How to Use Oven Safe Glass Bakeware

Co-authored by Elias Weston

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

Many people are concerned about cooking with Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glass bakeware because it may break. While breakage may occur, it is highly unlikely, especially if you follow the manufacturer's directions included on every label. You should also avoid scratching or cracking the glassware and be sure to cook, clean, and store glass bakeware properly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cooking With Glass Bakeware

1
Read all instructions before using. It is important to carefully read all of the instructions and safety tips that come with your glass bakeware before using the item. These instructions should clearly outline how to use the dish properly. Make sure that you follow these instructions in order to avoid breaking the glass through misuse.^{[1]
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2
Only use glass bakeware for cooking in the oven or microwave. Glass bakeware is specifically designed for oven and microwave use only. If used incorrectly the glass bakeware may break and cause a mess and/or injury to those around.
- Do not use this bakeware for broiling or cooking on the stovetop. You should also avoid using glass bakeware when cooking with a grill, toaster oven, or barbecue.
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3
Preheat the oven before using glassware. When cooking in an oven wait until the oven is fully preheated before placing the food in the oven. This will help to ensure that cook times are accurate.^{[2]
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- When using Anchor bakeware, do not bake in oven temperatures over 425 °F (218 °C).^{[3]
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4
Avoid causing thermal shock to glass bakeware. Thermal shock occurs when glass bakeware undergoes a significant and sudden temperature change and may result in the cracking or chipping of the dish. Here are a few things to keep in mind while using oven safe glass bakeware:^{[4]
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- Do not add cold liquids to a hot pan.
- Do not put hot glassware into dishwater.
- Do not place a hot dish directly onto counter tops. Instead, place on an oven mitt, pot holder, or towel.
- Do not move glassware from the freezer directly into the oven.
5
Avoid using glass bakeware if it's chipped, cracked, scratched, or broken. If your glass bakeware has a noticeable scratch or chip it could expand and break when heated. Dispose of all cracked bakeware. Similarly, you should avoid using bakeware that has been dropped or heavily struck by cooking utensils. This bakeware may be weakened by improper use and is more likely to break.^{[5]
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6
Add liquid to glass bakeware when cooking vegetables. If you are cooking vegetables in your glass bakeware use some form of liquid, such as water or vegetable stock, to ensure the vegetables do not stick to the bottom of the pan.^{[6]
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- Add liquid prior to heating. Adding liquid later could result in thermal shock.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Storing Food in Glass Bakeware

1
Store food in glass bakeware. Your glass bakeware can be used for storing food as well as cooking food. The dish can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator. For example, if you bake a lasagna using your glass bakeware and want to freeze it for later you can keep the lasagna in the glass bakeware and seal it with the plastic lid before placing in the freezer.
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Thaw the dish before cooking in the oven. If you decide to use your glass bakeware to store food in the freezer you need to make sure that you fully thaw the dish before re-heating in the oven or microwave. Failure to thaw the dish could result in thermal shock which may crack or break the dish.
3
Plastic lids are for storage and microwave use only. Many glass bakeware dishes will come with a plastic lid. These lids are not to be used in conventional ovens. Instead, they can be used for storing food in the freezer or refrigerator or when heating food in the microwave. Read the directions before placing plastic lids in the microwave or dishwasher.
- If you need to cover food while it cooks in the oven, use tinfoil.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Looking After Glass Bakeware

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Clean glass bakeware using non-scratch pads. Over time, scratches in the glassware can result in cracked glass and breakage. Clean glass bakeware using non-scratch nylon pads or sponges to prevent scratches.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
- To remove tough baked on food, soak the dish in warm water prior to scrubbing. This will help to loosen the food and make cleaning the dish much easier.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Elias Weston
  Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
2
Try cleaning with dish soap and baking soda. In order to remove grease stains from your glass bakeware, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the pan with a little bit of dish soap. Let the dish soak in warm water for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a non-scratch pad.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
3
Handle glass bakeware with care. When cleaning, storing, or cooking with glass bakeware, make sure that you handle the product with care. Avoid scratching the glass with metal utensils, dropping the dish, or banging against other pots and pans. Glassware can crack over time, so handle yours carefully. This way, you can enjoy your bakeware for years to come.

Expert Q&A

Question

Will baking soda get tough stains out of bakeware?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, although I'd mix it in equal parts dish soap and water. I'd rub that into the stain with a sponge and scrub it as needed to wear the residue away.
Question

How can I clean glass bakeware? I tried a bunch of things already.

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

One option you probably haven't tried yet is Bar Keeper's Friend. It's a powder composed of oxalic acid, and it will get almost anything off of bakeware. Just sprinkle the powder over the stain, scrub it with a soft towel or sponge, and rinse the bakeware thoroughly. You really have to get it 100% clean before using it again, since oxalic acid is not safe to consume.
Question

Can I place glass bakeware directly from fridge to oven?

Community Answer

You're risking a crack this way. Let the dish come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.

Warnings

Manufacturer instructions take precedence over the directions given in this article. It is your responsibility to read the instructions before using any product including glass bakeware.

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