<\/a>What Is Pyrex?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"](\"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Pyrex.jpg\")
Pyrex<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPyrex is a brand of durable glass kitchenware that can withstand extreme temperatures. This durable glass was originally developed for railroad signal lanterns back in 1908 by Corning Glassworks Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1914, Jesse Littleton, a physicist working for the company, brought a glass piece to<\/a> his wife<\/a>, who used it to bake a cake. When it became apparent that the glass could withstand high temperatures, Corning started to produce and sell glass kitchenware under the Pyrex trademark throughout the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPyrex became a household name in the 1930s across the US, largely thanks to the automated production process that led to an increased supply and lower production costs. Since then, Pyrex has been a wildly popular choice for glass bakeware. Its suitability for microwave cooking increased the brand\u2019s popularity over the next decades as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the composition of Pyrex changed a lot over the years, and it\u2019s no longer made with the same materials it was produced from in its early days. Let\u2019s explore how Pyrex glassware is made and how it has changed in the last decades in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Is Pyrex Made Of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nUp until the 40s, Pyrex glassware was mostly made out of borosilicate glass, a type of glass that\u2019s modified with materials such as boric oxide or silica. These materials make the glass sturdier and more durable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, tempered soda lime glass started to replace borosilicate glass in Pyrex during the 40s, and these days, the US manufacturer only uses tempered soda-lime glass for Pyrex dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s see how borosilicate and tempered soda lime glass are different in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Borosilicate<\/h3>\n\n\n\nBorosilicate glass is durable against extreme temperature changes and is frequently used in glass lab equipment. It\u2019s great for baking, storing, and serving food, thanks to its high resistance to thermal shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to take your dish from the oven and place it on a cold counter, Borosilicate glassware is what you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Pyrex was first manufactured, the glassware was made solely out of borosilicate glasses. However, that is not the case anymore<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe US manufacturer of Pyrex gradually started to introduce tempered soda lime glassware to its collection and completely stopped producing borosilicate glassware in the following decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Tempered Glass<\/h3>\n\n\n\nTempered soda lime glass is also sturdy and can withstand extreme temperatures<\/a>. During the tempering process, the glass is heated up to a very high temperature and cooled off under high pressure in a few seconds. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe process makes the tempered glass very sturdy and resistant to strong impact, such as being dropped on the counter. Thanks to this process, tempered glass is quite safe and has little chance of causing cuts when it shatters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, tempered glass has a relatively lower tolerance for thermal shocks, so it\u2019s more prone to shattering due to temperature changes. That means it\u2019s a bad idea to place a tempered glass baking dish on the counter after using it in the microwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Are Some Ways to Use Your Pyrex?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPyrex dishes can be used in microwaves and ovens to cook or heat your food. And not all meals can be consumed in one sitting. That surplus of food is not going to go to waste, though! Put it in the Pyrex, and in the freezer it goes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use Pyrex to store food in your refrigerator and freezer. Fresh and cooked meat or vegetables, soups, and sauces can all be stored in Pyrex dishes. However, make sure to let your food (and Pyrex dish) get to room temperature before putting it in your refrigerator or freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pyrex is also dishwasher safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Is It Safe to Microwave Food in Pyrex?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Is](\"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Is-It-Safe-to-Microwave-Food-in-Pyrex.jpg\")
Is It Safe to Microwave Food in Pyrex?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYes, it is safe to microwave food in your Pyrex glassware. Since it\u2019s made of sturdy glass, it won\u2019t shatter and heat your food well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you shouldn\u2019t microwave cold Pyrex. This is because the thermal shock might end up shattering your dish, leaving a disaster to clean in your microwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure that:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- You do not pour anything hot into a cold<\/strong> Pyrex.<\/li>
- You wait for your Pyrex to return to room temperature<\/strong> before popping it in the microwave.<\/li>
- You do not put a hot Pyrex dish on a cold surface<\/strong> such as a wet or cold counter, the refrigerator, or the freezer. Be mindful that your dish can still be very hot when taken out directly from a dishwasher.<\/li>
- Check for cracks<\/strong>. If your Pyrex has cracks, your dish might shatter in the microwave.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
See also: Best Microwave Covers (Every Kitchen\u2019s Must-Have)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Different Types of Pyrex Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPyrex has a diverse collection of glassware you can use in your kitchen. Here\u2019s a rundown of some of their appliances and whether they can be microwaved safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pyrex is a brand of durable glass kitchenware that can withstand extreme temperatures. This durable glass was originally developed for railroad signal lanterns back in 1908 by Corning Glassworks Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1914, Jesse Littleton, a physicist working for the company, brought a glass piece to<\/a> his wife<\/a>, who used it to bake a cake. When it became apparent that the glass could withstand high temperatures, Corning started to produce and sell glass kitchenware under the Pyrex trademark throughout the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pyrex became a household name in the 1930s across the US, largely thanks to the automated production process that led to an increased supply and lower production costs. Since then, Pyrex has been a wildly popular choice for glass bakeware. Its suitability for microwave cooking increased the brand\u2019s popularity over the next decades as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the composition of Pyrex changed a lot over the years, and it\u2019s no longer made with the same materials it was produced from in its early days. Let\u2019s explore how Pyrex glassware is made and how it has changed in the last decades in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Up until the 40s, Pyrex glassware was mostly made out of borosilicate glass, a type of glass that\u2019s modified with materials such as boric oxide or silica. These materials make the glass sturdier and more durable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, tempered soda lime glass started to replace borosilicate glass in Pyrex during the 40s, and these days, the US manufacturer only uses tempered soda-lime glass for Pyrex dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s see how borosilicate and tempered soda lime glass are different in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Borosilicate glass is durable against extreme temperature changes and is frequently used in glass lab equipment. It\u2019s great for baking, storing, and serving food, thanks to its high resistance to thermal shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to take your dish from the oven and place it on a cold counter, Borosilicate glassware is what you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When Pyrex was first manufactured, the glassware was made solely out of borosilicate glasses. However, that is not the case anymore<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The US manufacturer of Pyrex gradually started to introduce tempered soda lime glassware to its collection and completely stopped producing borosilicate glassware in the following decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tempered soda lime glass is also sturdy and can withstand extreme temperatures<\/a>. During the tempering process, the glass is heated up to a very high temperature and cooled off under high pressure in a few seconds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The process makes the tempered glass very sturdy and resistant to strong impact, such as being dropped on the counter. Thanks to this process, tempered glass is quite safe and has little chance of causing cuts when it shatters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, tempered glass has a relatively lower tolerance for thermal shocks, so it\u2019s more prone to shattering due to temperature changes. That means it\u2019s a bad idea to place a tempered glass baking dish on the counter after using it in the microwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pyrex dishes can be used in microwaves and ovens to cook or heat your food. And not all meals can be consumed in one sitting. That surplus of food is not going to go to waste, though! Put it in the Pyrex, and in the freezer it goes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use Pyrex to store food in your refrigerator and freezer. Fresh and cooked meat or vegetables, soups, and sauces can all be stored in Pyrex dishes. However, make sure to let your food (and Pyrex dish) get to room temperature before putting it in your refrigerator or freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pyrex is also dishwasher safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, it is safe to microwave food in your Pyrex glassware. Since it\u2019s made of sturdy glass, it won\u2019t shatter and heat your food well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you shouldn\u2019t microwave cold Pyrex. This is because the thermal shock might end up shattering your dish, leaving a disaster to clean in your microwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n See also: Best Microwave Covers (Every Kitchen\u2019s Must-Have)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pyrex has a diverse collection of glassware you can use in your kitchen. Here\u2019s a rundown of some of their appliances and whether they can be microwaved safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>What Is Pyrex Made Of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Borosilicate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Tempered Glass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Are Some Ways to Use Your Pyrex?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Is It Safe to Microwave Food in Pyrex?<\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/a>Different Types of Pyrex Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Borosilicate](\"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Borosilicate-Glass-Alternatives-to-Pyrex.jpg\")