Is Pyrex and Pyrex the same company?

No, PYREX (uppercase) and pyrex (lowercase) are not the same; they are different products made from different glass types by different companies, a result of trademark licensing by the original maker, Corning. PYREX (all caps) uses heat-resistant borosilicate glass, used for labs and in Europe/Africa/Middle East; pyrex (lowercase), sold in North/South America and Asia, uses less heat-resistant soda-lime glass and is prone to shattering with sudden temperature changes, making the original uppercase version safer for oven/microwave use, note Simply Recipes, EatingWell, IcedTeaPitcher.com.

Which Pyrex is the real Pyrex?

The upper case “PYREX”is made from borosilicate and is more durable 💪🏼 Whereas the lowercase “pyrex” is made of soda lime glass and is more likely to shatter with extreme temperature changes 😨 Always buy the PYREX if you can!

Which is safer, Pyrex or Pyrex?

PYREX (all capital letters) is the older version and is much safer than the newer ones that include lower case letters… Pyrex. So PYREX (all caps) is the best. However Pyrex (which includes lower case letters), try to avoid as they are more likely to shatter.

Are there two different Pyrex companies?

Yes, there are effectively two different Pyrex brands: PYREX (uppercase), made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, and pyrex (lowercase), made from less heat-resistant soda-lime glass, which is the common version in the U.S. for everyday baking and can shatter from sudden temperature changes, unlike the original formula used for labware and vintage kitchenware. 

How can you tell old Pyrex from new Pyrex?

You can tell old Pyrex from new by checking the logo: Vintage US Pyrex (made by Corning) has "PYREX" in all capital letters and is borosilicate glass, while Newer Pyrex (made by World Kitchen) has "Pyrex" with a lowercase 'p' and is soda-lime glass, making it less resistant to sudden temperature changes. Old, all-caps Pyrex is safer for freezer-to-oven use, whereas new, lowercase Pyrex needs to cool down first to prevent shattering.
 

PYREX vs pyrex -- What's The Difference & Why It Matters

What is the most sought after Pyrex?

The most valuable Pyrex pieces are typically rare promotional items or patterns with limited production, like the Golden Sunflower Daisy, Bluebell Delphite 404 Bowl, and Lucky in Love sets, which can sell for thousands of dollars, while popular patterns like Butterprint and Gooseberry also command high prices, especially in complete sets or unique colors, with overall value depending heavily on condition, rarity, and pattern.
 

When should you throw away Pyrex?

You should throw away Pyrex when it has cracks, chips, or deep scratches, especially if they compromise the structural integrity (like a crack from side to bottom), as these create weak points prone to shattering from thermal stress or impact. While age itself isn't the main issue, the type of glass matters: older, all-caps "PYREX" (borosilicate) is more durable, while newer (post-1990s) "Pyrex" (soda-lime) is more sensitive to sudden temperature changes and needs careful handling, so dispose of any damaged pieces to prevent injury and potential explosions. 

What should you not put in Pyrex?

NO - Adding liquid to hot glass may compromise the product's strength, potentially resulting in breakage. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Prior to putting the dish in the oven, add enough liquid to cover the entire bottom of the dish for any foods that may release liquid while cooking such as meats and vegetables.

When was Pyrex discontinued?

They stopped making the original borosilicate glass Pyrex in the U.S. around 1998 when Corning sold its consumer division, switching production to less expensive soda-lime glass, which is less resistant to thermal shock, though Pyrex brand products are still made by Corelle Brands (formerly World Kitchen). Vintage, U.S.-made Pyrex (1915-1998) is the sought-after borosilicate, while modern Pyrex is soda-lime glass, notes this Facebook post. 

Which version of Pyrex is best?

Borosilicate PYREX offers superior thermal and chemical resistance, making it ideal for laboratory settings and extreme cooking conditions. Tempered soda-lime pyrex has better impact resistance and is more cost-effective for everyday kitchen use.

What is the least toxic glass?

The least toxic glass is generally borosilicate glass, known for being free from lead, BPA, and other chemicals, offering excellent thermal shock resistance, making it ideal for kitchenware; while soda-lime glass is also common and safe for everyday use, borosilicate is superior for temperature extremes, with lead-free crystal (like Tritan) being another safe, high-quality option for drinkware. 

Which Pyrex is unbreakable?

Unlike common glass, PYREX borosilicate glass is stronger and more scratch resistant. PYREX also resists thermal shock so it can be cooled or heated quickly without breaking and it's more chemically resistant to acids so liquids stay pure and uncontaminated.

What is the Pyrex controversy?

The Pyrex controversy involves two main issues: widespread consumer complaints about the glassware shattering unexpectedly (leading to lawsuits and safety concerns) due to a switch from heat-resistant borosilicate glass to less durable soda-lime glass, and a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action against Instant Brands for falsely marketing some Chinese-made Pyrex products as "Made in USA," resulting in customer refunds. Consumers report injuries and damage from the shattering, while the FTC's case highlights deceptive advertising.
 

Is Pyrex still made in the USA?

American Made: Over 95% of Pyrex products are proudly crafted in the USA.

Is Pyrex glass toxic free?

Yes, modern Pyrex is generally considered non-toxic, meeting FDA guidelines with lead-free decorations, but vintage versions, especially those with colored paint or milk glass, might contain lead, with the glass itself usually inert but paint posing a risk if scratched or used with acidic foods. The key difference lies in modern Pyrex (safe for oven/microwave) vs. old Pyrex (often soda-lime, prone to thermal shock) and the concern with vintage* colored patterns.
 

What is the most rare Pyrex?

The rarest Pyrex patterns are often promotional or limited-run designs, with Lucky in Love, Clouds and Stars, and the Corning Ware Spice of Life "La Romarin" casserole being extremely valuable and elusive, sometimes fetching thousands of dollars due to their scarcity and unique designs. Other exceptionally rare pieces include prototypes, designs with unique shapes (like tiny Cinderella bowls or divided oblongs), or patterns with extremely limited production runs, such as the mythical "Angelfish" print.
 

What is the safest glass cookware?

Tempered glass is non-reactive, which means it won't leach chemicals into food or react with acidic ingredients. This makes it a safe choice for cooking and baking. Unlike some cookware, tempered glass does not have coatings that could wear off or interact with food.

What is the lawsuit about Pyrex measuring cups?

The FTC is sending 10,259 payments totaling more than $88,000 to people who bought Pyrex glass measuring cups that were imported from China. According to the FTC, during the pandemic, Pyrex measuring cups sold on Amazon.com were advertised as made in the United States.

What are the risks of using Pyrex?

There are three primary risks:

• Breakage due to sudden temperature change.
• Breakage due to impact if the item is dropped or knocked against a hard object.
• Burning when handling hot cookware.

Does old CorningWare contain lead?

NO, your Corning kitchenware is NOT unsafe. It appears that scare lore about lead in Corelle, Pyrex, CorningWare, Visions, etc, is frequently making the rounds.

Can you put Pyrex dishes in the recycling bin?

Glass cookware items cannot be recycled in your green bin as they are made of a different type of glass to bottles and jars and melt at a different temperature. Please offer good quality items for reuse online.

Can I put a refrigerated Pyrex in the oven?

You can usually move Pyrex from the fridge to a preheated oven, but the safest method is to let it reach room temperature first to avoid thermal shock, as extreme, rapid temperature changes (like hot to freezer or freezer to oven) can cause it to crack or shatter. Always place cold Pyrex in a preheated oven, never directly under the broiler or on a stovetop. 

Which glassware item may not be stored in a freezer?

Thin or decorative glassware (e.g., wine glasses, crystal, or non-tempered glass) should not be stored in the freezer. These types of glass are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures and may crack or shatter.

---