Origins (1908–1915)

The origins of Pyrex trace back to Corning Glass Works, which developed a special heat-resistant borosilicate glass called Nonex. This material was originally designed for railroad signal lanterns because it could withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking.

According to the brand’s history, Bessie Littleton, the wife of Corning scientist Jesse T. Littleton, experimented by baking a cake in a cut-down Nonex battery jar after becoming frustrated with traditional ceramic baking dishes breaking in the oven. The experiment was highly successful and inspired Corning to develop a dedicated line of glass cookware.

In 1915, Corning officially introduced the Pyrex brand with twelve kitchen products, including pie plates, casserole dishes, and loaf pans. [2]

Pyrex quickly became popular because it offered several advantages over traditional cookware:

• Resistance to thermal shock

• Transparency for monitoring food while baking

• Non-reactive surface that would not absorb odors or flavors

• Easy cleaning

• Long-lasting durability

By 1919, millions of Pyrex products had already been sold, establishing the brand as a household staple in North America. Throughout the 20th century, Pyrex expanded internationally and introduced colorful decorated mixing bowls, storage dishes, measuring cups, and serving ware. [3]

Today, Pyrex manufactures a broad range of kitchen products, including:

• Glass baking dishes

• Casserole dishes

• Measuring cups

• Mixing bowls

• Food storage containers

• Glass lids

• Oven-safe cookware

• Microwave-safe containers

• Glass laboratory equipment (under the PYREX laboratory brand)

Many products are designed for use in ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. [4]

One of the most discussed aspects of the Pyrex brand is the type of glass used in its products.

Borosilicate Glass

Original Pyrex cookware was made from borosilicate glass, which offers:

• Excellent resistance to sudden temperature changes

• High chemical resistance

• Low thermal expansion

• Superior durability for laboratory applications

Borosilicate glass continues to be widely used for PYREX laboratory glassware and in some consumer products sold outside the United States. [5]

Tempered Soda-Lime Glass

Many consumer Pyrex products sold in the United States are now manufactured using tempered soda-lime glass.

Advantages include:

• Greater resistance to impact

• Lower manufacturing cost

• Good durability for everyday kitchen use

However, tempered soda-lime glass is generally less resistant to extreme thermal shock than borosilicate glass, so manufacturers recommend avoiding sudden temperature changes, such as moving a hot dish directly onto a cold or wet surface. [6]

Apart from kitchen products, PYREX is one of the world’s leading brands of scientific laboratory glassware.

Laboratory products include:

• Beakers

• Flasks

• Test tubes

• Graduated cylinders

• Pipettes

• Bottles

• Glass reactors

These products are manufactured from Type I, Class A borosilicate glass, which provides exceptional resistance to heat and chemicals, making PYREX a standard in research laboratories worldwide. [7]

The Pyrex name has been used by different companies for different product categories:

• Corning Glass Works created the brand in 1915.

• In 1998, Corning exited the consumer cookware business.

• Consumer kitchen products are now marketed under licensed brand owners in different regions.

• Corning continues to own and manufacture PYREX laboratory glassware. [8]

To maximize product life, manufacturers generally recommend:

• Avoid placing hot glassware directly on cold countertops.

• Do not add cold liquids to hot glass.

• Avoid using damaged or chipped glassware.

• Do not use glass bakeware on stovetops or under broilers unless specifically designed for that purpose.

• Follow the product’s care instructions for safe oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher use. [9]

For more than a century, Pyrex has been regarded as one of the most influential cookware brands in the world. Its combination of durability, versatility, and timeless design has made it a staple in both home kitchens and scientific laboratories. Vintage Pyrex pieces—especially the colorful patterned bowls and casserole dishes produced during the mid-20th century—have also become highly collectible among enthusiasts. [10]

1. The Beginning of Pyrex | Pyrex

2. PYREX® Brand Glass Products | Life Sciences and Labware Brands | Corning

3. history – Pyrex® Webshop EU

4. A Brief History of Pyrex

5. PYREX® Brand Glass Products | Life Sciences and Labware Brands | Corning

6. How Pyrex And Anchor Hocking Glassware Are Different

7. Did You Know There Is an Actual Difference Between PYREX and pyrex?

8. Collections :: Pyrex History | Smithsonian Learning Lab

9. About Our Brands

10. James A. Jobling & Co Ltd (Pyrex) | Catalogue | History of Advertising Trust