Pyrex Glassware
Introduced by Corning Inc. in 1908, Pyrex glass began as clear glassware for use in the lanterns of train conductors. Its uses expanded into the laboratory and kitchen, and now Pyrex glass appears in many different styles and colors. These range from the traditional clear glass to opaque white, blue, yellow, and green pieces.
What is Pyrex glass?Pyrex is a glass originally made mostly of boron trioxide and silica. Silica is found in sand and is the main ingredient of regular glass. However, because it is amended with boron, Pyrex glass can endure rapid changes in temperature without shattering or cracking. This makes Pyrex a borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is a low expansion glass that resists thermal shocks and allows a Pyrex dish to go from the freezer into a preheated oven without damage after the dish has cooled down a few degrees. It also allows Pyrex pieces to be used both as bakeware and serveware.
Pyrex pieces can also be made from soda lime glass. This is the glass most types of glassware is made from and is created by melting soda carbonate, lime, dolomite, silica, alumina, and fining agents such as table salt in a furnace at high heat.
What types of Pyrex glassware are available?Types of Pyrex glassware that are available include:
- Mixing bowls
- Refrigerator dishes
- Chafing dishes
- Cups and plates
- Casseroles and baking dishes
- Measuring cups
These pieces of glassware come with patterns such as pink gooseberry, Amish butterprint, starburst, red cherries, butterfly gold, golden pinecone, and gingham. Other patterns are blue horizon, blue snowflake, black snowflake, train and circus, pressed flowers, atomic eyes, and crazy quilt. They also come in Christmas-themed patterns, such as poinsettia. Other types of Pyrex glassware include clear glass carafes, coffee pots, pie plates, and double-boilers.
How do you cook with Pyrex?Like other glass, Pyrex heats up quickly and holds on to heat, which means that a pie that’s baked in a Pyrex dish can have a crust that is ready before the filling. Because of this, cooks bake pastries in an oven that’s a little cooler than is called for in the recipe when using glass cookware. They also check the food about 15 minutes before the recipe says it should be done then at five-minute intervals. Do not cook food in Pyrex cookware on top of the stove, beneath the oven broiler or on a grill.
How do you take care of Pyrex?Pyrex is still glass, so should be handled with care. Do not clean the pieces with steel wool pads, but use non-abrasive sponges in warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent added. Avoid harsh cleansers. Do not put vintage Pyrex glassware in the dishwasher, and stack them only when they are dry. Stacking wet Pyrex dishes can cause them to stick together.
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