Can glass jars break due to temperature variation in pantry?

Question

Can the temperature changes in a pantry cause your glass jars to break? We explore the risks and what you need to know.

Answer 1

Yes, glass jars can break due to rapid or extreme temperature variations in a pantry, especially if they contain liquids or are already weakened. This is due to thermal shock.

Detailed Explanation:

Glass expands when heated and contracts when cooled. If the temperature change is sudden or significant, different parts of the jar may expand or contract at different rates. This creates stress within the glass. If the stress exceeds the glass's tensile strength, it can crack or shatter. This phenomenon is known as thermal shock. Factors that increase the risk include:

1. Jar Thickness: Thicker glass is more susceptible to thermal shock because the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces can be greater.

2. Existing Weaknesses: Scratches, chips, or other imperfections in the glass can act as stress concentrators, making the jar more likely to break.

3. Contents of the Jar: Liquids expand and contract more than solids. If a jar is filled with liquid, the expansion and contraction of the liquid can put additional pressure on the glass.

4. Temperature Difference: The greater the temperature difference, the greater the stress on the glass. Moving a cold jar directly from the refrigerator to a warm pantry, or vice versa, is more likely to cause breakage than a gradual temperature change.

While pantries generally maintain relatively stable temperatures, significant fluctuations can occur, especially near exterior walls or during seasonal changes.

Pro Tip:

To minimize the risk of glass jar breakage, avoid storing jars filled with liquids in areas of your pantry that experience extreme temperature fluctuations. Allow jars to gradually adjust to temperature changes before moving them between environments with significantly different temperatures.