Yes, there is a difference between Pyrex and Pyrex. Pyrex is a brand of glassware that has been in production since 1915. The main difference between Pyrex and Pyrex is that original Pyrex is made with borosilicate glass which is heat resistant, and is oven safe.
Conversely, Pyrex brand products today are made with tempered soda-lime glass which is not as heat resistant and should not be used in an oven. Additionally, Pyrex also produces a variety of kitchenware and appliances such as bakeware and cookware, while original Pyrex only produces glassware.
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Are there two types of Pyrex?
Yes, there are two main types of Pyrex glassware: borosilicate glass and soda lime glass. The most common type of Pyrex is borosilicate glass, also known as Pyrex boro. This type of glass is made from a combination of silica, boric oxide, and soda, and is preferred for its durability and resistance to high temperatures.
Pyrex boro can be used with most conventional ovens, microwaves, and stovetops, and has been used for baking dishes since the early 1900s. It is also dishwasher safe when cared for correctly.
The second type is soda lime glass, also known as Pyrex soda. It is made from a combination of sand, soda, and lime and is not as heat-resistant as its borosilicate counterpart. However, it is much cheaper and can be used for everyday serving dishes, storage containers, and decorative pieces.
Although soda lime Pyrex is safe for conventional ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers if used carefully, it should never be placed directly over a stovetop flame.
How do you tell the difference between old and new Pyrex?
The easiest way to tell the difference between old and new Pyrex is to look for subtle design differences. Older Pyrex often has a slightly thicker rim around the top edge and a less glossy, sheen finish.
Additionally, look for identifying marks like a manufacturer’s logo or another marking on the bottom or back of the Pyrex piece. Many older Pyrex pieces lack any type of backstamp or marking, while newer Pyrex will usually have some form of a backstamp or logo.
Lastly, do a little research on the piece you are interested in. Check to see if it matches any of the common Pyrex patterns from the late 1940s through the 1950s, as these are considered to be the most popular designs from that era.
Knowing these details can help you narrow down an approximate age for the Pyrex item.
Why did Pyrex stop using borosilicate?
Pyrex stopped using borosilicate glass in its products due to the changing cost of raw materials and other economic factors. Borosilicate glass is a stronger, more temperature-resistant type of glass which was originally used to make Pyrex products.
However, the cost and availability of borosilicate glass have fluctuated in recent years, making it more expensive for Pyrex to produce items using this type of glass. Pyrex has since been using soda-lime glass, which is less heat-resistant but more widely available.
This means that Pyrex products made from soda-lime glass may be more susceptible to cracking or shattering when exposed to extreme temperatures, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using Pyrex items.
How can I tell if my Pyrex is borosilicate?
To tell if you have borosilicate glass, you should check your Pyrex product’s label or contact the manufacturer to confirm the product’s material. This is important because borosilicate glass is stronger, heat-resistant, and more durable than ordinary glass.
It also expands slowly when heated and is less likely to break when subjected to sudden temperature changes. You can also perform a simple test to identify borosilicate glass. To do this test, fill a container with cold water and heat it on the stove.
If the container is made of borosilicate glass, the glass should remain clear and should not emit any smoke or form bubbles in the water. If the glass starts to emit a smoke-like substance, it is made of ordinary glass, not borosilicate.
On the other hand, if the glass begins to bubble and churn, it is made of borosilicate.
Does Pyrex still make borosilicate glass?
Yes, Pyrex still makes borosilicate glass. Pyrex has been a leader in the glass-making industry since 1915 and is best known for its glass bakeware, which is made from a unique blend of borosilicate glass called “Pyrex.
” In addition to bakeware, Pyrex also manufactures a variety of borosilicate glass products including lab glassware, kitchen tools and utensils, and various everyday items. The use of the borosilicate glass provides exceptional durability and thermal shock resistance, making Pyrex products the perfect choice for use at home or for scientific applications in the lab.
Pyrex has been a pioneer in the glass industry and their enduring commitment to providing quality products made from their own patented blend of glass has made them a trusted name for generations.
Is borosilicate stronger than Pyrex?
Yes, borosilicate is generally considered to be stronger than Pyrex. Borosilicate glass is an incredibly strong and durable material. It is heat and chemical resistant, making it ideal for a variety of applications.
It is also resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can be used in extreme temperature environments where other types of glass would crack or shatter. Pyrex, on the other hand, is known for its high resistance to thermal shock.
However, Pyrex has a lower coefficient of expansion, making it less capable of withstanding extreme temperature changes. Additionally, Pyrex is prone to breaking when scratched or dropped, making it less suitable for many industrial applications.
So when it comes down to strength and flexibility, borosilicate is the clear winner.
What are the disadvantages of borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass has several disadvantages, including the fact that it is an expensive material to use in production. It is also susceptible to cracking, which may be attributed to thermal shock resulting from uneven heating of the glass when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Additionally, it is not hard or durable enough for certain applications, including those involving heavy or rough handling. As a result, it is not ideal for certain types of products. Additionally, some borosilicate glass products may contain lead, which can be hazardous to work with and presents a risk of contamination if improperly disposed of in the environment.
Furthermore, borosilicate glass has a narrow temperature range, which limits its applications and makes it necessary to exercise caution when working with it. Finally, proper care must be taken when using borosilicate glassware, as it can easily break if mishandled.
Will borosilicate glass break if dropped?
Yes, borosilicate glass can break if dropped. This type of glass is still much more durable than regular glass, but it is still susceptible to chips and cracks if dropped. It is best to take care when handling any type of glass and treat it with care, no matter the type.
Borosilicate may be more resistant to extreme temperature changes than regular glass, but it is still made of glass and can break if dropped from enough of a height or with enough force. If possible, it is best to use some protective padding to reduce the chances of your borosilicate glass being dropped.
Is borosilicate glass toxic?
No, borosilicate glass is not toxic. It is a type of glass that contains boron and silicate which makes it very durable, heat-resistant, and chemically resistant. Borosilicate glass can be safely used for a variety of products from cookware and bakeware to laboratory equipment and even lighting fixtures.
It is also used for baby bottles and sippy cups so the materials can be used for items that come in direct contact with food. Borosilicate glass has a low thermal expansion coefficient which means it can handle hot and cold temperatures without breaking or shattering.
In conclusion, borosilicate glass is a safe, non-toxic material that will not react to most substances.
How do I know what Pyrex I have?
To know what Pyrex you have, first you should look closely at the Pyrex item you are trying to identify. Different colors, decorative designs, and logos can help you distinguish one Pyrex product from another.
Next, check the bottom of the item for a logo or Pyrex name, as well as a corresponding Pyrex number. This number can be a two or three-digit number with a letter or two following it, usually written on a circular disc.
This information can help you identify a specific Pyrex product that correlates to the number on the bottom. Additionally, the age of a Pyrex product can be determined by the number on the bottom in that classic Pyrex items will have a number between 200 and 500, with modern pieces having numbers greater than 500.
If your Pyrex item does not have Pyrex written on the bottom or a correlating number, you can search for images of your product online in order to further identify it.
What is considered vintage Pyrex?
Vintage Pyrex is generally defined by collectors as any Pyrex kitchenware manufactured between 1915 and 1998. In particular, Pyrex patterns that were discontinued before the late 1970s are considered to be the most sought-after and valuable.
Patterns from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s are especially popular among collectors. Examples of these beloved vintage Pyrex patterns include the primary colors, Daisy, Snowflake, Floral and Butterly Gold, Snowflake Blue, Butterly Blue, and more.
Furthermore, vintage Pyrex pieces that represent the earlier years are often more rare and valuable. Cases of full sets, or pieces in the original boxes and packaging, add to the value. Popular pieces among collectors include mixing bowls, quart casserole dishes, the 1 1/2 pint butter dishes, and the refrigerator sets.
Prices of vintage Pyrex can vary significantly based on condition, design, and rarity. High-end pieces can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
When did Pyrex change their glass?
Pyrex changed their glass formula in 1998. Prior to 1998, Pyrex was made from a type of “soda-lime” glass that contained lead and boron. This type of glass provided a strong bond in the oven, but wasn’t as resistant to thermal shocks as newer types of glass.
In 1998, Pyrex switched to a borosilicate glass that was stronger, more scratch and heat resistant, and had a higher melting point. The result of the change in glass formulas provided a much more durable product, and allowed Pyrex to become a much more reliable choice for kitchen products.
What is the most sought after Pyrex pattern?
The most sought after Pyrex pattern is the Primary Colors series, which was released in 1965. This series allows people to build a collection of primary colors that truly stand out. Not only were the bright colors quite striking, but the set had a mid-century art-deco style that really made the pieces stand out.
People who own the original Pyrex Primary Colors pieces often put them on display, as the vivid colors and integrated designs make for a stunning home decor piece. As the vintage Pyrex Primary Colors series was only released in the 1960s, these particular pieces remain highly sought after and can fetch quite a large sum at auctions or in resale shops.
What do numbers on bottom of Pyrex mean?
The numbers on the bottom of Pyrex products are actually manufacturing codes that indicate the date, time, and plant location of production. Depending on the vintage of your Pyrex item, the code may have anywhere from three to eight numbers.
The easiest way to narrow down the exact code is to refer to Pyrex’s website, where they have an organized list of their codes and their respective production dates.
For items made since the 1990s, the first two numbers tend to designate the year of production, while the third and fourth numbers designate the month. The remaining numbers indicate the production plant and time the item was made.
There are some exceptions to this, particularly with the smallest sets of codes, which contain only three numbers. In those cases, the first two are the month and last one is the year. Additionally, during certain time periods, there were slight alterations to the meaning of the codes, though Pyrex’s website has a list of all of these.
Once you’ve identified the code, you can look up the exact production date of your item to determine its age. Knowing when the item was made is important for the safety and quality of Pyrex baking dishes.
Pyrex recommends discontinuing use of items more than 10 years old.
