Can you microwave glass? In this article, we will answer this question and provide some other microwave-safe options for you. Read on…

Glass containers top the list of food storage options for many. In short, glass promises a long and impressive list of benefits and advantages when it comes to storing whatever food you have.

However, despite its outstanding features, if you’re planning to reheat your food in a glass container you should consider whether the material is microwavable or not. Is it safe to microwave glass?

Is glass safe to be used when reheating your food in the microwave? Or is the material unfit for such a role? Let’s find out…

Can You Microwave Glass?

Whether you’re dealing with bottles, jars, or other glass containers, you’ve probably wondered whether it is safe to put them straight into the microwave or not.

To answer this question, you have to know what type of glass you have first. And, you should also review microwave ovens and food safety.

Generally, some glass is microwave-safe, in other words, it can be put into the microwave for food-heating purposes.

However, this doesn’t apply to all glass containers, as there are some that are not compatible with microwaves and may gradually (or rapidly) lose shape when exposed to extreme heat.

How to Know If Your Glass Is Microwave-Safe?

Interestingly, there are different ways to know whether something is microwave-safe. To determine whether your glass container is designed to be used in a microwave, try the following:

Option 1: Check the label

When it comes to knowing whether your container is microwavable or not, the first and most important step is to review the glassware.

To do so, turn the container over and check what is written on its base.

In most cases, when a glass is compatible with microwave ovens, you will find a label that states “Microwave Safe” written on the bottom.

If you find this label, you can put the container straight into the microwave and start the heating/reheating process.

However, if it isn’t indicated whether the material is microwavable or not, proceed to the next option…

Option 2: Perform a Test Run

If you’re unsure whether your container is microwave-safe or not, you can do a test run following these steps:

Step 1: Turn up the Heat

Set your microwave to its highest power setting. Depending on the brand and model of your microwave, this procedure may vary. However, in most cases, the default setting is the highest power.

Step 2: Add Water

After you’ve turned up the heat, the next step is to find a cup that is microwave safe and fill it three-quarters of the way with water. Once you’re done, put the cup of water along with the glass container inside the microwave.

Note that you shouldn’t pour the water into the container. For smaller glass containers, you can put the cup of water alongside it.

However, if you’re dealing with bigger glass containers, you can put the cup on top of the container in the microwave.

Step 3: Set the Time

Now that you’ve put the cup of water and the glass container in the microwave, you may now set the timer for one minute.

Step 4: Check the Results

After one minute, check whether the glass container feels hot and the water remains cold. If so, this means that your container isn’t microwave-safe.

On the other hand, if the container is cool and the cup of water is hot, this means that the glass container is microwave safe.

Note that the container may feel warm in the center if you placed the cup of water on top of it.

Why Using Microwave Safe Glass Is Important

Knowing whether your glass is microwave-safe is important. Microwaving a container that is not meant to be microwaved presents risks.

Specifically, if you heat the glass that is not microwave-safe, tiny air bubbles could expand during the heating process causing the glass to break and even explode outward.

Other Materials in Question: Are They Microwaveable?

• Ceramic: Can be microwave-safe if labeled as such.
• Plastic: Possible. Look for plastic containers that are specifically marked “microwave safe.”
• Styrofoam: Possible. Look for styrofoam that is specifically marked “microwave safe.”
• Brown paper bags: No.
• Metal: No.

The Bottom Line

Is your glass microwavable? Don’t let the unthinkable happen. Be sure to keep these tips in mind the next time you want to reheat your food in a glass container.

Check the material and see for yourself whether your glass containers can go in the microwave.