When you cook, you put ingredients on the tableware and heat or cool them down, right? That's where heat-resistant glass tableware comes in handy. In this article, we'll introduce you to the secrets of heat-resistant glass tableware.
Question1What is heat-resistant glass?
Most substances expand when heated and contract when cooled. Glass also expands and contracts when the temperature changes, but if it is heated or cooled suddenly, it will not be able to withstand the contraction and will break (see diagram below).
Heat-resistant glass contracts by about 1/3 compared to normal glass. Because it is strong against sudden temperature changes, it can be heated in a microwave or oven, and even hot drinks can be cooled with ice.
Question2What are the good points of heat-resistant glass tableware?
Cooking
For dishes that you want to brown, you can put the whole dish in the oven after serving. It is also convenient for preparing food.
※Some heat-resistant glass tableware may not be suitable for use in ovens or toasters.
It's great for steamed egg custard and pudding. You can also use it for making sweets as it can be used for hot water.
It releases fewer substances and has less leaching of acids and oils, making it safer to use in households with small children.
Storage
You can clearly see the contents, so you can tell what's inside at a glance.
It is also perfect for storing foods with strong smells, such as pickles.
Meals
Because of its simple design, it can be used for everyday meals as well as parties.
You can use it without any discomfort even if you serve it on the dining table in the same dish you cooked it in.
Cleaning up
Makes cleaning up a breeze.
Because it’s glass, oil stains come off easily, keeping it clean. Plus, it can be sterilized with boiling water, making it hygienic.
Question3What can you make using heat-resistant glass tableware?
Ingredients
- Vegetables of your choice
（pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. are recommended!）
How to make
- ① Arrange the vegetables in the container.
- ② Pour 3 tablespoons of water over the vegetables and put the lid on.
- ③ Heat in the microwave for 5 minutes at 600W.
It's delicious when you pour ponzu or sesame dressing over it.
Question4What do I need to be careful of when using heat-resistant glass tableware?
① In order to use glass products for a long time
When glass breaks, it breaks from the point of the scratch. The deeper the scratch, the less force is needed to break the glass, but the scratches will grow and deepen over repeated use, and the strength of the glass will decrease.
Please avoid scratching glass products, including heat-resistant glass, by hitting them with metal, knocking them against hard objects such as ceramics, or scrubbing them with a sponge containing abrasive.
② How to identify heat-resistant glass
On the quality label for household goods,
● Heat-resistant glassware*……… Heat-resistant temperature difference of 120℃ or more and less than 400℃
● Ultra heat-resistant glassware*… Heat-resistant temperature difference of 400℃ or more
*The material is specified as borosilicate glass or glass ceramic.
It cannot be distinguished by appearance, so please check the quality label on the instruction manual.
③ What is the heat-resistant temperature difference?
This does not indicate the temperature that the glassware can withstand when heated.
[Heated temperature] - [Cold water temperature] = [Heat-resistant temperature difference
In other words, the higher the heat-resistant temperature difference, the more heat-resistant the glass is.
