Are Glass Containers Oven Safe? [Here’s How To Tell]

There are many bakeware sets made of glass; however, there have likely been times when you wondered about glass items that are not specifically made to go in the oven. For example, a glass baking dish is meant for use in ovens. However, what about a glass mixing bowl? Can it go in the oven without shattering? We had the same dilemma and set out to find a solution. You can see our findings below.

Some glass containers are oven-safe while others are not. Most oven-safe containers have a symbol located on the bottom. Tempered glass is always safe for oven use; however, non-tempered glass should never be placed in an oven. Make sure to look for the symbol on your container along with temperature guidelines. 

There is still more to learn about glass cookware and oven-safe procedures. Keep reading as we delve into the subject and answer popular questions, including how to tell if your glass can go in the oven, what to do if glass breaks in your oven, whether or not mason jars are oven safe, and much more.

Are Glass Containers Oven-Safe?

Since not all glass containers are oven-safe, baking with glass can be a bit tricky. If you have a glass dish you would like to place in the oven; you'll need to check for oven safety as well as maximum temperature ranges. In many cases, you can flip the container over and inspect the bottom for a symbol, such as the one pictured above, or writing that tells you the item is oven safe.

Packaging and Owner's Manual

Not all containers will be labeled, but that does not necessarily mean you can't bake with them. In these cases, it can be helpful to look for the material of which the item is made. You can refer to the packaging or the owner's manual. Often, these will tell you if the product can go in the oven, the material it is made, and the temperature range it can safely withstand.

However, if you do not find oven safe and temperature specifications in the packaging, go ahead and reference the product materials if possible. If the container is made with tempered glass or borosilicate glass, you can place it in the oven. Non-tempered glass, on the other hand, is never oven safe.

Internet Search

If you have had your dish for some time or someone passed it down to you, you may not have the instruction manual or original packaging. In this case, you can typically perform a quick internet search to find out if the item is oven safe if you know the brand and type of glassware. Amazon can be an excellent place to start since its product descriptions usually go into great detail.

Precautions to Take with Oven-Safe Glass Containers

Even with oven-safe containers, there are some precautions to keep in mind. The first, as stated above, is the maximum recommended temperature. Some glass bakeware can withstand high temperatures, while others can only handle approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to check the manufacturer's specifications beforehand.

Structural Weakness

Even if your container is labeled for oven use, structural damage, such as small cracks, can cause the glass to shatter under extreme heat or cold. Even something as simple as a scratch in the container can cause weakness that could lead to breakage. Therefore, before placing any glass dish in the oven, you should inspect it to ensure no damage.

Extreme Temperature Changes

Today, many glass containers are made to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. However, most glass baking dishes are not able to handle these sudden temperature changes.

For this reason, you should not take a glass container directly from the refrigerator or freezer and place it into a hot oven. Doing so will cause the glass to shatter. Likewise, you should not remove the dish from the oven and place it directly into the freezer or fridge.

Examples of Glass Dishes that Can and Cannot Go in the Oven

1. Anchor Hocking 8-inch Square Glass Baking Dish with Airtight TrueFit Lid

This Anchor Hocking baking dish is oven-safe, but it can only withstand temperatures up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it comes with a lid, the lid should not be placed in the oven. For both pieces, avoid extreme temperature changes.

You can check out the Anchor Hocking Baking Dish on Amazon.

2. Simax Round Glass Casserole Baking Dishes With Lids 

This Simax baking dish is perfect for those recipes that call for higher temperatures. It can withstand oven temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you should avoid extreme temperature variations.

You can check out Simax Round Glass Casserole Baking Dishes on Amazon.

3. Clear Round Glass Casserole Dish by Simax

This casserole dish by Simax is the perfect example of one that is resistant to extreme temperature changes. Without worrying about breakage, you can remove it from the freezer and place it directly into a preheated oven. Even more impressive, it can withstand heat up to 572 degrees and temperatures as low as -40 degrees.

You can check out the Simax Casserole Dish on Amazon.

4. Amazon Basics 10-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set

Some mixing bowls are oven-safe. This Amazon Basics set is the perfect example. It has exceptional heat resistance up to 1076°F. It can also handle rapid temperature changes. The lids, however, are not safe for oven use.

You can find Amazon Basics Glass Mixing Bowl Set on Amazon.

5. Vikko Small Glass Dessert Bowls

As stated above, not all glass containers are approved for oven use. Vikko Glass Dessert Bowls are a great example of glass dishes that are beautiful and durable but not oven safe. They are, however, dishwasher and microwave approved.

You can find Vikko Small Glass Dessert Bowls on Amazon.

Can any glass go in the oven?

Not all glass is designed for use under extreme heat. Only oven-safe glass containers can be used in the oven, including tempered glass and borosilicate glass products. Many glass products, such as plates and bowls on which you eat, are not recommended for use in the oven.

Can Pyrex glass containers go in the oven?

All Pyrex glass containers are oven-safe. However, you will still need to keep the oven within the recommended temperature range of 450 degrees. That being said, Pyrex glass containers should never be used on the stovetop. This direct heat will shatter the dish.

What does oven-safe mean?

Oven-safe means you can place the item in an oven at recommended temperatures without melting or breaking. However, you should take certain precautions to ensure the safety of your product.

How do you know if glass is oven-safe?

In most cases, glass dishes will be stamped on the bottom with a symbol, which is oven-safe. Other times, it will have a phrase stamped on the bottom, letting you know that it can be placed in the oven.

If you cannot find a phrase or symbol, look at the packaging or instruction manual. However, if none of these methods produce results, you can typically do a quick internet search to find out if your product is oven-safe.

Are glass storage containers oven-safe?

 

Many glass storage containers are oven-safe. However, this does not apply to all of them. Check the bottom of the container for oven-safe approval, or look for specifications on the box or owner's manual.

Can Mason jars go in the oven?

Mason jars should not go in the oven. While they are suitable for boiling water, they can only withstand temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although you may see people baking in mason jars, it is not safe. Not only are they prone to breakage, but mason jars also do not circulate heat evenly, leaving your food cooked in some places and not in others. You can, however, heat mason jars in the oven for sterilization purposes.

What happens if glass breaks in the oven?

If glass breaks in the oven, you will need to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned before using the oven again. First, you will need to let the oven cool down. Once it is cool, you should remove any large pieces of glass, being careful not to cut yourself.

According to a Reddit user, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose to remove the remaining small pieces of glass. She also suggested using a slice of bread as a sponge to pick up any unseen shards.

Final Thoughts

Not all glass containers are oven-safe. To find out if your container can be used in the oven, check for a stamp or phrase on the bottom of the product. Even when using oven-safe bakeware, you will need to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maximum heat recommendations. You should also avoid extreme temperature changes unless otherwise noted in the product description.

For more helpful tips on cooking with glass, check out these other posts on our blog:

Can Pyrex Go in the Oven?

Are Casserole Dishes Dishwasher Safe?

Can You Freeze Food in a Glass Container?