Putting an unopened soda can in the oven is generally not recommended. The high heat can cause the can to expand and explode, creating a dangerous situation. However, there are some limited scenarios where baking a soda can may be safe if proper precautions are taken.
Quick Answer
No, you should not put an unopened soda can directly in the oven. The sealed can could build up dangerous pressure and explode due to rapid heating. However, it may be possible to safely bake an open, empty can if precautions are taken.
Can an Unopened Soda Can Explode in the Oven?
Yes, an unopened soda or any other sealed beverage can is at risk of exploding if heated in the oven. This is because the contents of the can, including the liquid and dissolved carbon dioxide gas, expand rapidly when heated. The buildup of pressure inside the rigid can causes it to swell and eventually burst violently.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, the internal pressure in a sealed can may reach dangerous levels at temperatures above 120°F. Cans have been known to explode in ovens, microwaves, and even hot cars.
Why Canned Sodas Can Explode
There are a few reasons why sealed beverage cans are prone to exploding when baked:
- The liquid heats up and expands, increasing pressure inside the can.
- Carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the soda is released and expands as it heats up.
- The can itself acts as a rigid, pressurized container with no release valve.
- High oven temperatures rapidly increase pressure beyond safe limits.
The risk applies to any airtight can containing liquids, carbonated beverages like soda, beer, and sparkling water, as well as non-carbonated drinks. Food cans are less risky but still not recommended for baking.
Dangers of Exploding Cans
A can exploding in the oven can be extremely dangerous:
- Fragments of metal and contents ejected at high pressure could cause cuts and burns.
- It may damage the oven interior or shatter the glass oven door.
- Loud, sudden noise could cause hearing damage or startle someone into injury.
- Sprayed soda residue makes surfaces slippery and sticky.
To avoid potential harm, unopened canned beverages of any kind should never be microwaved or baked.
Is it Safe to Bake an Open, Empty Can?
While a sealed can is hazardous, an open, thoroughly emptied and cleaned can may be safely baked in some circumstances. With the pressure valve removed, the hollow can is unlikely to explode from internal pressure. However, safety precautions are still needed.
Precautions for Baking an Open Can
Follow these steps for safely using an open can as a baking vessel:
- Remove the tab completely and empty contents fully. Wash thoroughly.
- Allow can to dry completely before baking.
- Place can on a baking sheet or pan to catch any drips.
- Monitor can the entire time it is in the oven.
- Use thick oven mitts when handling – the metal gets very hot.
- Do not put empty can directly on the oven rack.
The can should not touch anything else in the oven, which could transfer excess heat and melt or scorch it. Avoid aluminum cans if possible, as they are thinner and melt at lower temperatures than steel.
Risks of Baking an Empty Can
Even with an open, dry can there are still some risks to consider:
- Metal could soften and sag at high heat.
- Sharp edges may develop and cause cuts.
- Melted metal or coatings could release toxic fumes.
- Oven and contents may get damaged if can leaks or tips.
Use extra care and monitor the can at all times during baking. Immediately remove it if you see any changes in shape or issues. An empty tuna can or soup can may fare better than a thin aluminum soda can.
Safe Alternatives to Baking Canned Sodas
Instead of putting a can directly in the oven, try these safe alternatives:
- Open and pour into oven-safe dish: Safely release pressure by opening the can and pouring the soda into a casserole dish or baking pan before baking.
- Use oven-safe bottles: Some sodas come in glass bottles rated for oven use. Carefully check labels first.
- Wrap closed can in foil: Wrap an unopened can very tightly in multiple layers of aluminum foil to help contain pressure buildup. Place on a baking sheet and monitor closely.
- Empty into heat-safe pitcher: Open the can and pour the soda into a ceramic, metal, or heat-resistant plastic pitcher before putting in the oven.
With the right heat-rated containers and careful monitoring, it may be possible to safely bake sodas and other canned beverages. Always err on the side of caution.
Can I Microwave a Closed Soda Can?
No, microwaving a sealed can is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. A can will likely explode within minutes or even seconds in a microwave oven. The rapidly oscillating microwave energy heats the can’s contents very quickly, creating enormous pressure.
Both metal canned drinks and plastic bottles are susceptible to bursting in the microwave. The heat energy turns moisture into scalding hot steam vapor which cannot escape the sealed container.
According to the USDA, microwave ovens can heat liquids inside closed containers to temperatures above 212°F very rapidly. This instant boiling creates pressure that exceeds the strength limits of most containers.
Dangers of Microwaving Canned Drinks
As with conventional ovens, the risks include:
- Explosion could lead to injury from fragments and hot contents.
- Damage to the microwave itself.
- Scalding hot spilled liquids inside the appliance.
Never put any sealed cans, bottles, pouches, or other closed containers with liquids into a microwave oven. Open and transfer contents to a microwave-safe dish first, if heating is required.
Conclusion
Baking sodas or any other drinks in sealed cans is extremely dangerous due to the risk of explosion. However, an open, empty can may be suitable for some baking applications if care is taken. Microwaving a closed can is always hazardous. For safe baking and heating of canned beverages, carefully transfer contents to oven-safe or microwave-safe containers first.
| Container | Oven Baking | Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed can | Dangerous, do not bake | Dangerous, do not microwave |
| Open, empty can | May be safe if precautions taken | Do not microwave |
| Oven-safe glass bottle | Safe if certified for oven use | Do not microwave sealed |
| Ceramic or glass dish | Safe | Safe |
In summary, enjoy canned sodas safely by pouring into appropriate oven-safe or microwave-safe containers before heating. Never bake or microwave a can with contents still sealed inside – the risk of explosion is extremely high.
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The Science Behind Exploding Cans
The rapid buildup of heat and pressure that causes cans to explode in ovens and microwaves can be explained by thermodynamics. When a liquid is heated in a sealed container, its molecules gain energy and start to move around more. This makes the liquid expand slightly in volume, increasing pressure.
In a can of soda, the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the liquid also plays a role. Heating causes the gas molecules to leave the solution and expand into a larger volume of vapor. This vapor takes up a lot more space than the dissolved gas did.
The rigid metal walls of the can do not allow for any expansion or pressure release. The pressure continues building until it exceeds the strength of the container. Finally, the force of expanding gases and liquids ruptures the can at its weakest point, often the seam along the side.
According to Gay-Lussac’s law, the pressure of a fixed amount of gas increases linearly as temperature rises, provided the volume stays constant. Metals also expand when heated, but not nearly as much as gases do. This difference in thermal expansion rates is what causes the extremely high pressures leading to explosions.
Simulating an Explosion Safely
The explosion of cans in heated environments can be simulated safely to study the physics involved. One method is to use a sturdy pressure vessel with a window, heat a sealed can inside with hot air or steam, and observe it fail at the maximum pressure point.
High-speed cameras capture the initial rupture and subsequent ejection of contents. Pressure sensors inside the vessel measure the spike at the moment of failure. Thermocouples on the can surface detect the temperature required to reach critical pressure.
With careful small-scale simulations, researchers can determine the exact temperatures and pressures that cause common cans to fail under various heating conditions. This data informs safety guidelines for consumers regarding avoidance of putting cans in ovens and microwaves.
Minimizing Risks in Manufacturing
Canning factories implement many safety measures to prevent explosions during the canning process itself. Filled cans are not fully sealed until after the cooking step, allowing venting of pressure buildup. Conveyor systems minimize the time sealed cans spend at elevated temperatures.
Quality control checks identify any cans with potential defects or damage that could lead to failure under heat. Early detection of swollen “rockers” or “flippers” prevents defective cans from leaving the facility.
With multiple redundant safety checks in place, the chances of an exploding can making it to store shelves is extremely low. However, consumers should still take care to avoid applying excessive heat to canned goods after purchase.
Troubleshooting Baking With Empty Cans
Although open empty cans can theoretically be used safely in oven baking, issues may still arise in practice:
Can Softens and Deforms
If the can starts sagging significantly or changing shape during baking, immediately remove it from the oven. The metal is overheating and at risk of further collapsing.
Try a shorter baking time and lower temperature. Do not let the empty can directly touch metal oven surfaces. Switch to a thicker steel can rather than aluminum.
Bake Time Needs Adjustment
Recipes may require adjustments to baking times and temperatures when using empty cans. The metal will conduct heat to the food contents differently than ceramic or glass dishes.
Check for doneness earlier and extend time if needed. Rotating the can periodically will help food cook evenly. The can’s shiny surface may also cause excessive browning on parts not covered.
Can Leaks or Spills Contents
If the empty can develops any cracks or holes that allow contents to leak, immediately remove it from the oven. The hot food or sauces can potentially damage the oven interior.
Before baking, inspect cans closely for any thin spots or weaknesses in the metal, especially around seams and edges. Avoid very thin aluminum cans and use sturdier steel cans if possible.
Place cans on a baking sheet or silicone mat to contain any leaks. Wipe clean any drips or spills right away after removing from oven.
Can Tips Over
An empty soda can with the entire top removed has its center of gravity lowered. This increases the risk of tipping compared to a shorter food can.
Place soda cans in a sturdy cupcake tin, muffin pan, or nestle between other items to keep upright. Position on the oven rack carefully so they cannot fall over.
With careful usage and monitoring, empty cans can be utilized for small baking tasks. Adjust techniques as needed to prevent common accidents or problems.
FAQs
Can I bake a can of biscuit dough in the oven?
No, cans containing food or dough should never be baked directly. The heat and pressure buildup could still cause the can to rupture forcefully. Instead, safely open the can and place the contents in a baking dish or pan before oven heating.
What about beans or soup – can I heat up the can in the oven?
Do not bake sealed cans with food inside them. The contents may expand or boil, bursting the can. Transfer soups, vegetables, beans, and all other foods from the can into an oven-safe baking dish, casserole, or bowl before placing in the heated oven.
Is it safe to put an unopened bottle or jar in the oven?
Sealed glass bottles and jars can also explode when heated due to internal pressure, especially if they contain carbonated liquids. Carefully inspect bottle labels for any warnings against oven or microwave use. When in doubt, open and pour into an oven-safe container first.
Can I unwrap a frozen dinner and bake it still in the tray?
No, frozen meal trays are not designed to withstand oven temperatures. The plastics, adhesives, or film may melt or release chemicals when heated. Remove the contents and place in an oven-safe dish before baking.
What temperature causes a can to explode in the oven?
There is no set temperature threshold, since many factors impact can failure. However, canned foods should never be heated above 120°F internally. Oven temperatures above 350°F could potentially cause failure in under a minute. Higher oven temperatures exponentially increase explosion risk.