When we think of glassware we use in the kitchen, what comes to mind is a serving ware or a fancy container. What does not come to mind for most of us is that it could be glass cookware where actual cooking over a cooktop may be done. We view glass to be very fragile and this is the reason why we never consider them as cooking ware. Well, be in for a surprise as glass stovetop cookware is now available and you can cook with it on high heat! We can thank Pyroceram for glass cookware sets. They are leftover materials that covered the nose of a rocket, as they can tolerate extreme temperatures.
Why Glass Cookware?
One would wonder, why even use a glass cookware set? Are there any benefits over the more regular cookware, like stainless steel cookware, cast iron cookware, or ceramic cookware? One main advantage of glass cookware for a stovetop is that it is aesthetically pleasing. You have the versatility to use it for your actual cooking and use it afterward. You can serve what you just cooked on the table without the need to transfer the dish to another serving ware. This makes it more convenient and there is less kitchenware to wash.
Bur wait, there is more to its versatility! When you have leftovers in your glass cookware, you also need not transfer them to another container to store the leftover dish in your refrigerator. Pyrex glass cookware does not only tolerate high heat; it could also handle low to freezing temperatures. When you need to reheat your dish, you just need to thaw it. If it is frozen then you may put it in the microwave.
Another advantage of using glass cookware is its health benefits. The possibility of contaminating the dish with metal when using metal cookware is zero. Glass is also not permeable so it is safe on acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
Glass Cookware problems
Of course, there is no perfect cookware. There have been reported cases of glass cookware breaking and worse, blowing up because of wrong use. It seems basic that extremely hot glass, one just coming off from the stovetop, will have issues with a cold tabletop and vice versa. The freezing glass on a very hot surface is like ice on a fire – they just don’t go together. Just to be sure, manufacturers now provide safety guides or “how to use” guides on each cookware. If used properly, cookware made of glass is safe and very efficient.
Some of the safety precautions when using glass cookware is as follows:
- When preparing to cook a meat dish, it is necessary to put the liquid on the lowest part of the cookware.
- A glass cookware is safe to use in an oven if it has been preheated.
- Do not place a hot dish on a cold countertop as it may break. To transfer the hot dish to the counter, place a cloth mat on the counter before putting down the hot dish.
- Pyrex cookware is not for open flame burners.
These are just some of the precautions to take note of that will help you properly use your glass cookware. It will prolong its life while preventing harmful accidents.
Now that you understand the proper usage of glass cooking ware, you may want to know more about how to clean it.
Don’t Worry About Glass
On regular use, without burn marks, you may just use a simple sponge and dishwashing liquid to clean it off. Do not use a scouring pad or an abrasive cleaning material to avoid scratching the glass. Once you have burnt marks on the glass cooking ware, cleaning it may require more than just soaping it. You may soak it for a while with warm water and dishwashing liquid to allow the burnt areas too.
If it still does not come off, put some baking soda on the burnt area and wipe it off with a cloth until it is removed. You may also use a glass cleaner, usually with ammonia, if the baking soda doesn’t do the trick. Just don’t forget to wash it off again with dishwashing soap to remove any residue.