Can You Put Pyrex Glassware on the Grill? (Dos and Don’ts)

You’re hosting a barbecue and planning to grill up a storm. As you prepare the food, you remember that you have a Pyrex glass dish that would be perfect for cooking some sides. But then the question arises: can you put Pyrex on the grill?

The answer might surprise you. While Pyrex glassware is a popular choice for baking and cooking in the oven, it is not recommended for use on the grill.

In this article, we’ll dive into why using Pyrex on a grill is not recommended, explore alternative cookware options for grilling, and provide safety tips to ensure your next barbecue is both delicious and safe.

So, read on to learn more about the dos and don’ts!

Why is Using Pyrex Glassware on the Grill Not Recommended?

Grilling a Pyrex dish is not recommended due to the risk of cracking or shattering, even if made from borosilicate glass. The manufacturer of Pyrex glassware in the United States, Pyrex US, also explicitly advises against using their products on a grill.

Whether made from soda-lime or borosilicate glass, glassware is not designed to withstand the sudden temperature changes and uneven heating that can occur on a grill.

When cooking on a grill, temperatures can fluctuate rapidly, and the heat can be distributed unevenly across the cooking surface.

This can cause the glass to heat up and cool down quickly, leading to stress and potential cracking or shattering.

Even if the glass does not break immediately, it may weaken over time, increasing the risk of it breaking in the future.

It’s not just Pyrex glassware that’s at risk on the grill. Any glass dish or container is potentially vulnerable to the same issues.

However, soda-lime glass is particularly susceptible due to its relatively low thermal shock resistance compared to laboratory glass.

According to Wikipedia, Borosilicate glass can tolerate a temperature change of around 330 °F (180 °C) before it fractures, while soda-lime glass can only endure a temperature difference of approximately 100 °F (55 °C) before breaking.

Safety Precautions for Using Glassware on a Grill

While using glassware on a grill is not recommended, some people may still want to try it out. If you are one of those people, it’s important to take safety precautions to prevent accidents.

1. Use Borosilicate Glassware

If you must use glassware on a grill, opt for borosilicate glassware over soda-lime glassware. Borosilicate glassware is more resistant to sudden temperature changes and can withstand higher temperatures than soda-lime glassware. However, even borosilicate glassware can still crack or shatter if exposed to rapid or uneven temperature changes.

2. Use a Grill-safe Pan or Baking dish

Use a pan or baking dish specifically designed for use on a grill. Look for products labeled “grill safe” or “grill friendly” to ensure they’re designed to withstand the heat and temperature changes on a grill.

3. Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill before placing any glassware on it to avoid thermal shock. Doing so will ensure a more even temperature across the grill surface. To preheat the grill, turn it on to the desired temperature and let it warm up for at least 10-15 minutes. This will give the grill time to reach the proper temperature. When the grill is ready, you can safely place your glassware on it.

4. Use Indirect Heat

Do not place glassware directly over the heat source on your grill. Instead, place the glassware on a cooler part of the grill or use indirect heat. Indirect heat means putting the glassware on the grill but not directly over the heat source. The glassware will still cook but won’t be subjected to direct heat.

5. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

Do not expose the glassware to sudden temperature changes. For example, don’t place a hot glass dish directly on a cold surface or vice versa. Or try to keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. This will help regulate the temperature and minimize sudden temperature changes that could cause the glass to break.

6. Don’t Use Damaged Glassware

Do not use chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged glassware. Damaged glassware is more likely to break or shatter under high temperatures.

7. Use a Thermometer

Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the glassware as it cooks. This will help you monitor the temperature and prevent it from getting too hot.

8. Allow to Cool Gradually

Let the glassware cool gradually once you’re done cooking. Do not remove it from the grill and immediately place it in cold water or a refrigerator. Let it cool down to room temperature first.

9. Use Oven Mitts

Always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot glassware. Hot glass can cause serious burns if touched with bare hands. Place it on a heat-resistant surface to cool before serving.

Alternatives to Pyrex Glassware for Grilling

Pyrex glassware is unsuitable for grilling, but don’t worry, there are plenty of safe options.

Cast iron is a great choice, as it distributes heat evenly, retains heat well, and adds a unique flavor to cooked food. You can use it on any type of grill, including gas, charcoal, and campfires – but it requires more upkeep than other materials and needs to be seasoned regularly to prevent rusting.

Stainless steel is also an excellent option, as it’s easy to clean and maintain, heats evenly, and won’t react with acidic ingredients. Plus, it won’t rust or corrode – however, it doesn’t retain heat as well as cast iron, so it may not be ideal for longer cooking times.

So, if you’re searching for a reliable and safe material for grilling, cast iron and stainless steel are great options. Both are highly resistant to heat, durable, and easy to look after – so you can enjoy delicious grilled meals with peace of mind.

Tips for Selecting the Right Type of Grilling Cookware

When picking out grilling cookware, there are a few things to consider.

To start, think about the type of food you’re grilling and pick a material that will work best. For instance, if you’re grilling sensitive fish, a non-stick surface is a great way to prevent sticking. On the other hand, if you’re grilling steaks or burgers, then a cast iron skillet or grill pan is a good choice for sealing in flavors.

Also, take into account the size of the cookware. Make sure it fits comfortably on your grill without taking up too much space or blocking airflow. If you’re using multiple pieces, make sure they all fit on the grill simultaneously.

Finally, think about how much cleanup you want to do. Non-stick surfaces don’t require much scrubbing, but cast iron may need more regular maintenance. If you’re using multiple pieces, think about if it’s easy to clean them all at the same time. If you don’t have much time or patience for scrubbing, opt for materials that make cleaning a breeze.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is not advised to use Pyrex glassware on a grill. The rapid temperature changes and uneven heating on a grill can weaken the material and cause it to crack or shatter. It’s best to use materials that are safe to grill with, such as cast iron and stainless steel.

Safety should always be prioritized when grilling. Adhering to the precautions listed in this article is essential to ensure a safe grilling experience. So, keep these tips in mind, and enjoy your grilling adventure!

FAQ

What Cooks Hotter, Glass or Metal?

Glass and metal have different thermal properties, depending on the type of glass or metal. However, metal generally conducts heat better than glass, which cooks faster.

At What Temp Does Glass Melt?

The temperature at which glass melts depends on the type of glass. For example, soda-lime glass, used in most kitchenware, typically melts at around 3133°C (1723 °C). In comparison, borosilicate glass, used in some high-temperature applications, can withstand temperatures up to 3000 °F (1650 °C) before it melts.

Is There a Difference Between PYREX and pyrex?

Yes, there is a difference between PYREX (uppercase) and pyrex (lowercase). The American Pyrex brand, spelled with lowercase “pyrex”, is made from soda-lime glass and is less thermal shock-resistant than borosilicate glass. In contrast, the European PYREX brand, spelled with all uppercase letters, uses borosilicate glass, which has better thermal shock resistance.