About Pyrex
Pyrex: Over a Century of Trusted Glass Cookware Introduction to Pyrex Pyrex stands as one of the most recognisable and trusted kitchenware brands in the world, bringing durable glass cookware to homes since 1915. For over a century, Pyrex has been synonymous with reliable bakeware, roasters, casserole dishes, and food storage solutions that withstand the demands of everyday cooking. In the United Kingdom, Pyrex has been available since just after the First World War, becoming an established fixture in British kitchens across generations. The brand's borosilicate glass products offer exceptional versatility — safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher use with a temperature range from -40°C to 300°C. At Grocefully, we help you compare Pyrex prices across UK retailers, ensuring you can equip your kitchen with quality cookware at the best available prices. Whether you're looking for classic glass dishes, food storage containers, or complete bakeware sets, price comparison helps you find better value. The Pyrex Story: From Laboratory Glass to Kitchen Essential Pyrex's journey from scientific glassware to kitchen staple represents one of the great brand evolution stories. Scientific Origins Corning Glass Works developed its recipe for borosilicate glass in 1908, initially for industrial and scientific applications. This heat-resistant glass could withstand thermal shock — rapid temperature changes that would shatter ordinary glass. In 1915, Corning registered the PYREX brand name and began producing laboratory glassware: beakers, flasks, and scientific equipment that required heat resistance. The properties that made this glass excellent for laboratories would soon prove equally valuable in kitchens. The Kitchen Discovery The transition from laboratory to kitchen happened through happy accident. Corning employee Jesse Littleton discovered a new use for borosilicate glass after his wife Bessie used a sawed-off borosilicate glass battery jar for baking. The glass performed excellently, and a new market opportunity became apparent. Corning began producing Pyrex cookware, and consumers responded enthusiastically. The ability to see food cooking through clear glass, combined with durability and easy cleaning, made Pyrex popular with home cooks. UK Manufacturing History The origins of UK-manufactured Pyrex date back to 1921 when James A. Jobling and Co. began production. Corning offered contracts to make Pyrex under licence to several UK glassworks, but only Greeners in the North East of England took up the option. Greeners changed their name to James A. Jobling and embarked on producing Pyrex kitchenware for the British market. This UK manufacturing established Pyrex as a familiar British kitchen brand rather than merely an American import. Today, DWK Life Sciences continues to produce Pyrex laboratory glassware in the UK at their manufacturing facility in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, under licence from Corning Inc. Corporate Evolution In 1998, Corning Incorporated spun off its kitchenware division, separating the consumer products business from the scientific glass operations. Currently, Pyrex dishes are manufactured by Corelle Brands in the United States and International Cookware in Europe. Corning Incorporated continues to manufacture scientific Pyrex glassware. In 2021, International Cookware acquired Pyrex rival Duralex for €3.5 million, consolidating the European glass cookware market. The Pyrex Product Range Modern Pyrex extends well beyond the original glass dishes to encompass comprehensive cookware solutions. Classic Glass Bakeware The Pyrex Classic Collection represents the brand's heritage: Glass Casserole Dishes in various sizes for everyday cooking and entertaining Roasters for Sunday joints and celebration meals Rectangular and Square Baking Dishes for lasagne, bakes, and gratins Flan Dishes for quiches and tarts Ramekins for individual portions and desserts Pie Dishes for traditional British baking Loaf Dishes for bread and cakes All Classic Collection items feature the thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass that made Pyrex famous, safe from -40°C to 300°C. Cook and Go Collection Designed for busy modern families, Cook and Go features everything from pasta boxes to assorted dishes with lids: Prepare and cook food in the same dish Store in refrigerator or freezer Transport with leak-proof lids Perfect for office lunches or picnics Great for meal prep and batch cooking The versatility of cook-store-transport in single containers appeals to time-pressed households. Cook and Store Collection The Cook and Store range focuses on space efficiency: Stackable dishes that nest together Various sizes for different storage needs Lids for airtight storage Oven to fridge convenience This collection suits households with limited cupboard space who need multipurpose containers. Cook and Freeze The Cook and Freeze collection addresses the batch cooking trend: Freezer, oven, and microwave safe Prepare meals ahead and freeze Reheat directly without container transfer Stackable for efficient freezer organisation Sets include multiple dishes and matching lids Food Storage Solutions Beyond cooking, Pyrex offers dedicated storage containers: Airtight lids keep food fresh longer Clear glass shows contents without opening Microwave safe for convenient reheating Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning Various sizes from snack portions to family quantities Measuring and Preparation Pyrex measuring jugs remain kitchen essentials: Clear markings for accurate measurement Heat resistant for hot liquids Pouring spout for mess-free transfer Various capacities for different needs Mixing bowls in the Pyrex range support food preparation from whisking to marinating. Beyond Glass The Pyrex range now encompasses more than glassware: Ceramic Roasters and Dishes offer alternative materials with Pyrex quality standards Saucepans for stovetop cooking Frying Pans and Skillets for everyday cooking Cookware Sets for complete kitchen solutions This expansion means Pyrex can serve more kitchen needs whilst leveraging brand trust. Quality and Features Understanding Pyrex's technical qualities helps appreciate product value. Thermal Shock Resistance Pyrex borosilicate glass withstands rapid temperature changes that shatter ordinary glass. Moving from freezer to oven, or adding cold liquids to hot dishes, won't cause breakage. This property makes Pyrex genuinely versatile rather than limited to single applications. Temperature Range The -40°C to 300°C range covers virtually all domestic cooking scenarios: Freezer storage at coldest settings Refrigerator temperatures Room temperature preparation Oven cooking at standard and high temperatures Microwave reheating Oven, Microwave, Freezer, Dishwasher Safe The four-way compatibility simplifies kitchen workflow. Cook in the oven, store in the freezer, reheat in the microwave, and clean in the dishwasher — all with the same container. Made in France European Pyrex cookware is manufactured in France by International Cookware, maintaining quality standards through controlled production. Shopping for Pyrex in the UK Pyrex's established reputation ensures widespread UK availability. Official UK Webshop Pyrex.co.uk offers the complete product range with direct ordering. The official shop ensures genuine Pyrex products and may offer exclusive items or promotions. Department Stores and Cookware Specialists Lakeland stocks Pyrex glass cookware as part of their quality kitchenware selection John Lewis provides Pyrex alongside other premium cookware brands Robert Dyas offers Pyrex products for everyday kitchen needs Harts of Stur carries comprehensive Pyrex ranges These retailers often provide knowledgeable advice on product selection. General Retailers Argos stocks Pyrex for convenient collection or delivery Amazon offers extensive Pyrex selection with customer reviews Various homeware retailers carry core Pyrex products Supermarket Homeware Sections Selected supermarkets stock Pyrex products in their homeware aisles, offering convenience for shoppers adding cookware to grocery trips. Understanding Pyrex Pricing Quality glassware represents investment rather than disposable purchase. Durability Value Pyrex products last decades with proper care. The initial cost spreads across years of use, often making Pyrex more economical than repeatedly replacing cheaper alternatives. Set versus Individual Sets typically offer better per-piece value than buying individually. For those building Pyrex collections, sets provide savings whilst ensuring compatible sizing and styling. Versus Budget Glass Cheaper glass cookware may lack thermal shock resistance and durability. The Pyrex premium reflects genuine quality differences that affect long-term value and safety. Promotional Opportunities Pyrex features in retailer promotions, particularly around Christmas when bakeware gifts are popular. Monitoring promotions helps timing purchases for best value. Practical Tips for Pyrex Shoppers Compare Across Retailers Pyrex prices vary significantly between retailers. Checking multiple sources, including the official webshop and various retailers, identifies current best value. Consider Your Actual Needs The extensive range means many size and style options exist. Purchasing what you'll actually use prevents accumulating unused items. A versatile medium casserole serves more purposes than multiple specialist dishes for occasional use. Check Set Contents Sets vary in included pieces. Ensure set contents match your needs before purchasing based on apparent value. Understand Size Terminology Pyrex uses various size descriptions. Checking actual dimensions and capacity ensures purchases fit your oven, storage space, and typical cooking quantities. Register Purchases Pyrex may offer warranties or product registration. Keeping purchase records and registering products protects your investment. Caring for Pyrex Proper care extends Pyrex lifespan: Avoid Extreme Thermal Shock Whilst Pyrex resists thermal shock better than ordinary glass, avoiding extreme temperature changes extends product life. Don't place freezer-cold dishes directly into very hot ovens; allow some temperature transition. Handle with Care Despite durability, Pyrex is still glass. Dropping on hard surfaces or knocking against hard edges can cause breakage. Handle with the care appropriate for glass items. Avoid Stovetop Use for Glass Pyrex glass bakeware is designed for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher — not direct stovetop heat. Use Pyrex cookware (pans and skillets) for stovetop cooking. Clean Properly Whilst dishwasher safe, heavily soiled Pyrex benefits from soaking before washing. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch glass surfaces. Pyrex in British Kitchen Culture Pyrex holds particular significance in UK kitchen history. Post-War Kitchens Pyrex became popular in British kitchens during the mid-twentieth century when modern conveniences transformed domestic cooking. The ability to see food cooking, combined with easy cleaning, represented modernity. The Pyrex Dish Tradition Pyrex casserole dishes became standard wedding gifts and kitchen essentials. Many households have Pyrex pieces passed down through generations, demonstrating the products' genuine longevity. Contemporary Relevance Despite kitchen trends and new materials, Pyrex remains relevant. The brand's adaptation to modern needs — meal prep, food storage, portion control — keeps it contemporary whilst honouring heritage. Conclusion Pyrex's century-plus heritage reflects genuine product quality that has earned and maintained consumer trust. From laboratory glass to kitchen essential, the brand has evolved whilst maintaining the core promise of durable, versatile glassware. The comprehensive modern range — from classic glass bakeware through food storage solutions to cookware — means Pyrex can serve virtually all kitchen needs. Made in France with thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass, European Pyrex maintains the quality standards that built the brand's reputation. Using Grocefully to compare Pyrex prices across UK retailers helps find the best deals on quality cookware. With durability that spans decades, Pyrex represents genuine kitchen investment — and smart shopping ensures that investment costs as little as possible. For households who appreciate quality kitchen equipment that lasts, Pyrex continues delivering the same trusted performance it has since 1915. Over a century of proven reliability makes Pyrex a confident choice for cooks who want cookware they can depend on.