Reduce the risks of using glass bakeware

This article appeared in
January 2011 Consumer Reports Magazine.

To minimize the chances of glass bakeware shattering, read and save the safety instructions on the product's packaging. Here are some safety rules to follow:

• Always place hot glassware on a dry, cloth potholder or towel.
• Never put glassware directly on a burner or under a broiler.
• Always allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the glassware in the oven.
• Always cover the bottom of the dish with liquid before cooking meat or vegetables.
• Don't add liquid to hot glassware.
• If you're using the dish in a microwave, do not use browning elements, and avoid overheating oil or butter.
• Do not take dishes directly from the freezer to the oven or vice versa.
• Never place hot glassware on top of a stove, on a metal trivet, on a damp towel, in the sink, on a cold or wet surface, or directly on a countertop.
• Inspect your dishes for chips, cracks, and scratches. Discard dishes with such damage.
• To avoid risks associated with glass dishes, consider using metal bakeware for conventional and convection ovens.