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Pyrex is a complex, heat-resistant type of glass that has existed for a long time. It is commonly used for ovenware, but there are some guidelines to follow before using pyrex. This glassware is not only used in the kitchen but can also be used in making chemical apparatus, and industrial equipment, which includes piping and thermometers. Hence, many often wonder if pyrex can go into the freezer.
If you use your oven often, you likely use pyrex for your baking most of the time too. It can be used to cook, bake, warm or reheat food in conventional and convection ovens or microwaves. This glassware is designed to be pretty versatile and long-lasting. Also, It’s pretty popular and versatile.
Yes, pyrex can go into the freezer, but before you do that, there are a few rules you have to follow to prevent the dish from cracking or breaking. One fundamental rule to follow when using pyrex is avoiding extreme temperature changes, so the freezer should not be too cold. Also, make sure that any lid you are using is on the pyrex loosely, and do not go from the oven straight to the freezer.
We agree that pyrex also comes in handy for storing dishes and baking in the oven. However, there are safety measures you might want to put in place. The issue with glass is that it can shatter under extreme temperatures, and it’s something we do not wish to do. Stick around to learn all about using pyrex in the freezer.
What You Should Know About Pyrex
Before we talk about putting pyrex in the freezer, learning some safety precautions about using pyrex dishes can come in handy. Pyrex is a type of glass and glassware; it is resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity which can explain why it’s pretty popular. This glassware is unique, and there is no denying that its glass nature adds to its elegance and charm.
Although pyrex can adapt to high temperatures, it is notoriously delicate and can easily shatter if you are not careful after using it for any high-heat cooking.
The original material used in making pyrex bowls are called borosilicate glass, and they are resistant to thermal shock. But the material is now made of soda lime glass to cut costs.
Soda-lime glass is a cost-cutting alternative, so it is inexpensive. The dish is regardless very versatile; it can be used in the oven, microwave, and fridge. It is also very practical, so after enjoying a great meal, you do not have to spend hours cleaning it up.
Most glasses lose their integrity and will crack immediately if exposed to high temperatures, but that is not true with pyrex. It is entirely oven safe, but you still have to be careful about moving it around so it does not crack, as we can’t deny how delicate it can become when exposed to high temperatures.
Can Pyrex go Into The Freezer?
Pyrex will definitely go into the freezer and will not shatter but only if you keep a few precautionary tips in mind. Do not put an extremely hot dish straight from the oven into the freezer although it is stronger than other standard glass products, it is not completely unbreakable so you should let it come to room temperature before changing its temperature again.
Next, you want to make sure that the freezer is not too cold too. Just like you have to ensure hot pyrex does not go into the freezer so also is the need not to place it in extremely cold temperatures so it does not shatter.
Another very important tip you want to keep in mind is to make sure any lids you are using or any jar covering the pyrex bowl is covered loosely. Twisting the cover on too tight will trap expanding freezing water and air in, this will cause pressure to build within the bowl and lead to cracks or shattering.
You want to make sure you ease the temperature change for your pyrex glassware as much as possible. There should not be any dramatic shift in temperature, let it settle properly after removing it from the oven before moving it to the freezer.
How to Freeze Food in Pyrex
As mentioned earlier, your pyrex container can go inside the freezer, but there are right and wrong ways you can go about this. You can freeze any food in pyrex, from leftover meat to cooked leftover food. So, to keep your precious pyrex container from cracking, follow the guide below to freeze food in it.
- Ensure the food you are freezing is cold or at room temperature
- have the lid placed on top of the container loosely, this should allow air to be released, and the food will stay fresh for long
- If you are freezing soup or sauces, you should leave enough space between the item and the lid, so there is enough space for the food to expand during the freezing period
- Do ensure you are using the right size of pyrex container
- Label the food item and the date for easy identification
- Place the containers in your freezer until it’s time to use them.
How do You Care For Pyrex
Pyrex is stronger and more reliable compared to any standard glassware but keep in mind that any time you go from cold to very hot or vice versa, there is always a good chance that this might crack or shatter. Pyrex will accommodate high temperatures but to keep it in good shape for a very long time, here is how you can take care of it.
- Avoid quick or uneven heating
- Before doing any cleaning, let the dish cool
- When pyrex is taken out of the oven, put it on a pot holder and not directly on the countertop
- Never use bleach or chlorinated product to clean
- Never put it on an uneven surface when it’s hot
- Do not use abrasive sponges
- When it’s taken out of the freezer or oven, allow it to sit out and get closer to room temperature before putting it in the freezer or oven
- Handle pyrex carefully.
The Bottom Line
Pyrex is actually meant for extremely high temperatures, but you still have to handle it with care and do avoid using it in too extreme temperatures, such as the case of the air fryer.
Pyrex is not just popular but they have been around for 100 years, so they are pretty reliable. Note that any glass container can go into the freezer, but pyrex are of higher quality and won’t crack easily.
