Can You Use Glass Cookware On The Stovetop?

Choosing the right cooking tools is a serious business. Glass cookware is a favorite in many kitchens because it has a clean look and can go from oven to table. However, using glass on the stovetop is a different matter altogether. The problem comes down to how glass reacts to rapid temperature changes.

You know how there are some things in life where you can bend the rules and still be okay? Well, this isn't one of them. You might already make a ton of mistakes on the stovetop with your metal pans, but you can't afford to get too relaxed with glass. Just because a piece of glass cookware is technically heat resistant, it doesn't mean you can use it like all your other pots. 

So, can you use glass cookware on a stove? Technically, yes. Should you use glass cookware on a stove? That's down to the individual cook and the type of cookware. If you're cautious and attentive, you should be fine as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. The appeal of clear pots and pans often starts and stops with aesthetics, but glass cookware also comes with limitations (and potential safety hazards) that are important to understand.

Glass cookware, such as Pyrex casserole dishes, are typically designed to withstand high oven temperatures, but stovetop cooking introduces a different kind of intense heat that glass isn't equipped to handle. On a burner, heat is concentrated in a specific area rather than evenly distributed, which creates stress points on the utensils.

Placing cold glass on a hot burner or transferring it too quickly from warm to cold settings can cause the dish to crack or shatter completely. This is called thermal shock,and is the biggest reason why glass cookware is not stovetop-friendly. Despite its durability in other settings, glass is inherently less flexible under these conditions.

Even tempered glass, which is strengthened to stand up to higher heat, has its drawbacks and can shatter if it contains any small cracks or fractures. Brands that make heat-resistant glass cookware usually provide temperature recommendations and guidelines that you must take care to follow. 

If you're all about the transparent look, and you're willing to take a chance on glass cookware, make sure you take heed of basic safety practices. Start by double-checking that the box says you can use your glass pot on the stove. You should also stick to low and medium heat settings because high heat can push the material to its breaking point. Use a heat diffuser or flame spreader to guarantee even distribution and minimize the risk of thermal shock.

When cooking with glass you should avoid drastic temperature changes. For example, don't place cold glass directly onto a hot burner, and never rinse hot glass cookware under cold water. In general, glass cookware is best for simmering sauces or slow cooking, where steady heat is required (think tater tot casserole or a low-and-slow roast meat dish). If I were you, I'd play it safe and just stick with metal pans, so you can live to cook another day.