You're ready to chow down on delicious leftovers. But wait! Is it safe to microwave glass?
Can You Microwave Glass? 3 Tips for Microwaving Glass
Updated on Aug. 22, 2024
When it comes to reheating food in the microwave, you almost can’t go wrong with glass. Before warming up your meal, take a beat to check what type of glass you’re working with.
Can you microwave glass?
Yes, as long as the glassware is labeled “microwave safe.” This means the glass is designed to handle high temperatures. In most cases, plastic to-go containers aren’t microwaveable, nor are styrofoam containers, so reheating takeout is safest in a glass dish.
This also applies to other types of cooking—only glass marked “oven safe” should be used in the oven.
What kinds of glass can you not microwave?
Anything that’s not labeled “microwave-safe” (or doesn’t pass the microwave test below). That’s because the glassware could have metal, dyes or air bubbles that can cause the glass to crack or shatter in the microwave. You also want to avoid microwaving drinking glasses or glass food storage with a plastic seal. (Learn more about whether you can put plastic in the microwave.)
Can you microwave cold glass?
That depends. You’ve got the green light on glass that’s been recently refrigerated and is only slightly cold, but if it’s been in the fridge for a while or in the freezer, let the glass warm up on the counter first. Without thawing, the extreme heat fluctuations can cause the glass to crack or break, leading to a mess.
FYI: Here’s how to clean a microwave.
Tips for Microwaving Glass
How can I tell if glass is microwave-safe?
Microwave-safe glass will have a small image of a microwave with squiggly lines. However, some older glass might not have this symbol.
Editor’s Tip: Keep an eye out for microwave-safe symbols on anything you might be tempted to heat up! (Learn more about when you can microwave cardboard.)
Use the microwave test when in doubt
Follow this microwave test:
Fill your glass dish with a cup of cold water, then put it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, check its temperature. If the glass is hot to the touch, it’s not safe to use in the microwave. If it’s only slightly warm, or even cool, but the water inside is heated, the dish is likely microwave-safe.
Keep in mind that thin glass could crack during the microwave test. Proceed with good judgment.
Stir often
When you heat up food, stir the contents throughout to make sure your food is warmed evenly and that heat is distributed. Find more microwave tricks every cook should know.
Keep it under 5 minutes
Glass is unlikely to melt in your microwave, but to make sure that it doesn’t crack or break, don’t leave it in the microwave for more than 5 minutes. (Learn more about when you can put aluminum foil in the microwave.)
Recipes You Can Make in a Microwave
Microwave Oatmeal BarsMy mother shared this speedy recipe with me. There are not a lot of ingredients, and these microwave treats are easy to fix in the microwave. —Annette Self, Junction City, Ohio
Honey-Lemon Chicken EnchiladasHoney, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
15-Minute Meat LoafCozy, comforting meat loaf can be tonight's dinner—even at the last minute. This nifty microwave recipe makes it possible.
Fruit & Granola Crisp with YogurtHere's an easy recipe you can feel good about. Blueberries and peaches are such a delightful flavor combination. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona
Microwave Egg SandwichIf you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Zucchini FrittataThis zucchini frittata is perfect for a quick breakfast and effortless to prepare. Add a side salad or freshly baked bread and you have yourself a heartier weeknight meal.
Parmesan-Crusted ChickenMaking Parmesan-crusted chicken involves dredging chicken in bread crumbs and cheese to yield crisp, browned exteriors with juicy, tender meat inside.
Cod DelightI used to make this in the oven, but then I discovered that microwave lets me enjoy it even faster. It's a pretty dish to serve company. In fact, many of my friends and family now cook this at home. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour MeatballsEnjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with these easy-to-make slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs. Featuring a delicious sauce for Crockpot meatballs, this dish is sure to become a regular.
Breakfast PotatoesThese cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Hot Roast Beef SandwichThis hot roast beef sandwich will remind you of the classic version, but store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you make this heartwarming combination much more easily.
Salmon with Tarragon SauceHere’s a fast and foolproof microwave method for tender salmon steaks covered with a distinctive Dijon and green onion sauce. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Minted Beet SaladWe have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Coconut Acorn SquashSave yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless, so I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Beef EnchiladasOur crowd-pleasing beef enchiladas recipe features a homemade enchilada sauce and a spiced ground beef filling. Don't be fooled by the ingredient list. It's actually quite simple to prep!
Chicken KievThis chicken Kiev recipe is stuffed with chive butter and rolled in cornflake crumbs. The melted butter in the center makes it impressive for entertaining, but it's easy enough for any day of the week.
Chipotle Ranch Chicken TacosThese shredded chicken tacos are quick, easy and on the table in just 20 minutes.
Italian Chicken Cordon BleuStreamline any weeknight with this pretty main dish full of pleasing flavors. Chop the pepper ahead and pick up sliced mushrooms, and you’ll have this microwaved in moments. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Mini Burgers with the WorksI started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Super-Stuffed Mexican PotatoesThese taters are packed! Your whole family will enjoy these hearty stuffed Mexican potatoes. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Turkey Enchilada StackAs a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama
Granola Cereal BarsThese sweet peanut butter bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert or anytime as a quick snack. You can add raisins instead of chocolate chips if you prefer. —Helen Velichko, Kansas City, Missouri
Bart's Black Bean Soup for TwoThis soup is made in minutes. We enjoy it with Herbed Dinner Rolls from an older issue of Simple & Delicious. Add a salad for a complete meal that’s really tasty! —Sharon Ullyot, London, Ontario
