When mason jars were first designed in 1858, they were used as canning jars to store food, soft drinks, or any other household loose item that needed to be stored safely. Today mason jars are still used for the same purpose.
However, the question of whether you can microwave the jars has been in people’s minds since the 1970s when a microwave became a helpful kitchen heating appliance.
But can you microwave mason jars? Yes and no. Yes, mason jars with a microwave-safe symbol are safe to be microwaved. No, mason jars that do not have the microwave-safe symbol cannot be microwaved. As much as they are made from glass, some of them cannot handle microwave or oven heat. When placed under such pressure, the heat interferes with the Mason jar’s structural tension force causing it to break.
This article explains whether it is possible to microwave mason jars. The article also talks about identifying a microwave-safe Masson jar and safety precautions while you are using one. The article also answers some frequently asked questions about Masson jars and heat.
How to Identify a Microwave Safe Mason Jar
As discussed earlier, mason jars are made of glass; however, not all types of mason jars are capable of being microwaved. How then do you identify a mason jar that should be microwaved? Below is how you do it.
1. Locate a Microwave Safe Symbol
A mason jar that can be used to microwave a meal should have a “microwave safe” at the bottom. The symbol gives you the permission to microwave whatever you want in the jar, and it will still remain intact. Such jars are capable of handling high heat temperatures. There are other examples of Tupperware containers and it is good to know if they can be microwaved.
2. Check Out the Thickness of the Mason Jar
The thickness of the Mason jar will give you a great idea of whether to microwave or not. The thicker the Mason jar, the easier it is for the jar to withstand high heat temperatures. If you notice that the Mason jar you own is thinner than normal, it is advisable to avoid placing such a jar in the microwave since it will break.
3. Give the Mason Jar a Test Drive
Most mason jars have no symbol on them. At times it is even hard to tell whether they are thick enough to be microwaved or not. If you do not mind the possible outcome of whether it will break or still retain the physical structure, you may consider microwaving the jar for about 1 to 2 minutes. Ensure to heat it in the microwave while empty. If the jar is still intact after microwaving, then the jar is strong enough to be microwaved.
4. Ask the Manufacturer
As much as there is no microwave symbol on the mason, there must be a manufacturer’s logo. Therefore, it is possible to identify if the manufacturers of your mason jar are Ball Mason jars, Kerr or Bormioli Rocco. To be sure about the ability of your mason jar to withstand microwave heat. Call the manufacturer and hear directly from them.
Safety Precautions when Using Mason Jars
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Avoid Microwaving Mason jars with their Lids on
Mason jars come with metallic lids. When these metallic lids are microwaved, they begin to be reflected, causing arcing between the metal and the microwave itself. Eventually, this will lead to a huge explosion or fire. Therefore, it is essential to remove the metal lid from the Mason jar and use a more microwave-friendly lid or paper towel as you microwave.
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Avoid Using a Microwave when Canning
Do not use a microwave when heating canned food sealed in mason jars to get rid of microorganisms that might be growing. Heating canned foods prevent food from spoiling. A microwave is usually not the best heating option since it does not heat equally. The Mason jar might also be in danger of cracking since it is not microwave safe or has a metallic lid.
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Look for a Microwave Safe Symbol
Make a habit of always looking for a microwave-safe symbol before placing any container in the microwave. Let the Mason jar have the symbol before you microwave it. If not, you may have broken glass in your microwave with a whole lot of mess to clean up.
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Get a Cozy for your Mason Jar
A cozy will protect you from being burnt by the hot drink you just poured into your mason jar. The Mason jar becomes as hot or cold as the drink you just poured into the jar. A cozy will help you hold the jar comfortably despite the temperature of the inside drink.
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Frozen mason jars easily Break
Proper care should be taken when handling frozen mason jars. Also, as you place the jars in the freezer, ensure they have enough space between them; if not, they clink to each other. Such jars have a huge chance of breaking in the process of separating them.
Faqs On Can you Microwave Mason Jars
1. Will a mason jar explode in the microwave?
Yes, mason jars can explode in the microwave for two main reasons. The first is its metallic lid. When you place a mason jar with its lid in the microwave, the metal reflects the microwaves, which causes arcing. The arcing will eventually graduate to an exposition if not interrupted immediately. The other possible reason for an explosion in the microwave is microwaving a mason jar that does not microwave safe
2. Can you put a glass jar in the microwave?
Yes, you can. However, it needs to be able to handle the microwave heat. It should either have a microwave-safe symbol or have a very thick texture. Also, remember not to place the Mason jar in the microwave when its lid is still on. The lid is metallic and can cause a serious explosion in the microwave.
3. Can Mason jar be heated?
Yes, mason jars can be heated. However, due to the nature of their glass material, one should be very careful of the amount of heat you expose your mason jar to. Too much heat may cause it to break. For instance, avoid placing mason jars without a microwave-safe symbol in the microwave. Microwave heat is too much for them.
4. Are ball brand mason jars microwave safe?
Yes, they are, however, to be very sure. Locate the microwave-safe symbol of the ball brand first before microwaving it.
5. Can you microwave pasta sauce in the jar?
Yes, you can. First, ensure the jar is microwave safe. If the jar has no microwave-safe symbol, then the answer is no. Then pour your soup into the jar, and use a lid to cover the sauce to avoid splatters all over the microwave.
Ensure to use a different lid that is microwave safe since most jars come with metallic lids are not safe to be microwaved. Place the pasta soup in the microwave and heat for one minute.
Remove the soup from the microwave and stir. Return the soup to the microwave and heat it again for an extra one minute. Then remove the jar from the microwave carefully since it must be hot at this point.
6. Can mason jars go in the oven?
No, Masson jars are not designed to handle oven heat. They cannot be placed in the oven to bake. When the Masson jar is exposed to heat in the oven, it begins to crack and break.
7. Can you boil mason jars?
Yes, you can, especially if your mission is to sterilize them. Arrange the glasses upright in a canner. Fill the glasses with water, and fill the canner with the remaining water.
Ensure the water is slightly above the glasses. Boil the water for 10 minutes.
8. How do you heat glass jars?
The best way to heat glass jars is by placing them on a racket in a pot. Pour enough water into the pot and allow it to boil. Cover the bowl, then turn off the heat.
Let the steam from the pot and sterilize the glass jars for about 15 minutes. Invert the glasses on a dry towel to let the water drip when done.
9. Can you put mason jars in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can put the mason jars in a dishwasher. Since they are made of sturdy glass, they can withstand being a dishwasher
10. Does glass get hot in microwave?
No, glass does not absorb microwave heat unless it has completely melted. If your glass feels hat in your hands, it is probably because of the drink the glass is carrying.
11. How do you defrost soup in a Manson jar?
Place the Manson jar containing frozen soup and immerse the jar in a large bowl containing cool water. Let the jar sit in the water for 30 minutes, then pour the water.
Add another cool water over the jar and wait for another 30 minutes. Repeat the process until the entire frozen soup in the Manson jar has thawed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, some Manson jars can be microwaved, while others cannot. Therefore Manson jars need to be thoroughly investigated before they are placed in the microwave.
One needs to find out if they have a microwave symbol. Manson jars that are not safe to be microwaved crack or break in the microwave since they are not designed to withstand high heat.
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