Can you microwave mason jars? Well, it is one of the most asked questions by anyone who uses mason jars. Mason Jars are the most common storage containers in traditional households. There are certain recipes associated with mason jars like kimchi, pickles, etc that are passed from generation to generation. As we know mason jars are made up of non-reactive glass, you can store food for a long period.
However, mason jars are a safe option for short or quick heating only because at high temperatures the glass becomes too hot to touch. You can also heat pre-cooked items but foods that require long periods of heating should not be stored in glass containers. Heating glass in the microwave requires certain precautions as it can shatter or crack easily.
In this blog post, we’ll elaborate on glass container microwave tips and some safe ways to use mason jars in the microwave!
What are Mason Jars made of?
Mason jars are made of crystal clear soda lime glass that is non-reactive. These multi-purpose jars are used to store various food items. The blemish-free glass helps you to see the food contents inside the jar. There are metal caps or lids at the mouth of the mason jar that prevent the spoilage of food. However, the question arises “Is it safe to microwave mason jars?”.
Can You Microwave Mason Jars? Yes, it is safe to microwave glass containers or mason jars but certain glass jar microwave guidelines must be followed. Firstly, make sure to look for the ‘microwave safe’ symbol at the bottom of the mason jar, if there is one, you can microwave it without a second thought. However, use a glove or kitchen towel to get the hot mason jars out of the microwave because hot glass can burn your hand.
NOTE: Metal caps, lids, and seals are not unsafe to use in the microwave, so make sure to never microwave a mason jar with the lid on.
Common Uses of Mason Jars
Freezing Food
Mason jars are freezer-safe so they can serve as a simple storage solution for soups and stews. Later you can defrost these soups and stews to make a whole meal in no time.
Dry Food Container
Mason jars are available in various sizes and shapes that can be used to store dry goods like nuts, grains, and spices. Unlike in paper boxes, the dry goods will stay fresh and safe for a longer period.
Storage of Leftovers
Just like any typical storage container, mason jars can be used to store leftovers. You can easily store the leftovers of breakfast, lunch, or dinner in mason jars. They also have a tight rubber seal that prevents the food from getting spoiled.
Grow Herbs
Moreover, if you love fresh herbs picked straight out of the garden, you can grow your herbs in mason jars. You can fill the mason jar three-fourth and pot the stems of basil and oregano.
Or you can place the market-bought herbs in the three-fourth water-filled mason jars, this will keep them fresh for a long.
Is it Safe to Microwave Mason Jars?
Heating glass in the microwave is a common practice these days. If you check the jars upside down you will see a “microwave safe” symbol that is a critical factor in microwave safety for glass jars.
However, sometimes repeated dishwashing can scuff the jar surface, making it more prone to cracks. So if you have an old mason jar you must be very careful because higher temperatures can cause the jar to crack or shatter.
Precautions for Microwaving Glass Containers
Before microwaving glass containers there are certain dos and don’ts that you must know to avoid any kitchen hazard.
Dos of Can You Microwave Mason Jars:
- Make sure to remove the lid of the mason jar before microwaving it as metal can damage the interior of the microwave.
- Make sure to thaw the frozen contents of the mason jar before placing it inside the microwave.
- Use a heat-resistant glove or kitchen towel to take out the mason jar from the microwave.
- Check the bottom of the mason jar to look for the ‘microwave safe’ symbol before placing it inside the microwave.
- You must microwave the mason jar for 2-3 minutes at a low to medium temperature.
Don’ts of Can You Microwave Mason Jars:
- Don’t use mason jars to cook food instead, it is a better option for pre-heating the food.
- Don’t microwave the mason jar that doesn’t have a ‘microwave safe’ label on it.
- Do not place the mason jar in the microwave when the metal lid is still on.
- Don’t boil water or liquid in a mason jar because it will be difficult to take out the jar out of the microwave, it will be too hot to touch.
- Don’t microwave old mason jars as their surface becomes scuffed due to repeated dishwashing and they shatter easily.
Safe Ways to Use Mason Jars in the Microwave
Newer models of mason jars are usually microwave safe which means you can simply use these jars in the microwave. But if you are using an old mason jar, you can simply empty the jar content and place it in the microwave for a few minutes to check it.
However, in both cases, you must remove the lid of the mason jar because metal lids are not microwave safe. Also, do not microwave a mason jar that has frozen content because sudden temperature changes can cause the glass to burst inside the microwave. This will cause the microwave to leak fluid and will also damage the microwave. Always defrost or thaw the food contents inside the mason jar. Once the contents are at room temperature you can microwave the mason jar. In this case, you can avoid sudden temperature change as it can cause the glass to break.
FAQs on Can You Microwave Mason Jars
Can you heat glass containers in the microwave?
Yes, you can only heat glass containers in the microwave if they have a microwave safe symbol at the bottom. Most of the glass containers are safe to use in the microwave. However, you must follow the glass jar microwave guidelines while using any glassware.
Can mason jars go in the microwave?
Mason jars are safe to use in the microwave as long as the lid is removed before placing the jars in the microwave. The lids of mason jars are made up of metal that is unsafe to use in the microwave.
Is it safe to heat a Mason jar?
Yes, you can use a mason jar to heat the food content stored in the jar. However, make sure to warm the food for 2-3 minutes at a low to medium temperature. Otherwise, the jar will heat up and may crack eventually.
Can you put glass jar in microwave?
Not all glass jars are made to be used in a microwave. So before putting any glass container in the microwave, you must make sure that it is microwave safe.
How do you reheat mason jars?
You can always reheat the food content in the mason jar. But make sure that it must be done within 3-4 minutes. Always make sure not to bake or cook in the mason jars as a long heating period will cause the mason jars to crack.
Can you sterilize a Mason jar in the microwave?
Mason jars should be sterilized by keeping them in a solution of hot water and vinegar. But if you want to sterilize mason jars in the microwave then you can fill the jars with water & vinegar. This will help you to get all the germs and residue out of the mason jars.
Are mason jars microwave safe?
Yes, most of the newer mason jars are safe to use in the microwave. However, if you have an old mason jar make sure to check for a microwave safe symbol. Also, if you find that the glass of the jar is scuffed, it might cause the jar to crack easily.
The Bottom Line of Can You Microwave Mason Jars
All in all, you must use microwave safe glass or mason jar for heating or reheating food. Microwaving glassware precautions must be taken before heating any glassware. Thick glass can be heated for a prolonged duration so make a wise choice before choosing glassware.
If you are using mason jars in the microwave, make sure that the jars are used without a lid on. In the case of a frozen mason jar, you must thaw the content first so that the glass jar doesn’t burst due to the high-temperature difference.
Follow glass container microwave tips to storing food for months and enjoy fresh meals within 2-3 minutes!
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Written By Gemma Wilson
Gemma is an expert at writing about how appliances are made and how to use them. She can tell you how to choose the best appliances for your needs and how to take care of them properly. She can also give helpful tips on how to fix and troubleshoot appliances and give advice on how to choose the most energy-efficient ones.