If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, chances are your mom or grandma had at least one piece of Pyrex in her kitchen. My wife still has a TON of them that she got from HER mom.
Maybe it was the colorful mixing bowls that nested together in the cupboard, or the sturdy glass measuring cup with the bright red markings.
Those dishes weren’t just kitchen tools — they were part of our family meals. Birthday cakes, Sunday dinners, Christmas cookies — they all passed through Pyrex at some point.
But here’s something I just learned TODAY:
There’s actually a difference between PYREX and pyrex! 😲
A Little PYREX History
Pyrex was first introduced in 1915 by Corning Glass Works. Back then, it was revolutionary — made from borosilicate glass, which was heatproof, durable, and could go straight from oven to table.
That’s the PYREX (all caps) most of us grew up with.
In the mid-1990s, production shifted, and newer pieces were made from tempered soda-lime glass instead.
That’s the pyrex (lowercase) you see in stores today. Still good, still sturdy — but not quite as resistant to sudden changes in temperature.
That’s why your grandma’s old casserole dish or measuring cup may feel heavier, tougher, and more “indestructible” than the newer ones. Collectors today seek out vintage PYREX because it lasts, it’s safe for baking, and honestly — it just feels like a piece of family history.
Why This Matters
When I think back to my grandma’s kitchen, I can still picture those heavy glass bowls. I didn’t know until recently why her Pyrex seemed tougher and sturdier than the ones I’ve bought in recent years. Turns out, she really did have the good stuff.
It makes me smile knowing that some of those old dishes are still out there, being used today — linking us back to generations before us who cooked with love, family, and simple tools.
And honestly? Whether it’s the old stuff or the new, the best part is the memories we made around the food that came out of those bowls.
→ Your Turn
Do you still have any old Pyrex pieces in your kitchen? Which ones — and what do you use them for?
I have collected PYREX for nearly 30 years. I have various sets of the colorful mixing bowls, some more rare than others, both green and blue colored glass 1 cup measuring cups, some rare small serving bowls, baking dishes and my favories, used daily, caserole bowls with clear glass lids that heat soup or chili or vegetables just perfectly for a one-person meal. LOVE PYREX!
Those old Pyrex bowls and casseroles are worth something today. I'm an antique dealer who has an "old kitchen" booth, and people are eager to buy the old Pyrex. A full set of the mixing bowls of primary colors, probably from the early 1950's, can be about $100, sometimes more, and sometimes less.