Can You Microwave Cold Pyrex? (Why You Should Be Careful)

Pyrex has been around for over a century. Its initial popularity was because of its ability to make ovenproof dishes.

Today, several advancements have led to the creation of microwaves. This, in turn, has led to instant gratification, with many asking if you can take cold Pyrex right from the freezer into the microwave.

So, can you microwave cold Pyrex? No, you can’t. As manufacturers claim that Pyrex is microwave-safe, cold Pyrex acts differently. When you pull Pyrex off the freezer and into the microwave, the sudden temperature change can cause it to shatter or crack.

But wait, there’s more to learn here. Read on to understand more about using cold Pyrex in a microwave.

Why Cold Pyrex Breaks in the Microwave

Yes, cold Pyrex breaks when you place it straight into the microwave. The glass that makes up the structure of Pyrex cannot withstand a sudden temperature change. It is thicker and more rigid than most of the other standard glasses. 

But the truth is that glass is generally safe to use in a microwave. The only thing is that you have to take note of some precautions – especially on sudden temperature changes.

When you heat cold Pyrex in the microwave, its parts expand and contract at different rates. This stresses the glass material, which makes it go through thermal shock. Therefore, the bowl’s structure won’t take on all this pressure without cracking or shattering.

Microwaving Cold Pyrex

Today’s Pyrex utilizes tempered glass instead of borosilicate glass in the past. This makes it more prone to thermal shock when the temperature changes suddenly. This thermal shock causes it to shatter or crack within just a few minutes.

But the good news is that microwaving cold Pyrex doesn’t have to be a huge stressor in your life. There are handy tips that can help you out.

LEARN MORE: Can You Microwave Nutella?

Safety When You Microwave Cold Pyrex

Pyrex manufacturers have recently assured consumers that the glass is safe to microwave. Nonetheless, you will have to follow some essential rules. For starters, you need to know that Pyrex will shatter when exposed to an instant temperature change for starters.

Thus, it’s not safe to microwave cold Pyrex for the sole reason of sudden temperature change. It may not bear this change, which leads to thermal shock. But worry not about using Pyrex in a microwave, as long as it is at room temperature.

There’s a high chance of cold Pyrex exploding when you place it inside a microwave with high heat. This can be a safety concern for your household.

The same principle applies when you take hot Pyrex off the microwave and place it in the freezer. The sudden temperature decrease will still cause it to shatter or break.

LEARN MORE: Can You Defrost Fish In The Microwave?

The Safe Way to Microwave Cold Pyrex

By gradually reducing the temperature of cold Pyrex, you can prevent shattering. At this point, there are two options on the table. You can either let the cold Pyrex cool down to room temperature or gradually raise the temperature of the cold Pyrex.

The latter is better when you’re in a hurry to use the contents present inside the Pyrex dish.

You need to start by introducing a low power level as you work up the heat over the course of time (a few minutes later). This way, you can reduce the chances of thermal shock distorting the glass and breaking it inside the microwave.

So, how exactly do you introduce a low power level to Pyrex? Well, you can add some warm water into a bowl and then place the Pyrex dish on top. Ensure that the water isn’t too hot, as this, again, can lead to glass breaking or shattering.

If you’re the type of individual that prefers to take more caution and are patient, then waiting is an option. You can place the cold Pyrex on the countertop and wait for it to get to room temperature before placing it inside the microwave.

Best Tips to Microwave Cold Pyrex

Thus, you have read about the danger of placing cold Pyrex right from the freezer into the microwave. But you don’t have to go through this safety concern when you do things right.

Part of handling cold Pyrex the right way is to gradually reduce the temperature of its surface structure before you place it inside the microwave. To help you manage cold Pyrex effectively, here are some tips that we put together:

•  Once you take the cold Pyrex out of the freezer, you can place it on the countertop or inside a bowl of warm water. Either way, you will be reducing its temperature gradually.
• You can also place the cold Pyrex dish inside a container and place the container on the stove. Adjust the heat to allow for warm water to heat the Pyrex dish. Nonetheless, be cautious while undertaking this process, as you could still shatter the glass with too much heat.
•  Within a few minutes, you’ll be able to microwave the Pyrex dish and enjoy your meal easily.
•  You should cover the bottom of the Pyrex glassware with some liquid. This reduces the chances of breakage from sudden temperature changes.

LEARN MORE: Can You Microwave Your Cookie Dough?

Final Thoughts

Having gone through the entire article, you can confidently note that microwaving cold Pyrex is NOT a good idea.

The sudden temperature change will cause its structure to give in to thermal shock and shatter. Aside from destroying your equipment, it can also be a safety concern.

Luckily, there’s still a way to microwave your food right from cold Pyrex. By gradually heating the Pyrex dish, you can get it to a favorable temperature safe to microwave.

As a general rule of thumb, you need to always refer to the suggested manufacturer’s guidelines, as they will help you handle Pyrex in the right way. In addition, follow the safety precautions and tips that we have provided here to have a pleasant experience.