Pyrex is a famous cookware brand specializing in glass bakeware and storage containers. The brand initially created glass labware but quickly expanded into glass cookware in the early 20th century. Pyrex has some of the most popular kitchenware products in the United States. But can their glass bakeware go in the oven?
Short Answer: Yes, Pyrex glass bowls can go in the oven, but there are a few safety precautions to take to ensure proper use. Pyrex small glass storage containers (under 7 cups) are not oven-safe.
Read on to learn how to safely use Pyrex glass bowls in the oven and avoid shattering or cracking.
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Can Pyrex Glass Bowls Go in the Oven?
Yes, Pyrex glass bowls can go in the oven. All of Pyrex’s bakeware uses tempered glass that can withstand high temperatures. However, there are some safety precautions the brand urges all consumers to keep in mind.
How To Use Pyrex Glass Bowls in the Oven
Pyrex has several different types of glass bowls on offer. Pyrex’s larger glassware is oven-safe, but the brand’s small storage containers (under 7 cups) are not advertised as oven-safe. Below are some of Pyrex’s most popular glass bowls and their common uses.
Important Safety Precautions
Here are some of the most important safety precautions you can take to avoid cracking, shattering, or weakening your Pyrex glass bowls:
- Never place a cold bowl in a hot oven or a hot bowl in a cold fridge.
- Stay within the recommended temperature limit for Pyrex glass bowls (up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Never expose a Pyrex glass bowl to an active direct heat source (i.e., stovetop, broiler, toaster oven)
- Preheat the oven BEFORE placing the Pyrex glass bowl inside
- Do not add water to a hot Pyrex bowl
- Do not place a hot Pyrex bowl on a bare countertop (use a dry dishcloth or trivet instead)
- Do not place a hot Pyrex bowl on a wet, cold, or metal surface
- If you’re cooking something that may release liquid (meat, frozen food, fatty foods), pour a small amount of water in the Pyrex bowl BEFORE placing it in the oven
- Do not add water or any liquid to the Pyrex bowl when it is hot
- Never place the plastic Pyrex bowl lid in the oven
What Do I Do if My Glass Bowl Shatters in the Oven?
If a glass bowl or dish has shattered in your oven, turn it off immediately. Wait for the oven to cool before attempting to clean anything. If food has fallen to the bottom of your oven, it will begin smoking, especially if any oil or grease hits the bottom. Keep the oven door closed to try to stop the smoke.
If food is smoking, keep the oven door closed but watch it actively for fire. Closing the oven door should effectively choke the smoke and prevent fire. However, if an active fire starts in the oven, leave your home and call 911 immediately.
Once the oven is cool, you can wear thick gloves and begin cleaning the glass and food. Start with large glass shards and then use a broom to sweep up small pieces.
Different Types of Pyrex Glass Bowls
Pyrex has several different types of glass bowls on offer.
Pyrex Prepware 1-Quart Glass Mixing Bowl
2 used from $8.57
Features
- Includes (1) 1-Quart Mixing Bowl
- Made of nonporous glass that won't warp, stain, or absorb odors
- Glass is preheated oven, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher safe
- Rimmed bowls make handling easy and safe
- Pyrex Glass is Made in the USA and comes with a 2 Year Warranty
This Pyrex mixing bowl is the perfect one that can store and reheat leftovers that need to reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. This bowl is also the perfect size for “No-Knead Bread,” a popular quick bread recipe.
Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
Features
This 3-bowl set is a decent value, including 1 quart, 1.5 quarts, and 2.5 quarts bowls. The three bowls cover all your bases for frequent cooks and bakers, so you’re prepared for baking, cooking, and storage.
Pyrex Smart Essentials 2.5-Quart Glass Mixing Bowl
Features
- Includes (1) 2-1/2-Quart Mixing Bowl with Blue Plastic Lid
- Made of nonporous glass that won't warp, stain, or absorb odors
- Glass is preheated oven, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher safe
- Lid is BPA free and top-rack dishwasher safe
- Pyrex Glass is Made in the USA and comes with a 2 Year Warranty
The 2.5-quart mixing bowl is Pyrex’s second-largest bowl. This bowl works well for larger bread recipes and can store a large amount of food to reheat in the oven.
Pyrex Smart Essentials 4-Quart Glass Mixing Bowl, 3.79 liters
Features
- Includes (1) 4-quart Mixing Bowl with Red Plastic Lid
- Made of nonporous glass that won't warp, stain, or absorb odors
- Glass is preheated oven, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher safe
- Lid is BPA free and top-rack dishwasher safe
- Pyrex Glass is Made in the USA and comes with a 2 Year Warranty
The 4-quart mixing bowl is the largest bowl from Pyrex. The bowl works as a salad mixer and a meat-roasting or bread-making bowl. The bowl comes with a lid so you can easily store your leftovers in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Pyrex glassware.
How do I know if my Pyrex is oven-safe?
Pyrex glassware is generally oven-safe, excluding small storage containers. For non-Pyrex glass, you can check the bottom of the glassware for a symbol that states “oven-safe.”
If you are unsure, you can always check the specific brand page for your product. Safety precautions should detail whether your product is oven-safe and up to what temperature the product is.
Why did my Pyrex dish explode in the oven?
The primary reason that Pyrex dishes explode in the oven is temperature shock. When glass is either very cold or very hot and introduced to the opposite temperature quickly, it may crack or shatter due to temperature shock.
Many mistakenly place a cold Pyrex dish into a hot oven, causing it to shatter. Although this is not always the case, repeatedly exposing your Pyrex dishes to temperature shock increases the chances of the dish breaking or exploding.
What is Pyrex glassware made of?
Pyrex glassware gets made with tempered soda-lime glass. Originally, Pyrex glassware got made with borosilicate glass, both the laboratory and kitchenware glass. However, since the 1950s, all Pyrex glassware has used soda-lime glass.
Conclusion
Pyrex glassware has become so common that nearly every household in the United States has a dish or bowl from the brand in their cabinets. Because of this, it’s essential to know the basic safety precautions to take with oven-safe glassware.
Pyrex glass bowls can go in the oven; if properly cared for, these bowls can last years and years. You should avoid temperature shock and always stay within the recommended temperature limits for your glass bowls.
