Is Pyrex Microwave Safe? Do’s and Don’ts!

In my everyday life, I depend on my microwave for quick preparations. It is the most important part of my kitchen and almost all my meals are done using the microwave.

I recently purchased pyrex cookware at the local store. What attracted me was its ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

I wonder if pyrex is microwave safe? Let us find out!

Is Pyrex Microwave Safe?

According to the manufacturers of pyrex, Pyrex cookware is microwave safe. However, safety comes within certain guidelines.

Pyrex should not be subjected to sudden temperature changes.

For example, you should never place pirates from a fridge or freezer directly inside a microwave. Likewise, you should not place hot Pyrex cookware on a cold surface or in the refrigerator.

A sudden change in temperature can lead to the cracking or shattering of the pyrex cookware.

Let me divulge details about the pyrex material so you get a clear picture. I will also tell you how to deal with pyrex cookware in the microwave.

Also read: Why Do Glass Plate Break in the Microwave?

What is Pyrex?

Pyrex is a molten compound that is created when silica and boric oxide are heated for a long time at high temperatures.

Pyrex cookware is a combination of stabilizers, formers, and flux materials. Their combination makes the glass tough and prevents it from breaking or shattering easily.

The melting point of Pyrex is 820° C (1510 °F). It is impossible to generate that much heat inside your kitchen microwave.

They are durable due to their thickness compared to normal glassware. This is why pyrex cookware is safe for a microwave oven.

As I have mentioned earlier, Pyrex cookware comes with its own set of do’s and don’ts. Not following the guidelines can result in shattering, cracking, and exploding pyrex in your microwave!

Let us find out

Do’s While Using Pyrex in the Microwave

The most important thing is to follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

As long as you do that, you can safely use pyrex in your microwave. 

I am listing some of them below:

  • Read the microwave-safe label on your Pyrex mugs, bowls, or plates before placing them in your microwave. You can find the ‘microwave-safe’ mark at the bottom, or in the packing box of your cookware.
  • Keep a towel handy when using Pyrex to heat or cook food in the microwave. Make sure to remove all traces of moisture.
  • After removing your container from the fridge, thaw it out on the countertop before placing it inside the microwave
  • You could also fill a bowl with lukewarm water and place the frozen Pyrex till it thaws out.
  • Give a slow start to Pyrex. Start with low temperatures, so your Pyrex gets enough time to acclimatize slowly. You can use Pyrex for a long duration at low temperatures inside the microwave.
  • Allow the hot food dish from the microwave to cool down to room temperature before placing Pyrex into the fridge.
Also read: Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags?

Dont’s While Using Pyrex in the Microwave

Here are some things you should never do while placing Pyrex cookware inside your microwave

  • Resist the urge to put your cold or frozen bowl from the fridge/refrigerator into your microwave. Let the food thaw out before cooking or reheating it in your microwave.
  • You must never use cracked or chipped Pyrex cookware inside the microwave. The stress can cause the cookware to explode.
  • You have to be careful not to thump it down too hard into the microwave or bang it on the door of the microwave. Rough handling can break pyrex
  • Never heat dry meals containing no water on Pyrex cookware inside the microwave. It is best to add a little water to the Pyrex container before placing it in the microwave. The water addition will prevent cracking.
  • Do not expose your Pyrex plates to high temperatures for a consistently long duration inside your microwaves.
  • It is best not to overshoot the recommended temperature range of 400-425° F while cooking food in your microwave.
  • Do not heat oil or make popcorn in a Pyrex bowl. The uneven heat transfer can cause the bowl to crack.
  • Do not use a cold pyrex container for pouring out hot tea. The hot temperatures can break the glassware.
Also read: Is Porcelain Microwave Safe?

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using pyrex cookware in your microwave

Advantages of Using Pyrex in the Microwave

  • The toughened glass will never react to your food. It is non-toxic and safe.
  • As it replaces plastics, it helps to conserve the environment. Use Pyrex glass cookware if you are environment-friendly
  • You can easily wash it in the dishwasher as it can withstand high temperatures.
  • Pyrex gives you a non-stick experience.
  • The thermal shock resistance of Pyrex is outstanding. They can withstand up to 220° C of thermal shock, making them resistant to high temperatures.
  • Pyrex lids are also microwave-friendly and BPA-free. The non-toxic lid is heat resistant while the food underneath gets heated up.
Also read: Can You Put Plastic Bags in Microwave?

Disadvantages of Using Pyrex in the Microwave

  • With time, Pyrex becomes brittle. It becomes susceptible to breaking due to scratches on its surface.
  • You need to use it gently. Rough handling like thumping or banging against any surface can cause it to shatter.
  • You cannot expose Pyrex suddenly from a hot to a cold environment or vice versa. That will break up your Pyrex plate, mug, or glass. Being temperature sensitive, it contracts or expands. As the glass undergoes thermal expansion and sudden stress, it explodes.
  • Do not use pyrex on induction or electric cooktop. Too much-concentrated heat in a particular area can result in breaking. You cannot use pyrex cookware for recipes needing both a microwave and induction/electric cooktop.
  • Pyrex surface can become quite hot. You may need oven mitts to take it out from the microwave.
  • The newly manufactured versions of Pyrex are made from soda lime glass and not borosilicate. The thermal shock resistance ability is not as strong as borosilicate. You need to be careful and follow the instruction while using inside a microwave.
  • Pyrex plates, glass, or cups cannot be allowed to heat up without water.  The stress will cause the glass to crack.
  • Pyrex is discontinued by its manufacturer and is no longer a product but just a brand name.
Also read: Can You Use a Microwave Without Turntable

How To Clean Pyrex?

It is easy to clean Pyrex. For dirty dishes, you can put them in the dishwasher or soak them with warm soapy water solution for some time before rinsing.

Do not use a metal sponge. Use the soft sponge you can find.

It is better to use a soft cloth to clean as glass is prone to scratches.

Also read: Can You Put Pyrex on the Gas Stove?

What Pyrex Cookware Suits Best with a Microwave?

All Pyrex cookware and glassware have microwave-friendly labels on their body.

The best Pyrex for microwaving is the one with a handle. The handle makes it easy to hold and remove once the food is cooked.

If you have mitts, any standard pyrex bowl would be fine in the microwave.

You can use the bestseller Pyrex jug. It is entirely safe for baking, cooking, heating, or reheating food.

For vegetables and yogurts, go for their one-liter bowl. Half a liter is perfect for porridges and soups. For cupcakes, a 0.25 liter would be great.

For How Long Can I Microwave Pyrex?

According to the manufacturer, Pyrex was tested for up to 1000 hours before launching in the market.

Each Pyrex cookware and glassware are provided with their usage instructions. You need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use them accordingly.

According to the size and shape, you may use the cookware for a prolonged duration.

However, make sure there are no sudden temperature changes. Let the Pyrex slowly acclimatize by preheating or placing it initially on low heat.

Also read: Best Microwave Air Fryer Combo

Conclusion

Pyrex cookware is microwave safe according to the manufacturer.

However, you need to always cross-check by searching for the ‘microwave-friendly’ label on the body of the cookware or the packaging box.

You need to handle Pyrex correctly as it is glass and can break when thumped or banged against a surface.

Compared to plain glass, they are harder due to the excellent marksmanship of the manufacturer.

Do not microwave a hot Pyrex plate or subject the material to sudden temperature fluctuations. It can cause it to explode or break inside the microwave.

As long as you follow the do’s and don’ts above, it is safe to use your Pyrex in the microwave. All the best!

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Hey there! I'm Sasha, just your regular mom-turned-kitchen-appliances enthusiast. When I gave my kitchen a makeover, I took a shine to new kitchen appliances like Induction Cooktops, Air Fryer, Instant Pot, Microwave, and Oven. I'm always up to some fun experiment, whipping up a storm, and writing about common questions people have about the efficient use of these kitchen gadgets