What Is Pyrex Glass?
Pyrex Glassware is the registered trademark of a line of kitchen products that have been made in the United States since 1915. In addition to the original glassware baking products, the line grew to include pots and pans, metal bakeware and a variety of kitchen tools and gadgets. According to pyrex.com, more than 70 percent of households in the U.S. use Pyrex Glassware products. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The idea for Pyrex Glassware baking products came about from the wife of a Corning Glass Works scientist. The husband worked on railroad signal lanterns, which the wife determined to be made from a stronger material than what was used to make her casserole dishes. She requested her husband bring home the material. Over a two-year period, the new line of glass baking dishes were perfected, and on May 18th, 1915, Pyrex bakeware was sold in the Jordan Marsh department store.
How it is Made
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Pyrex Glassware products have been made for more than 60 years from a tempered soda lime glass. The glass composition makes Pyrex Glassware heat-resistant and also more resistant to breakage when compared to glassware products made from borosilicate glass. Soda lime glass composite is considered safe by the Cookware Manufacturers Association and is used by most glass bakeware manufacturers in North America.
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Product Lines
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In addition to the original glassware line used in baking, other Pyrex product lines include Prepware, Portables, Serverware, Storage and Grip Rite.
Considerations
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Pyrex glass products do not retain food odors, and are stain-proof and dishwasher safe. The different glass items are used for baking, cooking, warming, serving, and can be used in the microwave and conventional ovens. Additionally, foods can be baked and served in the same dish, then stored in the refrigerator and freezer. Although heat resistant, Pyrex products are not designed to be used on or under a direct flame.
Caution
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Since 1998 more than 400 million Pyrex Glassware products have been manufactured, and Pyrex claims only a small number of users have reported problems. According to pyrexware.com, the rumors about Pyrex Glassware unexpectedly exploding, shattering and breaking are based on unsubstantiated information. Pyrex Glassware products have been reviewed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and have been determined to be safe.
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