In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to freeze foods using glass containers like drinking glasses and storage jars.
You’ll find out how to prevent the glass from cracking or breaking when frozen.
You’ll also learn the proper way to thaw out frozen glass containers safely. And you’ll discover which types of glass are designed to withstand the freezer’s cold temperatures.
Can You Put Glass in the Freezer?
Using glass in the freezer is a perfectly suitable option, whether you’re chilling drinkware or storing frozen foods. However, it’s important to follow some friendly tips and best practices to ensure your glassware remains intact and your frozen goods stay in top condition.
Let’s start with chilling glasses for those refreshing cold beverages. Regular glassware can absolutely go in the freezer to achieve that frosty, chilled effect we all love. For the best results, plan ahead and pop those glasses in the freezer at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving – A freezer temperature of 32°F or 0°C is a little should be okay. A quick five-minute chill just won’t cut it for that perfect frosted look.
Now, when it comes to freezing foods, glass containers like mason jars are an excellent eco-friendly choice. Unlike plastic, glass is non-porous, so you never have to worry about stains or odors transferring to your foods. Plus, glass is incredibly durable and stackable, making the most of your freezer space.
When shopping for freezer-safe glass containers, look for tempered or specially labeled freezer-safe options. They’re made to withstand those frosty (or icy) temperatures without problems. However, proper handling is still important, as extremely cold glass can become more brittle.
Is Glass Safe in the Freezer?
Absolutely! Glass containers can be safely used in the freezer with just a few friendly precautions in mind.
When it comes to using glass in the freezer, the good news is that most typical glassware found in homes – like canning jars, Pyrex dishes, and even drinking glasses – are designed to withstand freezing temperatures in freezers without issues. Manufacturers make these sturdy glass pieces heat-resistant up to regular oven levels, which inherently makes them freezer-safe as well.
However, we do need to be aware of something called “thermal shock.” Thermal shock is the glass’s way of protesting a sudden, drastic change from hot to cold or vice versa by cracking or breaking altogether. Some extra-resilient glass like CorningWare can typically handle these dramatic shifts, but it’s still best practice to avoid shocking our glassware when possible.
Can You Freeze Glass Without Breaking It?
Yes, you can freeze glass without it breaking. But you need to follow some easy rules.
First, never put very hot glass containers straight into the freezer. The extremely cold temperature can make the hot glass crack. Always let the hot glass cool down completely to room temperature first.
When freezing leftovers or preparing foods for the freezer, make sure the food is already cooled to room temperature before putting it into the glass containers. Then you can put the glass containers in the freezer. Refrigerating the food first can help it cool down faster.
When you want to thaw out frozen glass containers, you must go slowly. Do not use the microwave or hot water to heat them up fast. That extreme temperature change can make the frozen glass crack. Just leave the frozen glass out at room temperature and let it thaw naturally over time.
Going from very hot to very cold, or very cold to very hot, can make glass break. But if you let the glass temperature change slowly, it will not crack in the freezer.
Can I Put Pyrex in the Freezer?
Yes, you can put Pyrex dishes in the freezer. Pyrex dishes are made to be used in the freezer safely.
But you have to be careful when freezing Pyrex. Extreme temperature changes too fast can cause the glass to crack or break.
Here are the easy rules to follow when freezing with Pyrex:
- Make sure the Pyrex dish is at room temperature before freezing it. Never freeze a hot dish that just came out of the oven. Freezing something very hot can make it crack.
- When you want to bake or heat up a frozen Pyrex dish, don’t put it straight into a hot oven. Take it out of the freezer first and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up slowly.
- After baking in a Pyrex dish, let it cool down completely before freezing it again. Place it on a cooling rack, potholder, or dry towel to cool off first. Putting a very hot dish in the freezer can make it crack.
- If your Pyrex dishes have chips, cracks, or bad scratches from lots of use, do not freeze foods in them anymore. The damage makes it more likely to crack in extreme cold.
Can You Freeze Mason Jars?
Yes, you can. Freezing mason jars is an easy, environmentally-friendly way to extend the life of your favorite fresh produce, sauces, and more. But there are some friendly tips to follow to ensure success.
First off, not all glass jars are created equal when it comes to freezing. Regular jars like those for pasta sauce or pickles may seem thick, but they actually contain microscopic air bubbles that can expand when frozen, leading to cracking or shattering – definitely not ideal! For safe freezing, you’ll want to stick to tempered glass mason jars.
These sturdy jars have gone through a heating and cooling process during manufacturing that allows them to handle extreme temperature changes without issue. Most quality name brands like Ball, Kerr, and Anchor Hocking make tempered glass mason jars perfect for freezing.
Now that you’ve got the right jars, there are some best practices to prevent messy busted glass situations. You’ll want to choose mason jars with straight sides and no shoulder or neck portions. Those areas create pressure points where the glass can crack as foods inside expand when frozen.
Speaking of expansion, this is key – never fill your mason jars to the very top before freezing! Leave an inch or so of headspace to allow room for your foods to expand as they freeze. Wide mouth jars even have convenient fill lines to guide you.
Note: Don’t tighten lids forcefully until contents are fully frozen, leave a little space between jars in the freezer so they don’t knock together, and consider freezing liquids flat at first before standing them upright once solidified.
What Types of Glass Will Break if I Freeze it?
Certain types can crack or shatter from the extreme temperature changes, while others can handle the frosty conditions like a champ.
So what types of glass can you confidently stash in the freezer? I’m so glad you asked!
Borosilicate glass, like the beloved Pyrex brand, is essentially freezer-friendly glass. It has a very low thermal expansion rate compared to regular soda-lime glass. This slower, more uniform contraction allows it to handle drastic temperature changes without cracking under pressure (literally!). Look for the “Pyrex” or “borosilicate glass” label.
Tempered glass containers are another great freezer-safe option. They’ve undergone heating and cooling treatments during manufacturing to strengthen the glass and make it more resistant to thermal shock. Many tempered glass storage containers and bakeware are designed to be freezer-safe.
As a friendly reminder, always double-check the product labels for any freezer warnings before stashing your glass goods in the ice box. When in doubt, err on the safe side and stick to containers specifically marked freezer-safe. Proper handling like allowing gradual temperature changes can also prevent freezer breakage.
Note: You should avoid using regular, clear soda-lime glass, colored glass pieces, or crystal glass in the fridge as they are more likely to break when exposed to extreme temperatures in the fridge.
Does Food Last Longer in Glass or Plastic?
The container you use can affect how long your food stays fresh. Glass and plastic both have pros and cons.
For dry foods like flour, sugar, pasta, and cereal, glass is better. Glass containers insulate well, which prevents moisture buildup that can make dry foods go stale faster. The dry foods keep their texture and taste longer when stored in airtight glass.
Glass is also better for preventing food odors and tastes from transferring. Have you ever stored leftovers in plastic and they tasted like plastic? That doesn’t happen with glass. Glass doesn’t absorb food flavors.
Another good thing about glass is that no chemicals can get into your food over time. Some plastics, especially when heated, can transfer chemicals like BPA into foods.
However, plastic has some advantages too, especially for wet foods and meals. Plastic is usually lighter, more durable, and cheaper than glass. It doesn’t break easily. For packing lunches, transporting dishes, or storing liquids, plastic works well.
So which lasts longer overall? In general, I’d give the slight edge to glass for extending shelf life across most types of foods. Its superior insulating and non-reactive properties just help preserve taste, texture, and quality better over time.
How to Thaw Frozen Food That’s in a Glass Container?
Patience is key when thawing foods you’ve frozen in glass containers. Extreme temperature changes can cause the glass to crack or shatter. But don’t worry, with the right method it’s easy to thaw glass safely. Just follow these simple tips:
Fridge Thawing
This is the best option if you’ve got time. Simply transfer the frozen glass container from the freezer to the fridge. Let it slowly thaw over 24 hours or until fully defrosted. The gradual temperature change prevents any cracking.
Cold Water Bath
Need it thawed faster? Make an ice bath! Submerge the frozen glass fully in a bowl or sink filled with cold tap water. Let it soak for 30 minutes, replacing with fresh cold water every 30 minutes until thawed through. The consistent cold temp avoids shocking the glass.
Oven Thawing
For frozen casseroles or oven-baked dishes, your oven can help too. Set the oven to 300°F. Place the frozen glass dish inside with a lid or foil over the top. Let it gradually defrost, checking periodically. Once thawed, increase the oven temp to fully reheat.
Microwave & Hot Water (Don’t Do This)
Regardless of your method, never thaw frozen glass in the microwave unless specifically labeled microwave-safe. And don’t use hot or warm water – this rapid temperature spike will likely crack or shatter the glass.
Inspect After Thawing
Once fully thawed, check over the glass carefully. If you see any cracks, chips, or damage, toss it out safely. Don’t risk reheating a compromised glass dish.
Slow and steady wins the race when defrosting frozen glass containers. With a little patience, your food and dishes will thaw out perfectly!
What is the Best Container to Freeze Food in?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the life of your foods and minimize waste. However, using the right containers is crucial for keeping frozen foods tasting fresh and preventing that dreaded freezer burn.
Air exposure and moisture are the enemies when it comes to frozen foods, causing textures to become tough, rubbery or dried out over time.
So what are the best containers to freeze food in? Let’s go through some top recommendations:
Freezer Bags
For many foods, sturdy freezer bags or zip-top plastic bags are the way to go. They allow you to remove most of the air and get that tight seal to block out moisture and odors. Look for thick, durable bags labeled as freezer-safe. Bags with sliding zippers are ideal for liquids and sauces.
Wraps for Bulky Items
When freezing bulky items that won’t fit in freezer bags, you’ll want to use wrappings made for freezer storage. Heavy duty aluminum foil provides a good moisture barrier, or you can wrap in plastic wrap first and then foil for extra protection. Another great option is freezer paper, which has a coated side that seals in moisture.
Wrap these items tightly using the proper folding techniques to minimize air exposure. This works well for large cuts of meat, full chicken, or fish.
Rigid Containers
For freezing liquids or saucy items, use rigid plastic or glass containers made for freezing. Glass containers like Pyrex allow for oven reheating after thawing, while plastic Rubbermaid containers are a more affordable option. Just avoid thinner plastic containers not meant to withstand freezing temperatures.
Be sure to leave enough headspace for expansion as liquids freeze. And don’t overfill – use smaller containers to allow faster freezing for better quality.
Conclusion
In the end, freezing foods is a smart choice. It prevents good food from going to waste. And you get to enjoy tasty meals anytime.
This guide taught you how to freeze foods safely using glass containers. Whether you’re freezing drinks or full meals, glass works great.
Just remember the main tips:
- Use a special glass made for freezing
- Leave some room at the top for the food to expand
- Let frozen glass containers thaw slowly so they don’t crack
Follow those simple rules and your frozen foods in glass will turn out perfectly! No cracked, damaged containers. Just fresh, yummy foods anytime you want them.
Can You Microwave Glass? (And How To Tell If It Is Safe)
Can You Put Glass In The Oven Without It Cracking?
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
