous, does not absorb any food flavors or odors and is durable.

Although Pyrex is microwavable, there are certain conditions to bear in mind while using it.

Can Pyrex go in microwave?

Can you put Pyrex in microwave? Yes, you can, but there is something more important to know.

Before buying it, make sure to examine the Pyrex logo. PYREX®, spelled with capital letters, is the safest borosilicate. It indicates either a vintage Corning Glass Works product or a new French product.

American pyrex (all lowercase) is made of tempered soda lime glass, representing the standard glass type used to make household products.

If you can't find a logo, pay attention to where the Pyrex product is made. If it is made in France, it is borosilicate glass. Pyrex glassware, made in the USA or, lately, China, is made of high-quality tempered glass.

PYREX® is safer than American Pyrex since borosilicate is more resistant to thermal shock. It relates to situations when you swap the glass product from one device to another.

For example, take a Pyrex dish out of the freezer and immediately put it in the microwave. It may result in an exploding Pyrex dish.

Please, watch this Consumer Reports video about the high resistance of French PYREX compared to American pyrex®.

French borosilicate glass has an incredible thermal resistance of up to 572°F (300°C). Soda-lime Pyrex top temperature is less.

The American Pyrex glass melting point is 1510°F (821°C), while the French PYREX melting temperature is between 2552 and 2912°F (1400 and 1600°C).

So it is essential to carefully read all the details when purchasing and using Pyrex glass containers.

Can you microwave Pyrex lids?

Most Pyrex cups, jugs, bowls, and dishes come with glass or plastic lids. If Pyrex glassware can be microwaved, excluding abrupt temperature changes, you probably want to know if you can microwave Pyrex lids.

The official Pyrex website reassures that Pyrex glass lids made with the same material as the container are microwave-safe.

If a plastic lid accompanies the Pyrex, it is another story. Even if the lid is BPA-free, it isn't always as heat-resistant as its glass counterpart.

So read the product description or manual carefully. For example, don't worry about microwaving Pyrex lids if it is written, "Non-toxic lid: BPA-free plastic lid is freezer, microwave, and top-rack dishwasher safe."

Tips for microwaving Pyrex

While Pyrex is microwavable, there are a few tips to consider:

• Check Pyrex glassware for cracks before putting it in the microwave.
• Don't pour hot liquids into cold Pyrex measuring cups.
• Never put a hot Pyrex container on a very cold surface. 
• Avoid instant temperature changes like 100-120 degrees Celsius: preheat your Pyrex dish before placing it somewhere with the extreme temperature difference.
• Never microwave an empty Pyrex cup for any reason.
• Handle hot glass from the microwave with oven mitts.

American Pyrex can't go from the freezer to the microwave oven. The glass exposed to extreme temperature changes will crack, burst, or even result in an explosion into thousand tiny pieces. 

But according to the official website, PYREX.fr,

You can use a borosilicate glass dish and take it from the freezer (or refrigerator) to the oven or the microwave with no problem.

It means that French PYREX withstands the thermal shock from -4°F (-20°C) of the freezer to the oven's 464°F (240°C). And it is so durable that if by accidence you break it, it will break into several large pieces for more safety.

But are there any tips or safety precautions for microwaving a cold Pyrex dish?

• Let the Pyrex cup or bowl get to room temperature taken from the refrigerator or freezer before bringing it to the microwave.
• Preferably, microwave Pyrex in short intervals to decrease the chances of thermal expansion.

How can you tell if Pyrex is microwave-safe?

First and foremost, you should examine your Pyrex cookware for the logo. PYREX® items with capital letters in the logo are safer than their American cousin - tempered soda-lime pyrex®.

If in doubt, read about the material the Pyrex is made of: borosilicate glass or soda-lime glass. Then, choose one made of borosilicate glass.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions or manuals accompanying your purchase, or look for such ones online.

The last thing to check if Pyrex glass is microwavable is to perform a microwave test. Just pour a glass of water into your dish and microwave it at high for a minute.

If the Pyrex is hot to the touch (be careful), then it is best to avoid microwaving. If the dish is cold, but the water is hot, you can use it in the microwave.

Attention: Use dry oven mitts to handle the Pyrex glass dish.

How long can you microwave Pyrex?

Compared to Tupperware, ceramic and glass are the best options to use in a microwave. These a heat-resistant and microwave-safe.

Before being introduced into the market, Pyrex kitchenware has been tested for up to 1000 hours. So you can freely and safely use it in everyday life following the manufacturer's guidelines.

What Pyrex dish is best for the microwave?

The best dish depends on your taste and cooking methods. For example, some prefer bowls, while others use dishes and cups.  

You may prefer to stock up your kitchen with different types of Pyrex glassware for other purposes. Read more about baking essentials in the kitchen.

To cook optimally and safely, opt for Pyrex® borosilicate glass dishes, for example,

• Pyrex glass measuring jug
• Pyrex glass baking dish
• Pyrex oven dish

If you live in the United States, you will find it hard to find French Pyrex glassware. So you may consider ordering cups, bowls, storage containers, and other dishes from Amazon.fr.

The variety of Pyrex products is outstanding for making homemade lasagna, quiche, and Brioche French Toast Casserole; you name it.

Conclusion

Can pyrex be microwaved? Pyrex is microwave-safe, but please avoid the drastic temperature shifts described above.

Always follow the manufacturer's usage instructions regarding Pyrex glass products and microwaves and respect safety guidelines. For example, avoid placing Pyrex on a hot stove, and don't use it in a toaster oven, under the broiler broil, or on a grill.

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