Is borosilicate glass safe when heated?

Borosilicate glass is made by melting sand with boron trioxide to limit the material’s ability to expand when exposed to heat. This makes it the ideal material for making glass cookware, containers, and even scientific tools. You’ve likely used it before without even realizing it.

In this overview, we’ll explain everything you need to know about borosilicate glass. Get ready to learn how it’s made, what sets it apart from standard glass, where you’ve likely seen it before, and how safe it is for your family and friends.

What is Borosilicate Glass?

Borosilicate glass is a special type of glass made by mixing 70-80% silica sand with boron trioxide. At first glance, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the two-component materials apart but, when heated, boron trioxide absorbs massive amounts of heat before crystallizing into a glass. Once the two fuses into the glass, boron trioxide slows the annealing process, producing a harder, more durable material.

Thanks to its ability to absorb such high temperatures, boron trioxide also makes the glass less susceptible to thermal exposure, thus guaranteeing that the final product can withstand a lot of heat without melting, warping, or cracking. For this reason, borosilicate glass is a popular choice for chefs and scientists alike.

Can you microwave glass?

Yes, you can microwave most glass items as long as they are labeled “microwave safe”. Kitchen wares, such as glass items, that have the “microwave safe” label are made of  materials that are safe to be used in the microwave. Knowing what items you can safely put in the microwave is one way you can better understand how to use your appliance.

Putting items in your microwave that aren’t microwave safe can not only negatively impact your items, but also your microwave. To streamline meal time with your family and better care for both your dishware and your appliance, follow this guide to understand what types of glassware you can use in the microwave.

How long can you microwave glass for?

In general, you should refrain from microwaving glassware for longer than three minutes. It’s important to remember that this varies depending on the type of cookware you’re microwaving, specifically whether or not it’s labeled as safe to use in the microwave.

What is the Difference Between Regular Glass and Borosilicate Glass?

Besides the added boron trioxides, borosilicate glass stands out from regular glass for a few important reasons:

1) Durability – First and foremost, borosilicate glass is more durable than standard glass. Most objects made from borosilicate glass can survive a knock or two without chipping, cracking, or shattering.

2) Heat Resistance – As we’ve mentioned above, borosilicate glass is prized for its ability to withstand incredibly high temperatures without cracking or melting.

3) Stability – Borosilicate glass is highly stable, meaning it won’t leach chemicals or toxins. In fact, it’s so stable that it’s used in nuclear reactors to transport nuclear waste without leaching radiation.