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Glass is good because it can be formulated to withstand extreme fluctuations in temperature. For example, Pyrex ads used to show their casserole dishes going directly from the freezer to a 400 degree oven. Glass allows for even and efficient heat transfer while at the same time retaining very little heat itself. It can be made transparent so it's easier to check on your dish while it's baking. Glass is very easy to clean and doesn't easily scratch or discolor. It's non-reactive, so unlike copper or aluminum, it won't interact with acidic foods like lemon juice. **I would agree with all of the above except the part about "efficient" heat transfer. Glass is a poor conductor of heat. That's why they call it an "insulator" instead of a "conductor." I would also add that a lot of stove top pans that are made of glass (as opposed to bakeware) are made that way with the intended purpose of looking pretty. My advice would be not to use glass for top-of-stove uses. Stick with bakeware.

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12y ago

Because unlike many metals, glass is non-reactive. That means foods will not pick up off tastes from substances dissolved out of the container it's cooked in.

In contrast, liquids cooked in cast iron may pick up a metallic taste and the iron content of the food may even be increased (which can be a nutritional bonus). Acid foods like tomatoes will react with aluminum and you may see darkening or pitting in the cooking vessel's surface. Stainless steel is often considered a good choice in metal cookware because of the same non-reactivity glass has.

Before using any glass for cooking make sure it is safe for the application you want to use it. Ovenproof glass bakeware should not be used on the stove top unless it's also rated for use with direct heat or flame. Make sure to read and follow any instructions that came with your cookware. Even Pyrex can shatter under certain commonly found conditions. You may want to read through the following to help you use your cooking glassware safely

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/january/home-garden/glass-cookware/glass-bakeware-safety/index.htm

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Q: Why is glass often used to make cookware?
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