How to choose glass pots and pans
You may be trying to swap all your pans and pots, and you are wondering whether glass pots and pans are a great option. Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about glass cookware.
Glass is one of the most unique and extraordinary materials. You would not even imagine that such delicate material would be used for making pans and pots. Glass is made by melting lime silicate, soda ash, and sand until liquid and then mixing them. The liquid is then set to cool, after which a crystalline-like structure that resembles frozen liquid is formed.
How to choose glass pots and pans
Choosing glassware is essential to ensure that you are remaining healthy and getting value for your money. Here are some critical factors to look for in cooking glassware.
Materials- there are different materials used in making glassware. For instance, there is natural or standard glass and synthetic glass, such as Pyrex. It’s, therefore, essential to choose the material that best meets your needs.
Ease to maintain- some glass cookware is made from a more durable glass than others. For instance, you will notice that some casseroles are very heavy, while some are very delicate. You should consider how easy it will be to maintain the glassware before purchasing it.
Price- the price of glass pots and pans will vary depending on the manufacturer. Remember that at times the most expensive glass pots do not guarantee quality. Also, don’t be too keen on finding the cheapest to forget quality. You should purchase cookware glass that is within your budget.
Is glassware microwave safe?
You must have a glass dish somewhere around the home, or you have seen many chefs use it in their kitchens. Glass is commonly used in the microwave due to its excellent heat resistance. It’s also chemically inert, meaning it will not release any harmful components to your food. Glass does not react with your food in the microwave or oven, so you are guaranteed safety.
However, not all cookware glass is microwave safe. They will not release harmful toxins to your food, but some shutter and break due to high temperatures or sudden temperature change and ay damage your microwave. Therefore, it’s imperative to check for the microwave-safe symbol or logo before using the glass cookware inside the microwave. You can also reach out to the manufacturer to confirm if you cannot find the symbol.
Why should you use glass cookware?
Glass is mainly used in making oven-safe dishes and baking trays. Glass, unlike most metals, absorbs more heat and at a faster rate. The food in the pot or pan, therefore, cooks faster. Therefore, glass is ideal for bread and pies since they cook and brown more than when using other metals. Glassware is however, not appropriate for baking cakes and cookies.
Glassware utensils such as pans and pots are a great decorative item for our homes. They add aesthetic value to our kitchen.
Pros and cons of glassware
Pros
Safe to use- what we love most about glass is that it does not release chemicals into foods when exposed to high temperatures when exposed to heat like other materials. It’s very safe for human use.
Non-reactive- glass does not react to the acids and alkaline released by some foods such as tomatoes, citric fruits, and other fruits.
Easy to clean- glassware pans and pits are dishwasher safe. You can choose to clean them by hand or toss them in your dishwasher on those lazy Saturday nights.
See-through- glass pots with lids are ideal because glass is clear, and you dint need to take off the cover to see what you are cooking. You can observe how your cooking until its ready without taking the lid off.
Aesthetic value- glass cookware is eye-catching. It’s probably the reason they are so popular in baking and serving. They also come in different designs and shapes to accentuate their beauty.
Glass is oven safe- you can watch your bread and other dishes that need to be placed in the oven cook without worrying.
Cons
Breaks easily- glassware requires very gentle touch as it breaks very easily when dropped or exposed to high temperatures. It can lead to the risk of the user getting hurt.
Unsuitable for some cooking methods- glass cookware cannot be used on gas stoves and induction burners. They are best used in the oven and on electric stoves.
Poor heat distribution- glass cookware distributes heat poorly, and that’s why it’s unsuitable for gas stoves.
It’s not non-stick- food particles may stick on the glass since it does not have a non-stick layer like most materials.
How to care for glass pots and pans
- Observe thermodynamics- as we mentioned, the main disadvantage of glass is that it cracks easily. It’s, therefore, essential to consider the standard rules of thermodynamics. For instance, if you just brought a glassware pan from the freezer, let it thaw before exposing it to heat. The same goes for a glass pot that has just been set down from the heat. The pan should be let to cool before being tossed in cold water for cleaning. Glass will easily break or crack if exposed to extreme temperatures. Even the smallest crack on the glass could cause steam to escape leading to ineffective cooking.
- Exercise caution- glass is very delicate. It’s an excellent conductor o heat, meaning it will warm up if the contents of the pan or pot are hot. You should avoid overheating glass cookware since it may lead to weakness and eventually cracking. Glassware should also be handled as carefully as possible to prevent dropping.
Conclusion
Glassware is a great kitchen addition. It’s safe to use for both the microwave and oven. You can as well place it on electric stoves but never on gas stoves. Glassware is however, not the most versatile material for making pans and pots. You can use glassware pots and pans for baking your brownies and bread, but it’s not the go-to pots for general cooking. We would recommend having a few glassware pots and pans, especially for their aesthetic value. However, it’s good to supplement them with other pans.