If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered at some point if it’s possible to put a cold glass dish in the oven. After all, it seems like it would save a lot of time and effort if you could pop a frozen pie or casserole into the oven without waiting for it to thaw first.
So can you put a cold glass dish in the oven? The simple answer is—yes. You can put a cold glass dish in the oven! However, it is not recommended since there is a high risk of glass breaking if not done properly.
This post will discuss this phenomenon in a more detailed manner and help you avoid any oven disasters related to cold glass-baking!
Can Cold Glassware Go in the Oven?
Unfortunately, it’s not good to put a cold glass dish in the oven. Even if the dish doesn’t break, it’s likely to crack or develop crazing (tiny cracks in the surface of the glass). It can crack because of a sudden temperature change.
If you absolutely must put a cold dish in the oven, there are some things you can do to help prevent it from breaking.
What Reasons Can Cause Cold Glass to Break in the Oven?
Here are some potential reasons you’re cold glassware can break in the oven.
1. Using a poorly made or thin glass dish
One of the most important things to do when using glass in the oven is to make sure it is high quality and thick. Cheaper, thin glass is more likely to break from thermal shock than thicker, higher-quality glass. If you’re not sure if your dish is oven-safe, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose another dish.
2. Oven racks that are not level
Make sure to check your oven racks before using them and adjust them if necessary. If your oven racks are not level, this can cause hot spots and uneven heat distribution. This can lead to thermal shock and cause the glass to break.
3. Excessive temperature changes to the glass
A sudden, extreme change in temperature can break the glass. For example, if you take a dish out of the fridge and put it straight into a hot oven or pour cold water on a hot dish, there is a risk of thermal shock. It’s best to avoid these sudden temperature changes if you can.
5 Ways To Keep Cold Glass From Breaking In The Oven
Here are five tips to help you avoid breaking a glass dish when you put it in the oven:
First Method
Use a hot pad or oven glove to protect your hands when handling the dish. You can also put a folded towel on the oven rack to prevent the dish from sliding around. We do not recommend using a metal baking sheet, as this can conduct heat and cause the glass to break.
Second Method
Put the dish on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven. That way, the heat will be distributed evenly, and the dish won’t crack. In addition to double layers of foil, the dish can be insulated with plastic wrap. If it is a big dish, you may need to put two baking sheets in the oven to support it.
Third Method
Preheat the oven before putting the dish in it. This will help reduce the chances of the glass breaking from sudden temperature changes. We also recommend using the lowest possible temperature setting that will still cook your food. It would be best if you didn’t bake a cold dish in an oven that is too hot.
Fourth Method
Don’t put a frozen dish straight into the oven. Instead, thaw it first in the refrigerator or microwave. This will help reduce the risk of thermal shock (sudden temperature changes causing the glass to break). If you are worried about bacteria, you can cook the food frozen, but it will take longer.
Fifth Method
Be careful when taking the dish out of the oven. Use a hot pad or oven glove to protect your hands, and be careful not to drop it. You can also run cold water over the bottom of the dish for a few seconds before taking it out to help prevent thermal shock.
Oven-safe materials you can use in place of glass
There are a few oven-safe materials that you can use in place of glass, such as ceramic, stoneware, and metal. These materials are less likely to break from thermal shock and can withstand high temperatures.
However, they do have some drawbacks. For example, ceramic and stoneware can be more fragile than glass, and metal can conduct heat and cause food to stick. But if you’re worried about using glass in the oven, these are all good alternatives.
FAQs
Can you put a cold Pyrex dish in the oven?
A cold Pyrex dish is made with a special kind of thermal shock-resistant glass, known as borosilicate glass. This denotes that any drastic temperature changes can break or shatter the dish. This is why you must not put a cold Pyrex dish in the oven.
Can I put a cold ceramic dish in the oven?
It would be best if you did not put a cold ceramic dish in the oven as the temperature changes can break the dish. Instead, you can transfer the contents to an oven-safe dish.
Are glass bowls oven-safe?
Only oven bowls should be used while using ovens. The chances of your glass bowls breaking or shattering in the oven are quite high.
Conclusion
It’s not recommended to put a cold glass dish in the oven, as there is a risk of thermal shock and glass breaking. If you absolutely must put a cold dish in the oven, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk, such as preheating the oven and using a thicker, higher-quality glass dish.
However, there is always a chance that your dish may break, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure if your dish is oven-safe, it’s best to choose another one.
We hope this article has helped clear up any confusion about whether or not you can put a cold glass dish in the oven. Happy cooking!
