Can You Put A Glass Plate In The Oven?
At one point or another, all of us have tried putting glass plates in the oven. Whether you are trying to bake something or heat some leftovers, it is a convenient method that can deliver quick and efficient results.
Now, you may be asking, can you put a glass plate in the oven? Yes, you can put a glass plate in the oven. However, this only applies to tempered glass, and certain products can only take so much heat (up to 350 or even as high as 470°F) before shattering.
That said, this begs the question, which plates are oven-safe and which aren’t? Be sure to keep reading as we delve deeper into this question.
Oven-Safe Glass Plates
Oven-safe heat-resistant glass plates have been around for a while. Though it often comes as a surprise to most, these plates were first introduced to the market as early as the 1900s.
Their earliest versions were Pyrex pie plates. Soon enough, it would take the world by storm because of their sheer convenience.
In the early days, these oven-safe plates were made from a material called borosilicate. However, there were some glaring problems with borosilicate that eventually pushed most manufacturers to stay away from it.
The main reason for this shift was the way borosilicate glassware breaks into dangerously sharp shards of glass.
Nowadays, the main material for oven-safe plates is known as soda lime. While not yet completely shatter-proof, these oven-safe plates will break into large, dull pieces when dropped – effectively solving a major safety concern.
Needless to say, glass plates have come a long way since they were first introduced. After all, there are now several types of oven-safe glass plates that you can get.
With the evolution of heating methods and the emergence of the microwave, you can now choose between oven-safe, toaster-safe, and microwave-friendly plates.
How to Determine If Your Glass Plate Is Oven-Safe
In most cases, it is as simple as reading the label. This is because manufacturers will often leave a label on the base of the plates themselves.
Specifically, these labels can often be found near or at the center of the plate’s backside. Be on the lookout for the following labels:
- Oven-Safe – As the name suggests, these glass plates can be safely put in the oven. However, remember that despite this certification, manufacturers often place recommended temperature limits on their products. More often than not, the limit is placed in the 300-350°F range, but some can go up to 470°F. Again, we recommend that you check out the plate’s safety recommendations.
- Microwave-Safe – This means that this plate can be subjected to microwave radiation without being damaged or becoming extremely hot. In fact, it is safer to use properly tempered and microwave-safe glass than paper plates in the microwave.
- Toaster-Oven Safe – These glass plates take it even further. This is because the direct heat used by toaster ovens is altogether different from the heating methods used by traditional and microwave ovens.
The importance of the guidelines as indicated on the plate’s label can’t be overstated. Remember, while some are glass plates are oven-safe, this does not necessarily mean that they are also safe to use on toasters and microwave ovens.
Moreover, the rule also works both ways, as microwaveable plates aren’t necessarily oven-safe.
As you may have figured out by now, not all plates are safe can be safely put in the oven. Moreover, unless you take the proper precautions, even oven-safe glass plates may still break. So, you must use them properly.
Identifying Non-Oven-Safe Plates
Now, it is time that we delved deeper into the question. Again, the label at the back of the plate should tell you all you need to know. So, we highly recommend that you only place glass plates in the oven if they are labeled as oven-safe.
Conversely, you may encounter glass plates labeled as “decorative.” These plates are purely ornamental and should be used for decorating your table only.
This means that under no circumstances should you place them in the oven or even serve food off of them.
Remember, most of these decorative plates have a glazed finish that isn’t food-safe. Oftentimes, they may contain lead and other chemicals that may prove dangerous once heated or ingested.
Similarly, glass plates made from canary glass can have traces of uranium and emit radiation. Once heated, they become especially dangerous. So, be sure to keep these glass plates out of the oven.
That said, there are certain glass plates that bear no such label. These can include everything from vintage plates, artisanal plates, and imported plates.
Take note that vintage and antique plates pose a special risk. Similar to canary glass, some older glass plates may contain radioactive materials that are altogether dangerous to your health.
In addition to the potential dangers of food poisoning and exposure to dangerous chemicals, there is another danger that comes with heating these glass plates in the oven.
This is concerning the way the plate itself will react to rapid heating and cooling. In all likelihood, the extreme changes in temperature will result in damage to your plate, as it can crack, shatter, or explode.
3 Best Oven-Safe Glass Plates
Now that we have covered how to determine which glass plates can be used in the oven and which aren’t oven-safe, it is time that we take a closer look at the best oven-safe glass plates in the market today.
1. GAC Tempered Glass Tray
This glass plate is not only a beautiful decorative piece but also oven safe up to 350°F.
In terms of design, this plate is incredibly sturdy and convenient to use while also being a sleek and eye-catching serving plate.
Despite being glassware, it is incredibly resistant to breakage and chipping. Moreover, it can stand the heat of the microwave as well.
Measuring 10×14 inches, this rectangular glass plate passes the design test with flying colors. It is conveniently-sized and lightweight. In addition to this, the glass plate is also easy to store and put away when not in use.
2. Anchor Hocking Oven Basics Glass Pie Plate
Made by one of the pioneers of oven-safe glass plates, this pie plate is a perfect example of sturdy and durable plates that can stand the oven’s extreme conditions.
In terms of design, its manufacturers went for a more classic shape. It is 9.5” in diameter and is 1.8” deep.
This glass pie plate can produce spectacular results when used for baking. It will distribute heat evenly, ensuring optimal baking results every time. In this regard, it is even more effective than metal trays.
It is also certified as oven-safe for temperatures up to 450°F. Additionally, it is also safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
It is worth mentioning that this glass pie plate is made from tempered glass. This means that it is incredibly tough. It is guaranteed that it will stand the test of time if treated properly.
We expect that you’ll be using this plate to bake your favorite pies for the foreseeable future.
3. Cuchina Cover ‘n Cook Baking Dish
This next dish is a microwavable and oven-safe 2-quart baking dish.
It is also a multipurpose piece of glassware. Specifically, it can also be used as a glass plate cover.
One of the things that immediately stand out is its intuitive design. It features a series of vents and concentric rings that effectively hold the lid in place. Coupled with its flat base, this design choice effectively makes the entire cooking process that much easier.
Oven-Safe Glass – Summary
There you have it! Our comprehensive discussion on whether or not you can put a glass plate in the oven. To recap, you must pay close attention to the plate’s labeling.
This is because the manufacturers will always indicate how their products are supposed to be used.
You need to be extra cautious when it comes to antique, vintage, and handmade plates, as they rarely come with such labels and may contain harmful materials.
However, just to be on the safe side, we highly recommend that you not place these glass plates in your oven, no matter how much research you do, as we have come a long way since vintage items when it comes to safety.
