Table of Contents
- Are Mason Jars Microwave Safe?
- What do Mason jars look like?
- 7 Reasons why mason jars are perfect for microwave ovens!
- A guide to using mason jars in the microwave
- The don’ts of putting Mason jars in the microwave
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping it up!
Are Mason Jars Microwave Safe?
Mason jars are all the rage right now. You can use them for just about anything – from canning fruits and vegetables to making fun drinks like smoothies and fruit shakes.
But are Mason jars microwave safe? The answer is yes. Mason jars absolutely microwave safe. But that doesn’t mean you live them in the microwave for hours. Be watchful and you are all set.
Keep reading to find out how to use a mason jar and oven and much more.
Let’s get started!
What do Mason jars look like?
Are you wondering what do we mean by mason jars and how do they look like?
Well, mason jars are clear glass jars with a threaded neck and screw-on lid that is designed for home canning.
Mason jars are canning jars, that can be used for cooking and storing food, along with many other purposes. Today, these jars are mostly used as fancy drink glass.
The mason jar got its name because the first jars were made by John L. Mason in 1858. He came up with the design of the threaded screw-on lid that is still used today.
Mason jars are mainly manufactured in Ohio, USA, but they are distributed all over the world.
7 Reasons why mason jars are perfect for microwave ovens!
Hard and solid
One thing is very obvious mason jars are stronger than normal glass. This is why mason jars are microwavable because it’s made from high-quality glass that can be used in ovens, under a broiler, and even on the stovetop.
Non-porous
Another reason why mason jars are perfect for microwave ovens is their non-porous property. They have no pores that can hold on to molecules of food or other things that might leach into your microwave.
Impact-resistant glass
Another reason why mason jars are perfect for ovens is their impact-resistant glass. It’s often used as a far better substitute for the Pyrex bowl that usually shatters when exposed to sudden changes in temperature or pressure.
Perfect size
Mason jars come in various sizes, from 4 ounces to a gallon. Plus, they are available in regular and wide-mouth jars suitable for most microwaves out there.
Non-reactive
Another reason why mason jars are perfect for ovens is their non-reactive property.
When in the microwave, mason jars can withstand high temperatures and even boiling points.
Sturdy lids
Mason jar lids are tight-fitting, secure, and sturdy. The rubberized flange on the underside helps to keep the lid in place during microwave heating and cooling cycles. This gives an additional benefit of preventing the overflow of liquid food like sauces and soups.
Handy handle
The jars come with a hanging hole, making it safe for you to take out your jar from the microwave oven. Plus, a handle on top of the lids makes it easier to carry the mason jars.
A guide to using mason jars in the microwave
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use mason jars in the microwave oven.
Wash jar and lid
It is important that you wash your mason jars thoroughly before using them for the first time, as well as their lids. If there are leftovers of food on the outside of the glass, they might burn when being exposed to the heat from your microwave oven.
Washing with a regular dish or hand soap and water will do just fine.
Prepare a microwave-safe bowl
The best way to prepare a mason jar for use inside a microwave is by covering it with a microwavable lid or microwavable plastic wrap. Some people apply an even layer of petroleum jelly on the bottom and up the sides of the jar to prevent any food from popping or splashing around.
The lid will trap steam that forms during cooking, preventing it from exploding the jar. It would be best if you use a lid that is deeper than your mason jar, just to be sure everything will fit inside the microwave oven.
Add dry ingredients
Although it is not necessary, you’ll be safer this way. If you choose to add wet ingredients on top of your dry ones, there is a possibility that they might explode or pop when being heated in the microwave.
This also means you should cover your mason jar with either a microwavable lid or plastic wrap for maximum protection.
Microwave for a few minutes
If you want to heat up your food, just set the timer on your microwave for a few minutes. Some people recommend you stop and shake or stir your jar of food halfway through cooking time to make sure all parts are evenly cooked.
Cleanup!
After microwaving, allow the jar to cool for about 30 minutes before handling it. This is to make sure it won’t burn your hands or fingers when you take it out.
When the jar has cooled down, just wipe it with a paper towel and rinse with water on the outside. If there are stains on the inside of your jar, simply use baking soda and vinegar to clean them up.
When in doubt, ask a question
If you’re ever unsure about how long or if you should heat up your mason jar, simply ask a question so you’ll know for sure if it’s microwave safe.
The don’ts of putting Mason jars in the microwave
There are certain things you should not do when putting a mason jar in the microwave.
Don’t use plastic lids
Some mason jar lid manufacturers might tell you that their products are microwave-safe, but they’re not. The lids may melt or warp after several rounds of heated storage inside your microwave oven.
Never microwave for too long
Although microwaves vary in wattage, power, and frequency—you must always remember to remove your mason jar from the microwave oven after it has done cooking. This is especially true with wet ingredients like soup, water, etc.
Never use metal lids
It is best not to use metal lids on your mason. In fact, it is a big NO-NO! It might cause sparks to fly in your oven once it is heated.
This automatically poses a serious risk of fire; hence, make sure the lids you use are made from plastic or glass.
Don’t handle without gloves
If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the mason jar to cool down—don’t even bother handling it without gloves.
Your jar might still be really hot, so protect your hands at all times.
Never use it if it isn’t for microwave
Manufacturers always put a label on the carton box or the mason glass to let buyers know if it is oven-safe or not. If you see some images of what looks like a microwave oven on the label—it might be best to check with the manufacturer first before using it inside one.
Never use a cracked one!
If the mason jar is cracked or broken from any side, do not even attempt to put it inside the microwave oven. It will explode and cause a mess, so please dispose of it properly.
Never leave the microwave unattended
This is a no-brainer, but it still needs to be mentioned. You might think that you can leave the room while your mason jar cooks in the oven—but even if the door is closed, you should never leave an active microwave unattended.
Let’s recap!
Now that you know how to use a mason jar in the microwave oven, remember not to use metal lids and utensils. Always let it cool first before you touch the jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the reason for mason jars’ popularity?
Mason jars are very popular in the US because they have been commonly used for decades to preserve food. In fact, many people bring their own glass jars when shopping at home to avoid buying disposable containers from groceries. This is definitely a good way to help the environment one jar at a time!
Why must it be heat-resistant?
It is best to use heat-resistant mason jars because they’re made from glass, which can be safely heated at high temperatures. You can also find BPA-free plastic lids for your mason jars if you want to avoid the risks of chemicals leaching into your food.
What are some alternatives to mason jars?
If you don’t have a mason jar as yet, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from—just make sure they’re heat-resistant and made from glass. Some good examples are oven-safe dishes or casserole pots with glass lids that can be used in microwaves.
How much does a mason jar cost?
There are many mason jars available in the market today. An average-sized mason jar costs $1 to $5.
Do they come in different sizes?
Yes, mason jars are available in several sizes. You can find them in 3-ounce jelly jars to 32-ounce wide-mouth mason jars. Besides, many glass jar manufacturers produce several kinds of top covers for their products—you can choose which one works best for
What if I don’t have oven mitts to take mason jars out?
Oven mitts are a must when removing your jar from the oven. Don’t even try to handle it with bare hands because it’s super hot!
Some alternatives are a small towel or a piece of woolen cloth wrapped around the hand.
How long can I keep food in a mason jar?
Mason jars are commonly used to store food, so it will be best to put leftovers in there whenever possible. They’re not just perfect for dry foods—you can also use them for soups, salads, fruits, etc. You can use your mason jar for storing food that you want to preserve or save for later.
Wrapping it up!
In summary, mason jars can be used in microwave ovens if the right precautionary measures are taken.
So, follow the above-mentioned guidelines and you’re all set!
