Can an Empty Glass Coffee Pot Shatter from Heating?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated and depends on a few factors. While there is a small chance that a glass coffee pot could shatter with proper precautions it is actually quite rare for this to happen.
What Causes Glass to Shatter?
Glass can shatter for a variety of reasons, but the primary culprit tends to be thermal shock, which happens when the glass is heated or cooled quickly and unevenly. If a glass pot is not properly preheated when it is filled with a hot liquid, or it is placed on a cold surface right after being heated, the glass can crack.
How Can I Avoid Thermal Shock and Shattering?
To prevent thermal shock and the chance of a glass pot shattering, it is important to follow a few simple precautions.
- Preheat the Glass Pot: Before adding a hot liquid to the pot, it is important to preheat the pot. To do this, simply fill it with warm water and let it sit for several minutes. This will help ensure that the temperature of the pot is consistent.
- Use a Trivet or Hot Plate: After the pot has been heated, be sure to place it on a trivet or hot plate to avoid thermal shock.
- Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: To be safe, avoid extreme changes to temperature. If the glass is going to be used for cold beverages, don’t put ice inside it directly after using it for hot liquids.
Conclusion
While it is possible for a glass coffee pot to shatter from thermal shock or extreme temperature changes, it is actually quite rare. Taking a few extra precautions, like preheating the pot and avoiding extreme temperature changes, can help to reduce the chance of this happening.
