• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Can You Microwave This?
  • Microwave Accessories
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Liquids
  • Sweet
  • Seafood
  • Materials
  • Other Food
  • Misc.
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Accessories
  • Food
  • Materials
  • Sweet
  • Liquids
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Seafood
  • Misc.
  • Featured
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Accessories
  • Food
  • Materials
  • Sweet
  • Liquids
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Seafood
  • Misc.
  • Featured
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact
×

Can You Put a Glass Cup in the Microwave? (+Safety Tips)

Modified: Oct 15, 2022 by Jennifer Lane · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
A glass cup on a table on a sunny day.

Can you put a glass cup in the microwave? Yes, most glass is microwave-safe, but not all. Glass is typically the safest type of container to cook or reheat food or liquids. It does not leach chemicals into your food like some plastics. Read below to understand when to safely use glass in the microwave, how to know if it’s microwave-safe, and safety tips.

Jump to:
  • Dangers of Putting a Glass Cup in the Microwave
  • How Do I Know if I Can Put My Glass Cup in the Microwave?
  • Safety Tips for Putting A Glass Cup in the Microwave
  • Conclusion

Dangers of Putting a Glass Cup in the Microwave

Glass is generally the safest container for the microwave, but not all glass is microwave-safe. Glass that is not safe for the microwave can contain metals, dyes, or air bubbles. These things are not dangerous in a glass alone. However, the intense heat could cause the glass to crack or shatter.

Temperature swings can also be dangerous when heating glass. If your glass cup has been at room temperature or has only been in the refrigerator for a few minutes, your glass cup should be safe for the microwave. However, glass cups that have been in the freezer or refrigerator for a long time are too cold to microwave. They could break when exposed to the intense heat of a microwave.

Carefully inspect your glassware for any chips or cracks. Any cracks or chips can worsen or break the glass in the microwave. This tip applies to any glass that is microwave safe or not.

How Do I Know if I Can Put My Glass Cup in the Microwave?

Three blue glass cups on a white table.

It can be very stressful to use a container when you’re not sure if it's microwave-safe or not. The first thing you should do before you use any container in the microwave is to check the label or base. Most glass will have a symbol on the bottom to direct the user if it is safe or not for use in the microwave. Only use microwave-safe cookware in the microwave.

Do not use glassware that has any metal, like gold or silver decorations. These decorations can react with the radiation in the microwave and cause sparks or arcs.

You may not always find a label or marking on the base to determine if your glass is microwave-safe. You can always test the glass cup before use if you're uncertain of its safety. Follow the steps below to see if your glass is microwave-safe.

  1. Pour water into a glass, filling it about three-fourths of the way.
  2. Set the microwave to the highest heat setting.
  3. Heat the water in the glass for one minute.
  4. Check the water and the glass.

The glass is microwave-safe if the water is hot and the glass itself is not. The glass is not microwave-safe if the glass is hot, but the water is not.

Safety Tips for Putting A Glass Cup in the Microwave

Use caution when heating a glass cup in the microwave. Always check the label or base of the glass to check if it is microwave-safe. If there is no microwave-safe symbol, you can use the test above to check for safety.

Stir often when using a glass cup or dish in the microwave to ensure even heating throughout the liquid or food. You should also limit heating to three to five minutes. Anything longer than five minutes could result in unsafe conditions.

Glass can get very hot in the microwave, especially when heating for more than a few seconds. Always check that the glass has cooled enough to touch. Glass can burn your skin when too hot. You can always use a pot holder or glove to prevent a burn.

Conclusion

A glass cup full of water on a blue background.

Yes, you can usually put a glass cup in the microwave. However, there are some exceptions. While most glassware is microwave safe, not all are. Any glass marked as not safe for the microwave, has cracks or chips, or uses decorative metal is not safe for use in the microwave.

Any glassware marked or labeled as microwave-safe is safe to use in the microwave. You should limit the amount of time the glass is in the microwave and always proceed with caution when taking it from the microwave. All things considered, glass is typically the safest container to heat liquid or food.

More Materials

  • Can You Microwave Plastic Cups?
  • Can You Put Wood In a Microwave? Do's and Don'ts
  • Can You Microwave Bamboo Plates (Answered!)
  • Can You Microwave Melamine Plates? Answered!

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Primary Sidebar

Categories

Recent Guides

  • Your Microwave Fans Not Working (7 Easy Fixes)
  • 9 Reasons Your Microwave Stopped Working (How To Fix It)
  • 21 Microwave Tricks Everyone Should Know
  • 11 Foods You Should Not Reheat in a Microwave
  • Why You Should Stop Defrosting Food in the Microwave (Food Scientist Guide)
  • Is Microwave Oven Radiation Really Harmful? (Expert’s Opinion)
  • Can You Microwave Baby Food? (Real Answer)
  • Can You Microwave Shrimp? (Here's How!)

Pages

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Footer

↑ back to top

Safety Warning:

Always use extreme caution when using your microwave. Never leave a microwave unattended while in operation.  If you see sparks or hear unusual sounds coming from your microwave immediately stop the microwave.  All microwaves are different and cook with different power, adjust accordingly.  These articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended as advice.  Always consult your user manual before putting anything in your microwave.  Use your microwave oven only for its intended use as described in the instruction manual.

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us

Contact

  • Contact

CanYouMicrowaveThis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Copyright © 2022 Can You Microwave This.