Does Heating an Empty Glass Coffee Pot Shatter It?
Coffee pots are an everyday part of many people’s lives, and it is almost inevitable that at some point someone has imaged using an empty coffee pot to heat water or other liquids. But is it possibly dangerous to do this?
The Short Answer:
Yes, heating an empty glass coffee pot can cause it to shatter due to the drastic temperature change.
Why it is Dangerous:
Coffee pots can be made from various materials, including glass, stainless steel, and porcelain. All materials are capable of going under thermal shock, meaning if the inner and outer layers of the coffee pot have drastic temperature differences, it can cause the pot to shatter.
Glass coffee pots are particularly susceptible to this type of thermal shock due to their increased fragility when compared to other materials. Heating an empty and dry glass coffee pot can cause the inner layer to expand, while the outer layers remain the same temperature. This becomes especially dangerous if the coffee pot has a vacuum or isolated seal between the inner and outer walls. This temperature difference can cause the pot to violently shatter or crack and cause injury.
The Safest Use of Glass Coffee Pots:
To help prevent the thermal shock of glass coffee pots, it is important to follow these simple tips:
- Never heat an empty pot. There should always be some water in the bottom of the pot when heating it.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. Gradual heating and cooling of the pot is ideal.
- Check for cracks. Before using the pot, make sure to inspect it for cracks or other signs of wear and tear.
- Know the temperature. Limit heating a glass pot to temperatures below 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
By taking these simple steps, you can help to reduce the risk of the coffee pot shattering. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry when working with glass objects and avoid heating an empty glass coffee pot.
