Can You Microwave Mason Jars

Yes and no. Most modern mason jars are microwave friendly, but others aren’t so much. But then how do you tell, and can you microwave mason jars? 

It all depends on a couple of factors. And you will most likely have to remember a couple of things before you pop that mason jar in the microwave.

Can You Microwave Mason Jars?

The short answer? Yes. 

But what kind of mason jar are you using? How old is it? Is it microwave safe? When not to microwave mason jars?

You will likely need to know the answer to all these questions before you decide when to microwave that jar or not. Consider these things.

• How old is your Mason Jar?

If you are using one of the older jars, it will most likely not be microwave friendly. Older Mason jars were made using thinner layers of glass sheets, and they will most likely shatter under the temperature of the microwave.

• What temperature are you using? 

Microwaves are notoriously known for their uneven distribution of heat. And even though most mason jars are microwave-friendly these days, they can still only withstand the temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you set your microwave temperature accordingly.

Is It Safe To Microwave Mason Jars?

Frankly, there is no absolute answer to this. But to be sure, I would recommend you not to microwave your mason jars. At least not for a long period of time.

I can understand why you would want to though. Who wouldn’t like it if they could just stuff their mason jars with their favorite food items and then quickly warm them for a delicious snack? 

The biggest risk to microwaving your mason jars is that they could explode or shatter. Mason jars do not usually hold up to the high temperature found in microwaves, and it can be very dangerous. 

You may also like: Can You Freeze Baked Beans

However, if you choose to use microwave-safe mason jars, there is no risk involved. Just remember to take off the lid before you pop it in the microwave!

Can You Microwave Mason Jars To Sterilize Them?

Once again, the first thing to remember is that you can only microwave mason jars that are microwave-friendly.

This method is not recommended for larger quantity jars, mostly above 2-3 liters. However, with smaller mason jars, it is fairly easy to use the microwave for a quick sterilizing session. It saves you a lot of time and is very convenient.

To sterilize your mason jars using the microwave:

1. Thoroughly clean your jars beforehand. Make sure there is no residue, dust, or remnants of soap inside the jar.
2. Do not fully dry your jar, keep it wet and place it in the microwave. 
3. DO NOT place the metal lid in the microwave. You will have to sterilize them separately using the stovetop.
4. For smaller jars, put a timer of about 60 seconds. For medium-sized jars, you can go up to 2-3 minutes.
5. Once you’re done, be very careful when taking out your jars from the oven. The water inside your jars will most likely be at boiling temperature, and you must use oven gloves while handling the jars.
6. Your mason jars are fully sterilized!

You can use these jars for a variety of storing purposes! You can refer to this video to further clarify your doubts.

Can You Microwave Mason Jars To Heat Food?

Before you get all excited about the new Pinterest mason jar hack you just saw, let me tell you a few things. 

You’re reading this so many times because you must follow this. Never microwave your mason jars unless they have the label that says ‘microwave-friendly’. If they are not, you risk them exploding or shattering under high temperatures.

As a general rule of thumb, don’t heat your mason jars for more than 5 minutes in the microwave. 

You can still heat or reheat your food in the microwave, BUT this applies only to foods like pre-cooked pasta, ramen, hot cocoa, or soup. Foods that require a longer microwave heating should be avoided when it comes to mason jars. Be very careful while taking out your microwaved mason jars though, the jar itself can be a lot hotter than the food, or vice-versa, and may be difficult to handle.

Can You Microwave Mason Jars With Frozen Food In It?

There is only one right answer to this, DONT. I know that the microwave can be a savior when it comes to quick defrosting for other food items, but when it comes to mason jars, do not try it.

If, however, you wish to speed up the process, you can place your frozen mason jar in a bowl full of lukewarm water. Remember to take the lid off before doing so. Once the mason jars are fully defrosted, you can go ahead and microwave them for a few minutes.

If you wish to further speed up your thawing process, follow these steps.

1. Take a microwave-safe bowl full of cold water and place your jar in it.
2. Remove its lid and place the bowl in the microwave.
3. Take out the bowl every few minutes. If the water has turned hot, replace it with cold water.
4. Keep repeating this until you have successfully defrosted your jar.

Things To Remember When Microwaving Mason Jars

• Always keep in mind how old your mason jar is. Even if it is microwave friendly, older jars may risk breakage when exposed to high, uneven heat.
• Forget all the hacks Pinterest may have told you. If your jar is not microwave-safe, DO NOT put it in the microwave. End of story.
• Always remember to take off the lid and any metal parts that your jar may have. Metal tends to react in the microwave and can compromise your device.
• Remember to be very slow and gentle when microwaving your jars. Do not rush the process and do not increase the temperature.
• Due to the uneven heat in the microwave, some parts of the jar might be exposed to greater heat and it may expand rapidly. This risks the jars shattering or breaking due to pressure. As a rule, take frequent breaks when microwaving your jars.
• When microwaving food, the temperature of your container may be a lot higher than the food itself, and vice-versa. Be careful when handling this food, use oven gloves,  and check the temperature beforehand.
• Never pour hot food in a cold jar or cold food in a heated jar. Mason jars are made with molded glass that will not uphold the rapid temperature changes.

FAQs

Mason jars are best used to store food items, rather than heat them. If you decide to microwave them, make sure to follow the precautionary measures mentioned above. It will probably be easier to just transfer your food to a microwave-safe dish and heat it. Saves you time and trouble!