Best Lead Free Glassware: A Guide to Safe Kitchen
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There are a lot of materials that your kitchenware can be made of. Ceramics, stainless steel, clay, plastic – options are endless. Glass is considered to be the safest material for almost every type of kitchenware in your home. Unlike other materials, the potential risks of using glass are very minimal – glass doesn’t leach hormone-disrupting chemicals into our food or beverages. In this article, we will dive deep into the safest glassware options to be one step closer to a safe, non-toxic home to have peace of mind.
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Is All Glass Equally Safe?
The short answer is no, not every glass you see on a shop shelf is equally safe for you and your family. The list goes from the safest type of glass to the ones you should avoid buying if you have the opportunity to do so.
Borosilicate Glass: The Safest Glass of Them All
Borosilicate glass is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to thermal shock so it’s the perfect material to use in the oven, microwave, or even store your food in a freezer. Its composition typically consists of around 81% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 5-13% boron trioxide (B2O3), along with smaller amounts of sodium oxide and aluminum oxide. It is considered to be one of the safest materials to use in your kitchen and is great for everyday use. Why? Because borosilicate glass resists chemicals and even acid degradation. So, nothing leaches in or out of that material. So, If you are seeking glass bottles to store water, make sure they are made of this type of glass. This way you can be sure that the water you are drinking is completely safe, especially if you invested in a good water filter. Maybe you are going to be surprised, but they use borosilicate glass even to store and utilize toxic waste. So, be sure, your food and drinks are safe.
How to Shop for Borosilicate Glass?
When shopping for a need glassware you should check the label. A lot of manufacturers specifically state that their glass is borosilicate. This is a high-quality sign that manufacturers use quite often to market their products. If it is not stated on the package, make sure that the brand of the glassware you are about to buy is reputable.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is treated to increase its strength and resistance to breakage, making it a safe choice for cookware, bakeware, and oven doors. When tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, rounded pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. It does not contain lead and is generally considered safe for kitchen use.
How to Shop for Tempered Glass?
The majority of the tempered glass has a special marking that says “Tempered” or “Temp”. In some cases marking “safety glass” can be used.
Soda-Lime Glass
Soda-lime glass is the most commonly used glass in the United States. It is also a more affordable option than any other type of glass. Soda-lime glass comprises approximately 70-75% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 12-16% sodium oxide (Na2O), and 10-15% calcium oxide (CaO).
Like borosilicate glass, it’s considered lead-free. Meanwhile, lead and traces of other heavy metals were found in colored soda-lime glasses. So, if you want to be sure your glassware is non-toxic, opt for clear glass options. Also, remember that soda-lime glass is not resistant enough to sudden temperature changes and high heat. So, this glass should be treated with caution.
How to Shop for Soda-Lime Glass?
As I mentioned before, make sure you avoid colored glass if possible. There is no way to know for sure this soda lime glass is not going to leach harmful chemicals into your beverages unless full lab testing is done. independent testing conducted by Tamara Rubin (Lead Safe Mama) revealed elevated levels of lead in the painted red markings on the outside of Pyrex measuring cups. Similarly, small levels of lead were found in newer blue Ball jars even though Ball is a very reliable and safe glassware brand. In addition, you can seek a label “lead-free” on the package and the bottom of the glass.
Lead and Other Toxic Chemicals Free Glassware Brands
1. Safe Drinking Glasses and Coffee Mugs
Libbey Tumbler Drinking Glass Sets
Material: Lead-free glass made in the USA
Strong Points: Dishwasher friendly, heavy bottom, affordable
Weak Points: Some people say it is easily breakable
Price Range: $25 for 8 glasses
Anchor Hocking 16-Piece Glassware Set
Material: Lead-free glass made in the USA
Strong Points: Dishwasher safe, BPA Free
Weak Points: A less affordable option
Price Range: $40 for 16 glasses
Anchor Hocking Café Glass Coffee Mugs
Material: Lead-free glass made in the USA
Strong Points: Microwave safe, doesn’t stain, doesn’t hold smell, BPA Free
Price Range: $45 for 6 coffee mugs
Duralex Glass Cosy Mug
Material: Tempered glass made in France
Strong Points: Dishwasher, fridge, and microwave safe. Products maintain the original look for years and do not absorb liquids, colors, or flavors
Price Range: $45 for 6 glasses
2. Food Storage Containers
One of the first steps to a non-toxic kitchen is to swap your plastic containers with good-quality glass containers. It comes with a lot of perks, for example, glass food storage is heat resistant which lets you put your food in a microwave without worries.
Zwilling Fresh & Save 3-pc Glass Food Storage
Material: Glass
Strong Points: These containers are not only toxin-free but also help you save your food way longer because of the vacuum effect they create
Weak Points: To use in the microwave it is best to take off the lid
Price: $40 for a 3-piece set
Airtight Glass Food Storage Containers
Material: Glass
Strong Points: It is a simple solution that does the job, 12 containers of all possible sizes in a set is enough for the majority of people, and lids are BPA-free
Weak Points: It is not recommended to put them in the oven
Price: $50 for a 24-piece set
Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set
Material: Glass
Strong Points: The containers are 100% leak-proof, food stays fresh longer and I can use them in the microwave without any problem. (without the lid!), lids are BPA-free
Weak Points: You cannot put containers in the microwave or an oven with their lids on
Price: $50 for a 18-piece set
3. Plates
Duralex Lys Clear Dinner Plate Set
Material: Tempered glass made in France
Strong Points: Microwave Safe, Chip Resistant
Price Range: $40 for 6 plates set
Corelle Embossed Bella Faenza Dinner Plate
Material: Vitrelle glass made in the USA
Strong Points: Resistant to chips and breaks, microwave and dishwasher-safe
Price Range: $35 for a set of 4 plates
4. Bowls
Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set
Material: High-quality tempered glass
Strong Points: Resists stains and odors, affordable
Weak Points: Comes with plastic lids which is not the best option, buying an option without lids is recommended
Price Range: $21 for 3 bowls
Duralex Lys Parisian Bowl Set
Material: Tempered glass made in France
Strong Points: Scratch, impact, and chip-resistant, microwave and freezer-safe, dishwasher safe
Price Range: $33 for 6 bowls
6. Mason Jars
Kamota Mason Jars
Material: BPA Free 100% food-safe grade glass
Strong Points: Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks, freeze for up to 1 year, fresh preserve, and store for up to 1 year.
Weak Points: Lids tend to rust over time
Price Range: $26 for 12 jars
7. Pitchers
Bottle Bottle Glass Pitcher with Lid and Handle
Material: Resistant Borosilicate Glass
Strong Points: Can be heated up with no problem, suitable for cold drinks
Price Range: $20
8. Tumblers
Ello Devon Glass Tumbler with Silicone Sleeve
Material: Glass + Silicone + Wood
Strong Points: Ergonomic, crush-resistant, glass straw
Price Range: $20
9. Wine Glasses
As you prepare for your special dinner party, choosing the right wine glasses is key to setting the perfect ambiance. Here are some lead-free options to enhance your guests’ tasting experience.
Libbey Vineyard Reserve Wine Glass Set
Material: Lead-free glass
Strong Points: Dishwasher-safe, durable
Price Range: $44 for 12 glasses
Fawles Fully Tempered Wine Glasses
Material: Fully tempered glass
Strong Points: Extra shock resistance
Price Range: $30 for 8 glasses
10. Measuring Cups
Anchor Hocking Batter Bowl
Material: Lead-free, BPA free
Strong Points: Microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and pre-heated oven (up to 425) safe
Price Range: $25
11. Glass Bakeware
Anchor Hocking Glass Sculpted Baking Dish
Material: Tempered glass made in the USA
Strong Points: It will not warp, stain, retain smells, or leach dangerous chemicals into food
Price Range: $32 for a set of 3
Simax Clear Glass Casserole Dish
Material: Borosilicate glass
Strong Points: Tight-fitting glass lid, temperature shock resistance, cadmium and lead-free. Microwave and dishwasher safe.
Price Range: $32
Conclusion
In conclusion, glass emerges as the safest option for kitchenware, with minimal risk of chemical leaching. Understanding the variations in glass types—from the safest borosilicate glass to the caution required with soda-lime glass—empowers informed choices.
Borosilicate glass stands out as the safest choice due to its durability and chemical resistance. Look for specific labeling or opt for reputable brands when shopping for borosilicate glassware.
Tempered glass offers enhanced safety features, while soda-lime glass, although lead-free, warrants caution, especially with colored options and sudden temperature changes.
Prioritizing reputable, lead-free glassware brands ensures a kitchen environment that promotes safety and health for you and your family. Choose wisely to enjoy peace of mind in your home.
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