Pyrex is a famous brand with an excellent reputation for high-end kitchenware products with an outstanding track record.
Generally speaking, Pyrex products represent the hard-heated resistant type of glass. Can you microwave Pyrex?
You must evaluate all aspects carefully to answer that question perfectly. Let’s find out whether it’s safe to microwave Pyrex and what precautions are necessary.
Please read on to find out about the precautions to consider when microwaving Pyrex.
Is it safe to Microwave Pyrex?
According to the Pyrex manufacturer, it’s safe to microwave Pyrex products. However, the brand advises against shocking the glass by adding cold water or placing it on cold surfaces after microwaving.
Rapid changes in temperatures expose glass products to thermal shock. Thermal shock happens when there is variant expansion by parts of an item.
Thermal shock may cause cracks or shatter of the gardened materials.
Once you expose a Pyrex glassware dish to sudden temperature changes, it fails to handle the stress involved with the uneven expansion. Such situations lead to breakage or burst.
Using a Pyrex glass in a microwave shouldn’t worry you about shattering or breakage.
There will be a difference in the resistance level when you replace a Pyrex glass dish from one appliance to another. For instance, replacing cold Pyrex from the fridge with a microwave may result in a small explosion.
However, Pyrex has improved the quality of its products. Its products are durable and can stand the test of time.
That said, there’s no reason to worry about shattering or breakage if you comply with Pyrex’s recommended guidelines.
The following table highlights Pyrex products and their microwave safety properties.
| Pyrex Product | Microwave safe? |
| Pyrex glass bakeware | Yes |
| Pyrex glass pie plates | Yes |
| Pyrex glass mixing bowls | Yes |
| Pyrex glass measuring cups | Yes |
| Pyrex glass custard cups | Yes |
| Pyrex glass food storage containers | Yes |
| Pyrex glass lids | Yes |
| Pyrex plastic lids | No |
Can You Microwave Pyrex Plastic Lids?
It’s safe to microwave Pyrex plastic lids, but you must observe user guidelines. Pyrex is a thoughtful brand that manufactures BPA-free plasticware products.
The lack of BPA elements renders Pyrex plastic lids safe to microwave.
But the one drawback of plastic lids is that they are not as heat-resistant as their glass counterparts.
That makes them even more dangerous to use in the oven because of the risk of melting under extreme heat.
Can Pyrex Explode in the Microwave?
Unfortunately, yes. Cold Pyrex can explode in the microwave because of thermal expansion. All glass products are subject to the law of thermal expansion.
As stated earlier, thermal expansion happens when some parts of an item expand faster than the rest. Which makes the surfaces crack or shatter.
It’s likely for glass molecules to explode after experiencing a drastic temperature change.
If you heat a Pyrex glass dish in extreme temperatures, it will potentially explode.
To prevent your Pyrex container from exploding, you must adhere to a set of guidelines.
Tips For Microwaving Cold Pyrex
Is your Pyrex dish cold, but do you need to microwave it? Here is a list of things to consider when microwaving cold Pyrex:
- Check the instructions manual. Some Pyrex collaborations can withstand getting from a cold fridge to a microwave. Some cannot.
- Allow the Pyrex that you’ve taken from the refrigerator or freezer to rest. Then raise it to room temperature before microwaving it for long durations.
- If you’re in a hurry, try to microwave your Pyrex in segments. The shorter durations on a lower heat will significantly reduce the possibility of thermal expansion.
- Ensure you ease the transition from cold to hot or hot to cold as best as possible.
What are Temperatures Safe for Pyrex?
Pyrex is incredibly heat-resistant. Thanks to its combination of boric oxide and silica sand.
As a result, Pyrex has a high melting point of 1510°F. So you can use your container for the longest time without it melting anytime soon.
But let’s scale the facts down. Pyrex products can safely withstand temperatures ranging from -104°F to 572°F.
So, it is in a capacity to cover all of your cooking needs.
Can You Microwave Pyrex Glass Lids?
Glass lids follow the same rules as the Pyrex glass containers.
Although they feature hardy glass, they are still vulnerable to cracking or shattering the exposed to extreme temperature changes.
But you can use Pyrex glass lids in the microwave if you handle them more carefully. That can even allow you to use Pyrex glass lids in the oven.
Is it Safe to Microwave Pyrex Glass Containers?
Yes, it’s safe to microwave Pyrex glass containers. Glass and ceramic are the best microwavable materials.
With Pyrex, you don’t have to worry about BPA exposure or plastic melting and leaking into your food. That said, there are a few considerations you should make when microwaving your Pyrex glass containers.
Fun fact, each piece of Pyrex glassware goes through a test before arriving in the market. Maybe testing may sound too gentle to go with; Pyrex’s rigorous rounds of testing last around 1,000 hours!
It’s hard to imagine putting your leftover food in the microwave for 1,000 hours. So, you should have nothing to worry about, no matter how long you might need to microwave your Pyrex.
Can You Microwave Pyrex out of the Fridge?
Yes, you can move your Pyrex glassware from the fridge to the microwave. Glass containers are also safe to move from the freezer to the microwave.
But please let it sit for about an hour before cooking. Otherwise, it will take longer to reheat.
Can You Microwave Pyrex Glass Bowls?
Yes, you can microwave Pyrex glass bowls. Being resistant to heat renders glassware microwave-friendly.
But it’s not safe to pour hot water into a Pyrex glass after microwaving it. If you do, it’ll experience thermal expansion and crack or shatter.
Can You Boil Water in a Pyrex Container in the Microwave?
Yes, you can boil water in a Pyrex container in the microwave if you follow glass heating rules. The process should be consistent to avoid thermal expansion.
Pyrex can withstand extremely high temperatures without breaking. Even the heat of the boiling water cannot make its glassware shatter.
Even heat-resistant glassware like Pyrex can crack by exposure to sudden temperature changes. Wrong heating is the most critical problem to avoid when using Pyrex in the microwave.
Another thing to avoid is shocking the glass. Avoid placing the Pyrex glass on a cold surface or pouring in cold water after microwaving it.
How Long Can You Microwave Pyrex?
The melting point of type 774 Pyrex is 1,510°F or 821.111°C. If the heating temperature is below this limit, the Pyrex glass can’t melt.
Home kitchen appliances are not able to reach that heat capacity.
So, there is no need to worry about melting when you microwave Pyrex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pyrex Go in the Freezer?
Yes. Pyrex can be in the freezer, but there are a few considerations to make.
Please avoid extreme temperature changes when using Pyrex or any glass bakeware or cookware. That can lead to cracking or shattering of the glassware.
Is Pyrex Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, Pyrex glassware and lids are dishwasher safe. This means your cleaning is easy and carefree.
But you should avoid getting plastic lids and glassware into direct contact with heat elements.
You should also use non-abrasive cleaners when washing Pyrex glassware by hand.
Can I put Cold Pyrex in the Microwave?
No, you should not put cold Pyrex in the microwave. The result of this would be glass shattering because of thermal shock.
Bottom Line
Pyrex is microwave-safe. But there are guidelines to avoid breaking the glassware or melting off the plastic lids.
Following the guidelines, you and your Pyrex bakeware or cooking ware will have a long life together.