You must have heard a lot about tempered glass, the pros, and the cons, how it is made, and other wonderful features that it has.
However, consumers are not just concerned only about the unique features dinnerware material possesses, they also pay attention to the toxicity of the material.
One popular dinnerware material is tempered glass but is tempered glass safe for food? Is it a myth? Is it based on a proper and detailed experiment? This you will find out soon in this unbiased article.
Aside from learning about tempered glass, you will also learn about the popular Borosilicate glass and other types of glass, which glass is food safe how do I know and why?
Follow me closely as we unravel this mystery once and for all time!
IS ALL GLASS FOOD SAFE?
It is not all glass dinnerware sets that are food safe that is because various glasses are made up of different materials and undergo various manufacturing procedures.
To be on the safe side, seek glass plates labeled & quot; food-safe & quot; or " lead-free "
Furthermore, do not use vintage glassware because, after extensive lead testing, the results have indicated that it contains traces of lead, such as Corelle Vintage dishes.
Let’s also see some of the common materials used for manufacturing glass dinnerware: First, the most common is Soda-lime, perfect for daily use, made with a variety of materials like soda ash, lime, and others. Known for their durability and resistance to thermal shock.
Another popular glass is Borosilicate glass, stronger than Soda-lime glass in terms of resistivity and thermal shock. Perfect for use in the oven and microwave. Borosilicate glass is often used in baking dishes and measuring cups.
We also have Opal glass, they are generally opaque, have a milky appearance, and are translucent. Opal glasses are not easily breakable, aside from Opal glass dishes, they are used for decorative and functional glassware, including plates, bowls, and mugs.
In addition, we also have tempered glass material, which is popular for its resistance to breakage and can withstand stress, that’s why they are used in manufacturing the popular Corelle brand made with 3-ply- laminated special tempered Vitrelle glass material that is food safe. Other glass materials include; Crystal glass, fused glass, and recycled glass.
Finally, it’s important to note that the safety and quality of glass dinnerware depend on factors such as manufacturing processes, additives used, and adherence to safety standards. Always check labels and product information to ensure that the glass dinnerware you’re considering is suitable for your intended use.
IS TEMPERED GLASS SAFE FOR FOOD?
Is tempered glass safe for food? Yes, it is safe for food because it can withstand high temperatures and thermal shock, which means it can be used for cooking, baking, freezing, and microwaving food without shattering or cracking. It is also safe because it is non-porous and non-reactive which means it does not absorb odors, flavors, or stains from food.
READ ALSO: IS BOROSILICATE GLASS SAFE FOR HEALTH?
READ ALSO: BOROSILICATE GLASS WATER BOTTLE MADE IN USA.
READ ALSO: IS ANCHOR HOCKING GLASSWARE OVEN SAFE?
READ ALSO: IS SODA LIME GLASS SAFE?
HOW TO TELL IF GLASS IS FOOD SAFE?
One of the best ways to know if glass is food-safe and in addition lead-free is to test the glass dish with a testing lead kit or use an XRF lead test instrument
Secondly, you can look for labels or markings indicating that the glass meets food safety standards.
Finally, check for any cracks, chips, or rough spots on the glass surface, as these could potentially harbor bacteria or leach harmful substances.
TEMPERED GLASS CUTTING BOARD
Tempered glass cutting board can also be called “Super Tough glass cutting board”. As the name sounds, tempered glass cutting boards are specially treated to make it stronger, this strength is what gives them the ability to chop and cut food easily without breakage.
Tempered glass cutting board is like a magical cutting board that won’t break easily or even get scratched when you use it to chop your yummy fruits and veggies! Below are examples of tempered glass cutting boards:
Tempered Glass Cutting Board – Long Lasting Clear Glass
This tempered glass cutting board is very beautiful and will be very useful on your kitchen counter. It handles hot foods as well as cutting and slicing. Great all around.
Buy this product and thank me later because I know for sure that you’ll be very happy after using it.
It’s very strong, easy to clean, and looks great. You won’t get any scratch marks or any visual wear and tear on it even when you use it a lot and heavily.
If you have plastic cutting boards, then this is an easy replacement for them as plastic cutting boards can be detrimental to your health.
If you are also looking for what to use to protect your countertop, this tempered glass cutting board is perfect.
Murrey Home Tempered Glass Cutting Boards for Kitchen
This is another break-resistant tempered glass cutting board that is designed for safety. It is safe because when it drops accidentally, it breaks into small granules and not sharp shards. So, let not your heart be troubled.
This product is also safe because it is non-porous. Which means that it won’t absorb odors or leach harmful chemicals into your food. The nonporous cutting surface also makes it easy to clean.
It is non-slip and can be used for different purposes like kitchen decoration, serving boards, cheese plates, clear trivets, etc.
Tempered Glass Cutting Board Clear Cutting Board for Countertop
This chopping board is tempered glass which is scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, making it perfect for countertop heat protection. You can place hot pots, pans, or baking dishes on it without worry because it’s the perfect countertop heat protector.
The cutting board is designed with rubber feet that prevent slipping and ensure stability while preparing food. It is also easy to clean, dishwasher safe and does not retain any stains or odor.
The clear rectangular shape of this glass cutting board makes it an elegant and modern addition to any kitchen. It can also be used as a decorative element on your countertop.
This clear-cutting board for countertops is an ideal gift for anyone who loves cooking and wants to add a touch of style to their kitchen.
BEST GLASS CUTTING BOARD
Glass cutting boards are a popular choice for many households due to their sleek design and easy-to-clean surface. Unlike wooden or plastic cutting boards, glass does not absorb bacteria or stains, making it a more hygienic option.
Glass cutting boards also provide a sturdy and durable surface for chopping and slicing, and they are less likely to dull knives compared to other materials.
With a variety of designs and sizes available, glass cutting boards can add a modern touch to any kitchen while also providing a practical and functional tool for meal preparation.
However, not all glass cutting boards are created equal. Some factors to consider when choosing the best glass cutting board for your needs are:
Material: The best glass cutting boards are made of tempered glass, which is a type of glass that has been treated with heat or chemicals to make it more resistant to scratches, heat, and shattering. Tempered glass is also safer than regular glass, as it breaks into small pieces rather than sharp shards if it does crack. Some examples of tempered glass cutting boards are Tempered Glass Cutting Board – Long Lasting Clear Glass and Farberware Large Utility Cutting Board.
Size: The size of the glass cutting board should match the size of your countertop and your knife. A too-small cutting board will limit your cutting space and make it harder to maneuver your knife. A too-large cutting board will take up too much space and be difficult to store and clean.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a cutting board that is at least 2 inches larger than your knife on all sides. A good example of different sizes of glass cutting boards is CounterArt Black Marble Design 3mm Heat Tolerant Tempered Glass Cutting Board.
Design: The design of the glass cutting board should suit your personal preference and style. Glass cutting boards come in various colors, patterns, and shapes, ranging from clear to marble to floral. Some glass cutting boards also have features such as non-slip feet, juice grooves, or handles for added convenience and functionality. A good example of a different design of glass cutting boards is Counterart Clear Tempered Glass Instant Counter Cutting Board.
To summarize, the best glass cutting board for you depends on your needs and preferences. You should look for a tempered glass cutting board that is the right size and design for your kitchen. Glass cutting boards are easy to clean, hygienic, and durable, making them a great choice for any home cook.
GLASS CUTTING BOARDS PROS AND CONS
Glass cutting boards are a common kitchen accessory that many people use for chopping, slicing, and preparing food. They are made from tempered glass, which is a type of glass that has been heated and cooled rapidly to increase its strength and resistance to thermal shock.
Glass cutting boards have some advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of cutting boards, such as wood, plastic, or bamboo. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of glass cutting boards and help you decide if they are suitable for your needs.
PROS OF GLASS CUTTING BOARDS
Some of the benefits of using glass cutting boards are:
Easy to clean and sanitize– Glass cutting boards have a non-porous surface that does not absorb liquids, stains, or odors. They are also dishwasher safe and can be easily wiped with a cloth and some disinfectant spray. This makes them more hygienic than wooden cutting boards, which can harbor bacteria and fungi in their pores and cracks.
DURABLE AND SCRATCH-RESISTANT.-Glass cutting boards are made from tempered glass, which is designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures. They do not scratch easily and can last for a long time if handled with care. They are also resistant to warping, cracking, or chipping, unlike wooden or plastic cutting boards.
AESTHETIC AND VERSATILE– Glass cutting boards come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. They can add a touch of elegance and style to your kitchen decor. They are also transparent, which allows you to see the work surface underneath and avoid cross-contamination. You can also use glass cutting boards for other purposes, such as kneading dough, rolling, pastry, or placing hot pots and pans.
CONS OF GLASS CUTTING BOARDS
Some of the drawbacks of using glass cutting boards are:
DAMAGING TO KNIVES– Glass cutting boards are harder than most knife blades, which are usually made from steel. This means that every time you chop or slice on a glass cutting board, you are dulling your knife edge and creating microchips in the blade. This can affect the performance and lifespan of your knives and require more frequent sharpening.
NOISY AND SLIPPERY– Glass cutting boards produce a loud and annoying sound when you use a knife on them. They also have a smooth surface that can cause your food or knife to slip off easily. This can be frustrating and dangerous especially if you are working with sharp or wet ingredients.
BREAKABLE AND HEAVY– Despite being tempered, glass cutting boards are still prone to breaking if dropped or hit with enough force. They can also shatter into sharp pieces that can injure you or damage your floor. Glass cutting boards are also heavier than other types of cutting boards, which can make them difficult to move or store.
Glass cutting boards have their pros and cons, depending on your preferences and needs. They are easy to clean and sanitize, durable and scratch-resistant, aesthetic and versatile, but they are also damaging to knives.
IS TEMPERED GLASS TOXIC?
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength and resistance to breakage. It is widely used in various applications, such as car windows, shower doors, aquariums, mobile phone screen protectors, and cookware. But is tempered glass toxic? What are the potential health risks of using tempered glass?
Some types of glass, especially tableware, may contain potentially toxic levels of lead and cadmium. These metals can leach into food or beverages and pose a health risk to consumers. Lead and cadmium can cause neurological damage, kidney failure, cancer, and other serious health problems.
However, tempered glass does not contain lead or cadmium. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tempered glass is considered a safe material for food contact and does not require testing for lead or cadmium content. Tempered glass is also compliant with the European Union’s regulations on heavy metals in food contact materials.
ARE GLASS CUTTING BOARDS BAD FOR KNIVES?
Knives are essential tools in any kitchen, and they need proper care and maintenance to perform well and last long. One of the factors that can affect the quality and durability of your knives is the type of cutting board you use. Cutting boards are surfaces that you use to chop, slice, dice, or mince your food ingredients.
They come in various materials, such as wood, plastic, bamboo, rubber, or glass. Each material has its pros and cons, and some are more suitable for certain types of knives than others.
- Glass cutting boards are harder than most knife blades. The hardness of a material is measured by the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Glass has a hardness of about 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, while most knife blades are made from steel, which has a hardness of about 4 to 6. This means that glass is harder than steel and can dull the edge of your knife every time you cut on it.
- Glass cutting boards can cause chipping and cracking on your knife blades. Because glass is brittle and rigid, it does not give way or cushion the impact of your knife when you cut on it. Instead, it creates a lot of friction and pressure on the blade, which can cause microscopic chips or cracks to form on the edge. These chips or cracks can affect the sharpness and smoothness of your knife and make it more difficult to cut through food.
- Glass cutting boards are slippery and noisy. Glass does not provide a good grip or traction for your food or your knife when you cut on it. This can cause your food or your knife to slip or slide off the board, which can be dangerous and messy. Moreover, glass makes a loud and unpleasant sound when you cut on it, which can be annoying and distracting.
BOROSILICATE GLASS
Borosilicate glass is a special type of glass that has many advantages over regular glass. It is made by adding boron oxide to the glass mixture, which makes it more resistant to thermal shock, chemical corrosion, and mechanical stress. Borosilicate glass is widely used in various fields, such as laboratory equipment, cookware, lighting, and electronics.
Borosilicate glass has several remarkable properties that make it superior to regular glass. These properties are mainly due to the presence of boron oxide in the glass network, which reduces the thermal expansion coefficient and increases the chemical resistance of the glass.
THERMAL RESISTANCE: Borosilicate glass has a very low thermal expansion coefficient (about 3.3 x 10^-6 K^-1 at 20 °C), which means it does not expand or contract much when heated or cooled. This makes it more resistant to thermal shock than regular glass, which has a thermal expansion coefficient of about 9 x 10^-6 K^-1 at 20 °C.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE: Borosilicate glass has a high hydrolytic resistance and excellent resistance to acids and alkalis. This means it does not react with water or other chemicals easily and does not leach harmful substances into the contents. This makes it ideal for storing and handling corrosive or sensitive materials, such as pharmaceuticals, food, or beverages. Borosilicate glass also has a high electrical insulation and does not conduct electricity well.
MECHANICAL RESISTANCE: Borosilicate glass has a higher scratch and abrasion resistance than regular glass. This means it does not get damaged easily by friction or impact. Borosilicate glass also has a high tensile strength and can withstand high pressure without breaking.
OPTICAL CLARITY: Borosilicate glass has a high transmission and optical clarity. This means it allows light to pass through without distortion or loss of quality. Borosilicate glass also has a low refractive index and does not bend light much. This makes it suitable for optical devices, such as lenses, mirrors, or prisms.
IS SAFE TO EAT FROM TEMPERED GLASS?
It is generally safe to eat from tempered glass products as long as they are intact and clean.
CAN YOU PUT HOT PLATES ON TEMPERED GLASS?
Yes, it is safe to put hot plates on tempered glass products because tempered glass has a very low thermal expansion coefficient (about 3.3 x 10^-6 K^-1 at 20 °C), which means it does not expand or contract much when heated or cooled.
IS TEMPERED GLASS SAFE FOR HOT DRINKS?
Tempered glass is safe for hot drinks because it is stronger and more resistant to thermal shock than regular glass.
IS TEMPERED GLASS HARMLESS?
Tempered glass is harmless for most purposes, but it is not indestructible or flawless. It is important to follow the safety guidelines and precautions when using tempered glass products, such as checking the label or the manufacturer’s website for information on the type and quality of the glass, avoiding scratching or damaging the surface of the glass, inspecting the glass regularly for signs of cracks or defects, and replacing the glass if it breaks or becomes damaged.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF GLASS IS TEMPERED?
There are a few ways to tell if the glass is tempered or not, depending on whether you have access to the edges, corners, or surface of the glass. Here are some methods you can try.
A) Look for a label or stamp on the glass that says “Tempered” or “Temp”. This is the easiest and most reliable way to identify tempered glass as manufacturers are usually required to mark their products accordingly. However, the label or stamp may not be visible if the glass is already installed or framed, or if it has been worn off over time.
B) Check the edges of the glass for smoothness. Tempered glass is treated with extreme heat and then rapidly cooled which gives it a very smooth finish. Ordinary glass, on the other hand, has rougher edges that may feel sharp or jagged. If you can run your hand along the edge of the glass without feeling any bumps or flakes, it is likely tempered.
C) Examine the corners of the glass for a bug or a logo. A bug is a small etched or sandblasted marking that shows the manufacturer’s name and CPSC (Customer Product Safety Commission) standards. A logo is a similar marking that shows the brand name or symbol of the manufacturer. These markings are usually found in one of the corners of the glass sheet and serve as identifiers for tempered glass. If you see a bug or a logo on your glass, you can be sure it is tempered.
D) Look for imperfections on the surface of the glass. Tempered glass may have tiny scratches, dimples, or bubbles on its surface, which are caused by the heating and cooling process. These imperfections do not affect the quality or strength of the glass, but they can help you distinguish it from ordinary glass, which has a smoother and clearer surface.
E) View the glass through polarized sunglasses against the sun. Tempered glass may have a pattern of dark and light spots or limes on its surface, which are visible when viewed through polarized lenses. These spots or lines are caused by the stress and compression in the glass during the tempering process. Ordinary glass does not have this pattern and appears uniform when viewed through polarized lenses.