Back when we were still working in the office, I’d been on the hunt for a gigantic drinking vessel for all-day hydration. One morning, to my delight, I stumbled upon a large borosilicate lab beaker on our office giveaway table. I had no idea how it ended up there, but the unknown provenance of free items is part of what makes the giveaway table such an alluring place, so it’s best not to ask those questions.

The more I’ve sipped from this beaker, the more I’ve pondered scientific glassware’s legitimate place in the kitchen. As a drinking glass, the beaker is easy to fill. It tinkles nicely when full of ice and holds enough water for the whole day while still fitting comfortably in my hand.

Since I brought my beaker home, I’ve used it to make stirred cocktails and even submerged it in boiling water as a quick, makeshift double boiler. After all, lab beakers and flasks have clearly marked measurements, and borosilicate is highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and breaks. And not for nothing, the beaker’s utilitarian design is charming too.

But I am just a food writer with one handy beaker. I was curious to know if the idea of using lab beakers in the kitchen would anger or annoy scientists, so I asked a few to find out.

I spoke with a scientist and executive who I will refer to as Dr. M. Dr. M, who agreed to speak with me under strict conditions of anonymity, uses glass lab beakers as water glasses in her home, and told me that it’s not unheard of for organic chemists and other people who’ve worked in a laboratory setting to have scientific glassware around the house.

“For those of us who have been out of the lab for several years, it’s a little bit of a throwback to our roots,” Dr. M says. “People have those Pyrex measuring cups. Instead of one of those, imagine having a cupboard of eight or 10 beakers.”

Reyna Simon, Ph.D., a chemist and director at a biopharmaceutical company, agrees: “Having lab equipment at home is just kind of a fun thing. My chemistry friend from grad school sent me two wine glasses that were literally beakers on stems.” For both Dr. M and Dr. Simon, the glassware carries some nostalgia, but there’s more to it than that. “Lab-grade glass beakers can withstand extremely high temperatures; they’re really high quality. You can use them to measure ingredients, you can put them in the microwave to heat things up, and you can easily pour from them,” Dr. M says.

The list of uses goes on: Smaller beakers are great for measuring cocktail ingredients (and they also make precise shot glasses). When a recipe calls for whole milk and Dr. M has only cream and 2% on hand, she uses her beakers to measure the precise ratio of the two needed to make 4% whole milk. Because beakers follow the metric system, they’re perfect when following recipes printed outside the U.S. They also come in handy for bread enthusiasts looking for more exacting baking results.

I’ll admit that you won’t find me taking advantage of all the technical assets my big beaker offers. Instead, you’ll find me sipping water from it while perched in my Poäng, wistfully remembering (free) things past.

50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, Glass Graduated Beaker Set

500 ml Beaker Mug With Handle

Watch out for thesescams that could impact you while online shopping.

This clean machine tackles stains and dirt like no other, with powerful suction and gorgeous results.

Protect your assets with these full-coverage UPF 50+ winners, now available in 12 colors and styles.

You're not alone if you share a password or two with coworkers or extended family members. Here's why security experts say that's risky.

If you're planning on taking a trip this summer, follow these tips to avoid travel scams online.

Hackers are always trying to find ways to gain access to your personal information. Here's how to protect yourself and your devices.

Are you putting your passwords at risk with bad habits? Here are 5 expert tips to do right now.

The supermodel's message is resonating with many of her followers.

The 38-year-old reflects on recovering from "years and years" of body image struggles.

You never knew you needed these gadgets — but you absolutely do.

Save nearly 40% on the one-shoulder number 13,000+ Amazon shoppers are rocking.

The ad for the Goop diaper claimed the luxury item was "infused with a scent of jasmine and bergamot for a revitalized baby."

Actress Angela Featherstone starred in popular TV shows like FRIENDS and Seinfeld over the last two decades, but behind the scenes she was battling scars from a painful childhood. “I would characterize the first 16 years of my life to be abusive physically, emotionally, psychologically, and in the end, sexually abusive,” Featherstone tells Yahoo Life. “At the very least there was criminal neglect on a consistent basis and lots of abandonment.” At 16, Featherstone was put into the foster care system in Canada, an experience that shaped her life and in many ways, deepened her trauma. Today, she is an outspoken advocate for children in foster care and the founder of Fostering Care, a nonprofit organization that is committed to healing the healers of tomorrow. Fostering Care is geared towards young adults (18-21) aging out of the foster care system and consists of a three month course where students receive a teaching certificate in a healing modality like meditation, breath work or yoga. In addition to professionally trained staff, the program also hosts guests lectures on topics like nutrition, drug dependency and other life skills. This year, more than 23,000 kids will age out of the child welfare system, and many will face threats like homelessness, incarceration or trafficking. Studies consistently report that 50-90% of child sex trafficking victims have been involved in the child welfare system. Featherstone points to systemic issues that allow the dark world of sex trafficking to thrive and target our most vulnerable youth. Featherstone hopes to help young adults see their scars and heal with love. She wants them to go back into their communities more whole and prepared to become vital contributors to society who can help others to heal.

We spotted a $78 pair for just $39 and a $100 pair down to $40 that'll 'make your bum look great.'

This home DIY is super quick and easy and will transform your living room, thanks to Tay Beepboop The post How to make a disco ball planter appeared first on In The Know.

"When your husband gets COVID 3 days before your 4th postponed celebration…your brothers walk you in with your husband's cardboard cut out."

Actress Angela Featherstone shares her experiences in foster care and how she's helping young adults transitioning out of the system with her non-profit, Fostering Care.

Save up to 70% at the Amazon outlet! There's a little something on sale for everyone —including designer sandals for $30 off!

Barbie announces new line of inclusive dolls as a part of their ongoing journey to represent global diversity and inclusivity.

Create your signature look for less with our 10 picks.