Rumors have circulated for years that Pyrex dishes can explode during use for no reason. That theory has since been disproved, but you can allay any lingering concerns by learning more about the history and proper use of Pyrex glass bakeware.
History
Pyrex glass baking dishes were first sold in 1915. The product was a result of two years of work by a scientist at Corning Glass Works. His wife had been unhappy with the baking dishes available at the time and had asked her husband to make her a new baking dish made from the glass he used at work. Pyrex was originally made from borosilicate glass, but it is now made from a tempered soda lime glass composite.
In 1998, Corning sold the Pyrex line to World Kitchen. They continue to manufacture Pyrex in the United States at a factory in Pennsylvania.
Function
Pyrex is glass bakeware that is safe to use in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. The care instructions warn against exposing the bakeware to an open flame, so don't use Pyrex on the stove or under a broiler. Since Pyrex is a type of glass, it will shatter under certain circumstances involving extreme temperature changes. Follow the usage instructions included with your Pyrex product and never put a hot dish onto a wet or cold surface or run cold water into it.
Some Pyrex dishes come with plastic lids. These lids are intended for covering the dishes for storage, not for oven use.
What to Make with Pyrex
Use the classic 9-inch by 13-inch pan to bake a lasagna that you can bring directly to the table, or make a meatloaf in a 2-quart oblong pan. For dessert, bake a cherry pie in the 9-inch round pie plate or make brownies in the 8-inch by 8-inch square pan. Casseroles, kugels and cakes are other foods that are easy to make in Pyrex bakeware. Pyrex makes glass roasters that are the right size to bake a whole chicken or a turkey breast as well.
After Use
Allow your Pyrex dish to cool at room temperature on a trivet or on top of the stove (when there is no flame on). This won't be a problem if you are using your bakeware to serve in instead of just for cooking, as it will naturally cool at the table. After the empty dish has reached room temperature, wash it in the dishwasher if there are no stuck-on bits of food. For stubborn stuck-on food, soak it in the sink and use a plastic or nylon cleaning pad to scrub it. (Do not use abrasive cleansers that may scratch the glass.)
Tags: made from, Pyrex glass, baking dishes, glass bakeware, Pyrex dishes
