Glass pans benefit cooks because their transparency allows for convenient monitoring of food. People tend to appreciate the amount of time that these pans keep food warm, though they are not the best for equal heat distribution while cooking. Cleaning these pans can involve more work than is required with some other types of cookware. There is also a risk that they can get broken. On the other hand, if they are not involved in any accidents, they can last a very long time.
The transparency of glass cookware should not be downplayed. Being able to see food without removing the lids from one's pans is a major benefit. Maintaining proper temperature is an important part of cooking. It can help ensure the planned preparation time and help to yield the desired outcome. These pans are inferior to some other types with regard to heat distribution, however, and this could present an issue to those who prepare dishes where that is an issue.
Many people appreciate glass pans for their heat retention ability. That they can keep food warm for lengthy periods of time makes them a preference in households where everyone may not be available to eat at the same moment. It can also be very helpful that stove-top glass pans can generally be used in the oven without a problem. This allows for the continued heating of prepared foods, and it also makes it convenient to start dishes on top of the stove and then finish them by baking.
Cleaning glass pans in certain circumstances can be a hassle. A prime example is for those who like to use dishwashers. To get these pans truly clean often requires a good hand washing. Even then, there are some times when removing burnt food is very difficult. It is also quite a demanding task trying to clean these pans if they are used for deep frying.
Safety concerns could be a drawback for those with conditions such as arthritis or when the helping hands of children are in the kitchen. If dropped, glass pans can shatter, and sudden temperature changes can cause them to crack. As broken glass increases the risk of someone getting hurt, glass cookware is not the best option in an accident-prone environment. There are, however, safety pros to using these pans. People do not have to worry about a negative reaction with acidic foods, and they can safely be used to store any type of foods.
For individuals who prioritize value, glass pans offer it. As is the case with other factors, such as their delicacy and heat retention, their durability varies depending on the quality of the pan chosen. It is not uncommon, however, to find people who have used them for a decade or more.