02/15/17

Glass Cookware – Is It Better Than Steel?

Most household kitchens and commercial kitchens have either of the following: stainless steel cookware, copper cookware, and cast iron cookware. Cookware made out of glass materials is quite rare and seldom used in the household or commercial kitchen. However, some people or consumers love to own and use glass cookware set for their cooking routines. I love them especially since they are both oven and stove compatible. Although not as tough as other cookware materials, glass cookware sets are as good as any other are in cooking food.

Glass cookware is among the list of the safest cookware that health-conscious people use. That’s because there will be no harmful chemicals that could leach into food while cooking. It is also considered an elegant collection in one’s kitchen cookware section. People who love stainless steel cookware look for the best stainless steel cookware in the market. And people who love glass likewise look for the best glass cookware brands.

Pyrex glass cookware

Pyrex glass cookware by so far is the most popular and the oldest brand when it comes to glassware. Their innovation in the technology of glass cookware is unparalleled. They became the prototype of a brand that introduces glass in the kitchen as cookware. There are also quality brand as well that prioritized glassware cooking material as a product, the borosilicate glass cookware. Corning glass cookware produces the Visions glass cookware. These brands are the most popular producers of cookware made of glass. Other large cookware companies and brands like All Clad and Rachael Ray cookware may as well provide glassware but not in the most exclusive way as those brands mentioned before them.

Slikovni rezultat za glass cookwareGlass cookware is elegantly beautiful and it can easily become the favorite cookware in the kitchen because it is attractively captivating. The transparent appearance while you are cooking your dishes is like looking through a scientific process. that way you can see everything that is happening to the food while it is being cooked. However, there are important problems in using this cookware. Glass cooking materials are not compatible with induction since it does not contain any metal or magnetic substance. Induction stoves require magnetic materials although there are few exceptions when the cookware has a mixture of the magnetic metal base.

Glass Cookware durability

Another problem with glass cookware is that it is not as durable as stainless or copper. Any metal cookware is more durable. Glass is prone to scratches and will probably break if it hits the floor.  It is not a good heat conductor. However if it reaches a high temperature, it can hold that temperature for a long period. Even when you reduce the temperature of the cooktop.

So do I need It?

Regardless of the negative reviews about cookware from glass materials, it nevertheless captures the attention of glass lovers. The glass cookware became a jewel in some people’s kitchen collection. And though glass is not compatible with induction hobs it is however compatible with any other stove. Electric stove, gas stove, and microwave ovens have no problem with glass cookware.

Just as it has cons so does it has many pros for users.  One advantage of having glassware cooking equipment is that it is can be washed effortlessly. Just dipping it into hot water or pouring it with hot water, food residues will easily fall off. It is also hygienic and has a clean appearance that can invite appetite during meal times.

05/5/16

What If Glass Cookware Produces The Best Food?

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.

Glass CookwareAnother 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:

  1. When preparing to cook a meat dish, it is necessary to put the liquid on the lowest part of the cookware.
  1. A glass cookware is safe to use in an oven if it has been preheated.
  2. 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.
  3. Pyrex cookware is not for open flame burners.

Glass Cookware SetThese 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.