Glass plates, cups, spoons and other common glass wares perform myriad of functions in the kitchen. They are used to store, cook and warm up meals. So its not a far fetched question to wonder can you put glass in toaster ovens?
Usually, you cannot put glass in the toaster oven. The heat from the oven might cause the glass to overheat. It might end up shattering which might cause some damage to the interior of your toaster oven. However, a certain few glassware are particularly designed for oven use. These have the oven safe label on them.
The answer to this simple question can also be answered by looking into the in the major materials that are used to make glassware and if they are suitable for use in the toaster oven.
In this article, we will discuss further about using glassware in your toaster oven and how to ensure safety in your kitchen by using only compatible items.
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- Can you put toaster oven on top of microwave?
Can You Put Glass in Toaster Oven?
Most glassware cannot be used in toaster ovens as most toaster ovens expressly state in their manuals that you cannot use glass in them.
But on exceptional occasions, you might be able to use glass in your toaster oven.
Extremely strong and resilient glass containers like Pyrex containers and other trustworthy glassware can sometimes be used in your toaster oven.
When Can You Put Glass in Toaster Oven?
There are a few safety precautions you can take in order to make sure you don’t damage your oven or the glassware when using it in a toaster oven.
When The Glass Manufacturer Specifically Labels it Oven Safe
This is the most essential factor to take note off. Not only do the glassware manufacturers have safety labels on them, they even specific the maximum temperature they should be used at.
When the Oven Temperature is on Really Low Heat
When you put your oven temperature on very low heat, you can use glass in your toaster oven so what is the temperature limit for the average toaster oven?
I will say any temperature above 250° might end up exploding. Most manufacturers expressly state if their plates are safe for toaster oven use and the limit of temperature such plates can accommodate.
Weak glassware break much easier in toaster ovens
When the Glass is Really Strong
Glassware made from borosilicate or tempered glass are specifically designed for oven use. They are made from really strong materials that are very heat resistant and are unlikely to break except under heat extreme conditions.
Therefore if you want to use glass in your toaster oven, you should probably find one made from either of this materials.
Even then, ensure that you don’t use them under extreme heat conditions as heat generally causes damage to glass.
How to Check if a Glassware is Toaster Oven Safe?
To check if your glass bowl or plate is toaster oven safe, all you need to do is turn it over.
Most brands expressly write it on the back of their products if it is safe to use in a toaster, microwave or convection oven.
If you don’t find a label or notification expressly telling you that you can use a plate item in your toaster oven. It is best that you don’t use it at all. These labels or symbols are usually branded on the bottom part of the glassware.
Numerous kitchen accidents can result from using the wrong dishes in your toaster oven and can cause a lot of damage. In cases like this it is better to stay safe than sorry.
Risks of Using Glassware in Your Toaster Oven
It can Explode
When fire or heat is focused on glassware, it can shatter and explode. This is majorly because most glassware aren’t designed to accommodate high heat.
Generally, heat focused on a glass container in a closed spaces will likely try to find a release. An explosion can also shatter your toaster oven door if glassware isn’t properly managed. Doors made from glass are likely to bear the brunt of this.
It can Crack
When you think of glass, the first thing that most likely comes to mind is delicate or vulnerable. If the heat levels is not maintained throughout in a glassware, it can cause it to crack and begin to leak.
For example, if you take out your glassware directly from an hot oven or even move it into a patch of cold water, your glass will most likely shatter or at least crack.
Using glass in your toaster oven can be really frustrating and restrictive, you cannot do a lot of things you would otherwise have been able to do if you were using a container made from a different material.
Safety tips for using glassware in a toaster oven
Avoid Sudden Changes in Temperature
When you take your glassware out of the oven, make sure that you use a proper heat resistant glove as they come out really hot. Ensure that you don’t move the glass container directly into cold water.
This can crack your glassware as easily as snapping your finger. You can move your glassware from the oven unto your kitchen zinc. Leave it for sometime and allow to cool thoroughly before attempting to move or touch it.
Ensure that Your Oven is Properly Preheated Before Putting in Your Glassware
You should always make sure that you have properly preheated your oven before putting your glass. This tip will only be useful if your glassware is toaster oven safe.
Otherwise, even the most minimal heat can cause the glass to break. When you have properly preheated your oven, gently move your glassware into the toaster oven using an oven safe kitchen glove.
Other Alternative Containers You Can Use in Your Toaster Oven
Oven Trays/Racks
Rather than test the temperature limits of your glassware in toaster oven and risk damaging it. Two great alternative to glassware in the oven is an oven tray or its rack.
Most toaster ovens come with their own oven trays and racks and can easily be slipped directly into the toaster oven.
All you need to do is oil the tray and put your pastry or other foods directly onto it and voila.
The great thing about substituting glass for oven tray is that you don’t have to check the oven temperature too often to gauge heat levels and you’re not risking a potential explosion in your toaster oven.
Toaster Oven Pans
There are brands that make pans specially for toaster ovens. These items are usually shaped like a pan and are perfect for use in your toaster oven.
All you need to do is lay your food properly inside the tray and put it in your toaster oven and it will be ready in no time.
Unlike glassware, these pans aren’t weak and can withstand the oven temperature. They are usually made from steel and are perfectly safe for use in your toaster oven.
Final Words
In this article we discussed a common query in detail: can you put glass in toaster oven or not. The point to note here is that not all glass is created equally.
Therefore, whether a glass is safe for toaster oven or not mainly depends upon it build quality and material used.
Some are really weak and heat vulnerable. Secondly, there are absolutely no guarantees that abiding by the above precautions will keep your glass from shattering in your toaster oven.
Therefore if you have some other safer option to use in your toaster oven, you should totally consider them.
This will keep the chances you of having kitchen accidents to the barest minimum and facilitate safer kitchen practices in your home.
Always use appropriately labeled glassware in any oven including toaster ovens.
FAQs
1. Can any glass go in the oven?
The answer is that if the glass is oven-safe, you can put it in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven. Any oven safe glass or tempered glass is heat resistant to handle the high temperatures associated with cooking and baking, so you're good to go!
2. How do you know if a glass is oven safe?
Stoneware, tempered glass (such as pyrex or Corningware), metal, enamelware, and ceramic should all be oven safe to at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything with metallic trim should be avoided in the oven unless it is specifically labeled oven safe. The handblown glass should never be placed in an oven.
3. What temperature does glass break in the oven?
When glass is placed in a preheated oven, it should not begin to melt or become soft until the temperature reaches over 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme thermal differences, such as abrupt and uneven temperature fluctuations, are what may cause the glass to shatter.
4. What type of glass can withstand high heat?
There are a few different types of glass that can withstand high heat. One type is called Pyrex, and it is made of borosilicate glass. This type of glass is very strong and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Another type of glass that can withstand high heat is called ceramic glass. This type of glass is made of a material called alumina, which is very resistant to heat. It can withstand temperatures up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Does glass break with heat?
Yes, glass can break with heat. If it is exposed to a high enough temperature for long enough, the heat will cause the glass to break.