Will it bake?
December 23, 2010 4:15 PM Subscribe
Why are snapware/glasslock containers not oven safe?
I am interested in this new type of tupperware container without plastic, but it can't quite make it from oven to fridge to microwave -- they claim not to be oven safe!! Why?
I can think of two theories: 1) they worry you'll put in the silicone top part too 2) they are somehow still toxic.
The website gives as the reason that they are made of soda lime glass -- but snopes claims Pyrex is as well, surely the gold standard.
Can anyone give me a more insightful, science or emprically based answer? Has anyone been, uh, burned by this?
I am interested in this new type of tupperware container without plastic, but it can't quite make it from oven to fridge to microwave -- they claim not to be oven safe!! Why?
I can think of two theories: 1) they worry you'll put in the silicone top part too 2) they are somehow still toxic.
The website gives as the reason that they are made of soda lime glass -- but snopes claims Pyrex is as well, surely the gold standard.
Can anyone give me a more insightful, science or emprically based answer? Has anyone been, uh, burned by this?
You may want to read the latest from Consumer Reports.
posted by jeri at 4:51 PM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by jeri at 4:51 PM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
Listen, I have done more forensic testing on borosilicate vs soda ash glass than pretty much anyone alive. Seriously. Hundreds of scientifically measured times.
You have nothing to worry about in a microwave for sure. You can put whatever you want in it and nuke it for 30 minutes. Nothing will happen, and that's that. In fact, you will probably be just fine picking up the dish with your bare hands (by the edges or handles). Yeah, I know, I didn't expect that either, but you can just fine.
You can take either glass and put it from freezer to oven with absolutely no problems. In fact, in my testing, going from freezer to hot oven was the safest way to go. The heating distribution and heat soak is very much more even than any other way. There are far more perilous things you can do with borosilicate or soda ash glass pans, but to be honest, nothing will break them.
What does break them? Taking a hot glass pan and pouring cold water into it. Or setting it in cold water. Or dropping it on the floor.
That's pretty much it. That's why they last forever. That's why your grandma has had the same one for 50 years.
Seriously, either style of glass is pretty indestructible, as long as you have half a brain.
posted by sanka at 4:58 PM on December 23, 2010 [7 favorites]
You have nothing to worry about in a microwave for sure. You can put whatever you want in it and nuke it for 30 minutes. Nothing will happen, and that's that. In fact, you will probably be just fine picking up the dish with your bare hands (by the edges or handles). Yeah, I know, I didn't expect that either, but you can just fine.
You can take either glass and put it from freezer to oven with absolutely no problems. In fact, in my testing, going from freezer to hot oven was the safest way to go. The heating distribution and heat soak is very much more even than any other way. There are far more perilous things you can do with borosilicate or soda ash glass pans, but to be honest, nothing will break them.
What does break them? Taking a hot glass pan and pouring cold water into it. Or setting it in cold water. Or dropping it on the floor.
That's pretty much it. That's why they last forever. That's why your grandma has had the same one for 50 years.
Seriously, either style of glass is pretty indestructible, as long as you have half a brain.
posted by sanka at 4:58 PM on December 23, 2010 [7 favorites]
Best answer: Also, my reasoning for not being oven safe?
The lid. Common sense went out ages ago.
posted by sanka at 5:23 PM on December 23, 2010
The lid. Common sense went out ages ago.
posted by sanka at 5:23 PM on December 23, 2010
If the top lid seals the air inside the container, increased pressure due to heat could cause it to burst open.
posted by twblalock at 6:49 PM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by twblalock at 6:49 PM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]
I have this kit of Pyrex food storage containers. The glass bottoms are oven-safe but the lids, being rubber, aren't. I had a recently-acquired Pyrex pan shatter, but that was pretty much user error. Pyrex glass seems to be less tolerant of sudden temp changes than it used to be, but I think it's absolutely safe for home use.
posted by workerant at 7:43 AM on December 24, 2010
posted by workerant at 7:43 AM on December 24, 2010
Response by poster: Sounds like there's no particularly compelling reason for caution, but I will experiment myself before recommending it as an all-in-wonder for loved ones.
posted by tintexas at 2:11 PM on January 23, 2011
posted by tintexas at 2:11 PM on January 23, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Still, seeking anecdata.
posted by tintexas at 4:17 PM on December 23, 2010