I love cooking and baking. It’s my passion, my stress reliever, and my creative outlet. And when it comes to my kitchen tools, I have a few favorites that I rely on heavily. One of them is my vintage Pyrex baking dish. It’s a beautiful piece of glassware that has been passed down through generations in my family. But recently, I found myself wondering if it was safe to use in the microwave. After all, vintage Pyrex is known for being durable and versatile, but I didn’t want to take any chances. So, I decided to do a little research and find out once and for all: can vintage Pyrex go in the microwave?
The History of Pyrex
To understand whether or not vintage Pyrex can be used in the microwave, it’s important to know a little bit about its history. Pyrex was first introduced in 1915 by a company called Corning Glass Works. It was originally made from borosilicate glass, which is known for its resistance to high temperatures and thermal shock. This made Pyrex perfect for use in the oven and on the stovetop.
However, in the 1980s, Corning made a change. They started manufacturing Pyrex using tempered soda-lime glass instead of borosilicate glass. This new glass is not as resistant to thermal shock, which means it can shatter when exposed to extreme temperature changes. So, if you have a vintage Pyrex dish that was made before the 1980s, chances are it’s made from borosilicate glass and is safe to use in the microwave. But if you have a newer Pyrex dish, it’s best to proceed with caution.
How to Tell if Your Vintage Pyrex is Microwave Safe
Ok, so I had established that my vintage Pyrex dish was made before the 1980s. But I still wanted to make sure it was safe to use in the microwave. After all, I didn’t want to risk damaging a piece of history. So, I started by checking for any visible signs of damage or wear on the dish. If the glass is cracked, chipped, or scratched, it’s best to avoid putting it in the microwave.
Next, I looked for any markings on the dish that indicated it was microwave safe. Many vintage Pyrex dishes have a symbol on the bottom that looks like a microwave with some wavy lines inside of it. This symbol indicates that the dish is safe to use in the microwave. However, not all vintage Pyrex dishes have this symbol, so it’s important to do some additional testing.
The Water Test
One popular method for testing whether a piece of glassware is microwave safe is the water test. To do this test, I filled my vintage Pyrex dish with water and placed it in the microwave. I then heated the water on high for one minute. After the minute was up, I carefully removed the dish from the microwave and felt the temperature of the glass. If the glass was hot, it was a sign that it wasn’t microwave safe. But if the glass was relatively cool, it was a good indication that it could handle the heat.
Another test I performed was the boiling test. On the stovetop, I filled the vintage Pyrex dish with water and brought it to a rolling boil. Then, I immediately transferred the dish to the microwave and heated it on high for one minute. After the minute was up, I checked the glass for any signs of cracking or damage. If the glass remained intact, it was a good sign that it was safe to use in the microwave.
Precautions to Take
While my vintage Pyrex passed both the water test and boiling test with flying colors, I knew that there were still precautions I needed to take when using it in the microwave. For example, it’s always a good idea to use microwave-safe lids or covers when heating food in Pyrex. This helps to prevent splatters and keeps the food from drying out.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid rapidly heating or cooling the vintage Pyrex dish. This can cause thermal shock and potentially lead to breakage. So, when removing the dish from the microwave, I always use oven mitts or a towel to protect my hands from hot surfaces. I also let the dish cool down for a few minutes before washing or placing it in the fridge.
Conclusion
After conducting my research and performing some tests, I can confidently say that my vintage Pyrex dish is safe to use in the microwave. Its borosilicate glass construction is durable and can withstand the heat. However, it’s important to note that not all vintage Pyrex dishes are created equal. It’s always a good idea to check for any visible signs of damage or wear before using them in the microwave.
If you’re unsure about the safety of your vintage Pyrex, there are a few tests you can perform to determine if it’s microwave safe. The water test and boiling test can give you a good indication of whether or not the glass can handle the heat.
Remember to always take precautions when using vintage Pyrex in the microwave, such as using microwave-safe lids or covers and avoiding rapid temperature changes. With these measures in place, you can safely and confidently use your vintage Pyrex for all your microwave cooking needs. So, go ahead and enjoy the convenience and charm of vintage Pyrex in your kitchen!