A lot of coffee drinkers prefer sipping the beverage from a glass cup because, unlike other materials, glass doesn’t affect the flavor and it offers an elegant look However, to ensure safety, Borosilicate or double-walled glass, as other types of glass are fragile and can break when exposed to heat.
You can safely put hot coffee in a glass, but to do so, using a glass that is specifically designed to accommodate hot beverages is imperative. The standard glass should not be used because it’s prone to thermal shock and can break when exposed to heat. Glass made of Borosilicate or double-walled material should only be used.
Key Takeaways
- Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to put hot coffee in a glass
- Glass offers the ideal coffee drinking experience, as it allows for “pure” flavor and looks elegant.
- To ensure safety, several tips and strategies can be implemented.
The Science of Hot Coffee and Glass
Heat and Glass: How Hot Coffee can Stress and Break Glass Cups
Hot liquids can break the glass, hence the trepidation that many feel when considering drinking coffee from a glass cup. The reason breakage is a concern is due to a phenomenon known as thermal shock.
Thermal shock occurs when glass is cool, but a liquid is hot. The cool glass heats up and expands when hot liquid (i.e., coffee) is poured into it. If the increase is too extreme or rapid, the glass can literally explode. Additionally, some glass cups are thin, so they’re more susceptible to cracking when exposed to heat.
Types of Glass That Are Suitable for Hot Coffee and Why
Fortunately, some types of glass can safely accept hot coffee. Glass that is made of borosilicate material is ideal. Borosilicate glass contains boron trioxide, which reduces the risk of thermal shock, expansion, and breakage. In other words, this type of glass is thicker, more durable, and less likely to crack when exposed to extreme temperature changes.
Double-walled glass is another option that can safely be used with hot coffee. In a nutshell, double-walled glass is glass inside another glass. The air between the glass walls is removed during manufacturing, creating a vacuum of sorts.
Because of the vacuum, there isn’t any air to transfer the heat, so it’s a great insulator that reduces the risk of thermal shock and breakage.
Risks Associated with Using the Wrong Type of Glass for Hot Coffee
The main – and most concerning –risk associated with using the wrong type of glass for hot coffee is breakage. If the glass cracks, the hot coffee can drip and cause burns. If the glass shatters, the hot coffee can drip and cause burns – and you could end up slicing yourself on the shards.
Another issue with using the wrong type of glass is that it can be hot to the touch so you could burn yourself. Still another issue is that your coffee can go cold before you finish it. While your coffee going cold too quickly is the least concerning of all three issues, it’s problematic.
Tips for Safely Drinking Hot Coffee from a Glass
Use the Right Type of Glass
You can safely drink coffee from a glass, so long as you’re using the right type of glass. As mentioned, borosilicate glass is ideal, as it’s highly durable.
Double-walled glass can also be safely used, as it lacks air that heat could be transferred to. Both options reduce the risk of thermal expansion and breakage. Additionally, they aren’t hot to the touch and will keep your coffee warm.
How to Properly Handle and Use Glass Cups for Hot Coffee
Even if you’re using glass that’s deemed safe, there are some risks because, though slim, there is a chance that heat-resistant glass could shatter. To avoid issues, use these tips for proper and safe handling:
- Warm the glass before pouring your coffee
- Don’t pour your coffee too quickly
- Set a metal spoon in the cup and pour the coffee over it (the metal will absorb some of the heat and reduce the risk of thermal shock)
How to Test a Glass Cup Before Using it For Coffee
To ensure the glass is suitable for use with coffee, check for a heat-resistant stamp. Typically, this stamp is found on the underside of the bottom of the glass. If there’s stamped, it’s safe to use for hot coffee; if it isn’t, avoid using it, as it isn’t worth the risk.
Common Misconceptions About Drinking Hot Coffee from a Glass
It’s a common misconception that consuming hot coffee from a glass is dangerous. The reason? Most people assume that all glass is dangerous when exposed to hot liquids. While it’s true that pouring hot liquids into some types of glass can be dangerous, this isn’t true of all types of glass.
As mentioned, certain types of glass are safe for use with hot liquid. These include glass made with borosilicate, as it is highly durable, and double-walled glass, as it lacks air that heat can be transferred to. With both types of glass, the risk of thermal expansion and breakage is markedly reduced.
In the name of safety, it’s always best to err on caution. That said, before pouring coffee into the glass, be sure to check the glass for a heat-resistant stamp.
Additionally, though slight, there is a chance that heat-resistant glass can break. To avoid this risk, heat the glass first, place a metal spoon in the glass and pour your hot coffee slowly.
Putting Hot Coffee In A Glass – Should You Drink It?
Not only can you safely use glass for hot coffee, but glass is one of the best materials to consume coffee from! It maintains coffee’s true flavor, and it just looks elegant. To ensure safety, however, confirm the glass is heat-resistant, and exercise caution by heating the glass first, placing a spoon in the glass, and pouring your coffee into the glass slowly and over the spoon.
FAQ
Can I put hot coffee in a glass cup with ice?
Technically, you could; however, it isn’t recommended, as the ice will dilute the coffee and water down the flavor.
Can I put hot coffee in a glass in the fridge?
You can, but make sure it’s an airtight container to avoid oxidation. A mason jar would be ideal.
How can you tell if a glass can hold hot coffee?
Check the glass for a heat-resistant stamp. Typically, this stamp is located on the underside of the bottom of the glass.
Is it safe to put hot coffee in a glass?
Yes, it is safe to put hot coffee in a glass as long as it is heat-resistant. Also, to ensure safety, implement the safe pouring tips discussed (heat the glass and pour the coffee slowly over a metal spoon that has been placed in the glass).
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