A glass saucepan is present in almost every kitchen. In this dish you can cook the first course on the stove, put it in the oven and use it as a table setting element that will show off the prepared dish in all its glory and whet your appetite.
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Pros and Cons of Glassware
The popularity of using glassware is its versatility, aesthetic appearance and transparency, which allows you to watch the cooking without looking into the pan. The weakness of a woman who loves to cook is a beautiful pan that is pleasant to use. But this kitchen attribute has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of glassware:
- Safety. Heat-resistant glass is made from natural materials that do not emit harmful components when heated.
- Durability. Durable material that is not subject to deformation, corrosion or scratches. With careful handling, such a saucepan will serve you for many years without losing its qualities.
- Aesthetics. The dishes not only perfectly cope with the main task of cooking, but will also decorate the table when serving.
- Variety. A wide range of shapes and sizes will allow you to choose the best option for your family.
- Versatility. Suitable for cooking on almost all types of stoves, in the oven and microwave.
- Easy to clean. Glass can be cleaned with any means. Due to the smooth structure of the material, nothing sticks to the dishes.
- Low thermal conductivity. When you turn off the stove, the food is cooked and stays warm for a long time.
- Does not absorb odors. Suitable for cooking and storing ready meals in the refrigerator.
- Not afraid of frost. Such a saucepan with a ready-made dinner can be put in the freezer, the glass can withstand temperatures up to -30 degrees.
- Price. Glass is an inexpensive material that is available to all consumers.
Despite the many advantages of a glass pan, there are several disadvantages that need to be taken into account when using this attribute.
- Heat-resistant glass is afraid of strong temperature changes; you cannot put a cold pan in a hot oven; heating should occur gradually.
- If there is not enough water and it boils away, the dishes may burst. And the handles get very hot during cooking.
- When cooking on gas stoves, it is necessary to purchase flame diffusers.
- The weight of the product differs significantly from similar metal items; it is heavier.
What kind of glass is used?
The production of pots from heat-resistant glass was mastered relatively recently. The raw materials used in the manufacture of dishes are practically no different from the material for glasses and vases, but due to the addition of additional components, it acquires its heat-resistant properties. Such dishes can withstand heating up to +400 degrees and the thicker the walls, the stronger such a product is and better withstands temperature changes. Pots are made of transparent glass with the application of durable and beautiful patterns and brown, which is no different from a transparent product and has the same qualities.
Types of glass pots
Manufacturers offer a wide range of cookware by shape, volume, glass type and type of hob for which it is intended.
- A universal option is a glass saucepan with a cylindrical lid made of thick glass. Such dishes are suitable for cooking any dishes on the stove, for baking in the oven and microwave. Products with a thick lid without a handle are often used as a frying pan, nothing will ever burn in such dishes. Such a frying pan lid is perfect for casseroles. A saucepan made of thick glass has solid cast handles that are very durable, but get very hot during cooking.
- Thinner heat-resistant glass is used to make more elegant spherical shapes. Such pots are equipped with convenient handles with holes, and the lid has a handle for easy lifting, but it is not recommended to put such a pot in the oven, and it is more fragile. It is perfect for making soups, sauces and gravies.
- The saucepan with a lid is produced in oval, rectangular and square shapes for cooking meat and vegetable stews, casseroles and porridges on the stove and in the oven.
- The roaster is produced in different shapes, without handles or with cast options, and is designed for cooking any dishes in the oven.
- A duck pan with a thick bottom and a massive thick lid of an oblong shape is perfect for preparing meat, fish and chicken dishes.
The optimal volume of glassware is from 0.5 to 3.5 liters. The sets that you are offered in stores are sold within these criteria. Products with thick walls and a large volume will be very heavy, which is inconvenient and unsafe to use. And a saucepan made of thin glass will become more fragile and can be broken with any awkward movement.
Hob type
All products made from fireproof glass are marked to indicate which cooking surfaces they are suitable for.
Types of hob.
- Electric stove. Any type of round cookware will do. The main thing is that the size of the bottom matches the diameter of the burner. Oval and rectangular shapes are best used in the oven or microwave, otherwise the cookware will heat up unevenly, which means increased energy consumption.
- Gas. Glassware for a gas stove should have thick walls and a bottom. You will also have to buy a special flame diffuser to prevent direct contact between the fire and the pan.
- Glass ceramics. Any pan will do and will be safe for the delicate coating, glass will not scratch or leave stains on the surface. But due to the low thermal conductivity of glass, the dish will take much longer to cook and the energy consumption is higher.
- Induction. For this type of stove, manufacturers make special cookware with a metal bottom, which allows the pan to heat up.
Variety of lids
Manufacturers offer glass pots complete with lids, with the exception of the roaster. But if such a situation arises: the lid is broken, and it is a pity to part with your favorite pot. You can buy the lid separately. The main thing is to know the diameter of the pot, or better yet, come to the store with it and choose on the spot.
The choice of lids is very diverse. It can be a glass lid with a silicone or metal rim. A handle made of heat-resistant plastic, silicone or metal. It is better to choose models with silicone inserts, they do not heat up, do not slip and are absolutely safe.
Subtleties of cooking
To prepare a tasty and appetizing dish in a glass container, you need to follow a few simple rules.
- Rectangular and oval shapes are only suitable for ovens and microwaves.
- Avoid contact of the dishes with metal objects; it is better to choose wooden or silicone spatulas and spoons for stirring.
- Do not place glassware in a preheated oven or on a hot burner. The pan should be heated slowly and evenly.
- It is better to cook in glass on minimum heat or hotplate heating. The dish will take longer to cook, but will be more rich and tasty.
- To prevent food from burning, you need to pour a little oil or water on the bottom.
- When cooking, it is better to fill the pan 2/3 full so that the walls do not overheat.
How to care for glass pots
Glass is not a demanding material, it is not afraid of cleaning agents compared to metal, but such a saucepan also needs to be properly cared for. Glassware is perfectly washed in the dishwasher.
To keep the dishes looking their original shine for a long time and not to fade, do not use hard metal brushes or strong abrasives when washing. Burnt food will be easily washed off if you soak the pan in water with detergent for twenty minutes. Instead of an abrasive, it is better to use baking soda, and if you wipe the dishes with a water-vinegar solution, they will shine like new.
Popular models of glass saucepans
In stores you can see a large selection of glassware, but before buying it you need to make sure that you have a quality product in front of you. The glass should be uniform, without bubbles and suspicious inclusions.
When choosing, pay attention to the sets "Vasilievskoe glass" - this is a domestic manufacturer that produces high-quality products at an affordable price.
Heat-resistant pots from Simax are worth noting for their original design of glass products with blue and green tints and a ribbed bottom. They produce models with a capacity of up to 3.7 liters - enough to cook soup for the whole family.
Fissman Pranzo produces products for all types of cookers, including those with an induction heating element.
It is also worth paying attention to dishes made of thick matte or brown glass, they will look very noble in any kitchen.
If you have decided to add a glass saucepan to your kitchenware range, feel free to go to the store and buy one. The glass product will not disappoint you and will serve you for many years.
