They didn't stop making Pyrex altogether, but the formula and manufacturer changed. Original Pyrex was made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, but the consumer cookware brand was sold in 1998 and switched to cheaper tempered soda-lime glass, making it more prone to shattering from temperature changes.
Modern Pyrex isn’t as durable because the manufacturer switched the material from highly heat-resistant borosilicate glass to soda-lime glass. This change makes the bakeware much more susceptible to shattering from "thermal shock" (e.g., placing a hot dish on a cold counter).
Yes, you can absolutely still buy Pyrex. However, it is important to know that modern US-made Pyrex is made of tempered soda-lime glass, which is durable for baking but slightly less resistant to extreme thermal shock than the original vintage borosilicate glass.
Vintage clear glass Pyrex is generally safe for baking and food storage, but colored or patterned vintage Pyrex may contain high levels of lead and cadmium in the exterior paint. To use it safely, avoid high-heat cooking with painted pieces, inspect for cracks, and prevent thermal shock.
Vintage Pyrex values range drastically, from $𝟏𝟎 for a common, single dish to thousands for rare promotional pieces. Value is driven by pattern rarity, color, and condition.
The most valuable vintage Pyrex dishes can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to over $5,000 on secondary markets. The highest-valued pieces are limited-run promotional items, color test pieces, and unreleased patterns. Complete sets in mint condition with their original cradles and lids command the highest premiums.
The rarest and most valuable vintage Pyrex pattern is widely considered to be Lucky in Love. Released in 1959 as a promotional piece, it features pink hearts and green shamrocks on a 111-quart casserole dish. Due to its extremely limited test release, pristine pieces can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
NO - Do not use Pyrex® glassware on the stovetop (open flame, electric burner), under the broiler, in a toaster oven, or on a barbecue grill.
To determine if your vintage Pyrex contains lead, the most reliable method is to use at-home lead test swabs. Because older colored Pyrex often used lead and cadmium in its exterior painted designs, visual inspection alone isn't enough.
Pyrex can last a long time. If you have Pyrex that's still in good condition (i.e., no cracks or chips in the glass), don't throw it away. Give it away or donate it to a thrift shop.
Currently, Pyrex dishes are manufactured by Corelle Brands in the United States and International Cookware in Europe. Corning Incorporated continues to manufacture Pyrex scientific glassware.
Here's how to spot the real vintage pieces when you're thrifting:
Soda-lime glass is a practical nontoxic option too. Just beware that soda-lime glass may break more easily but is also less expensive. Again, beware that decorative glass—glass with glazes or enamel, is colored, and lead crystal (or crystal)—may leach toxic chemicals or heavy metals.
Avoid traditional non-stick pans with worn coatings or synthetic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as well as unlined copper and reactive aluminum. Scratched or overheated pans release toxic fumes or leach heavy metals into your food.
The "good" Pyrex is vintage glassware featuring the uppercase PYREX logo. Made from borosilicate glass, it can handle extreme temperature changes (thermal shock). Modern glassware has a lowercase pyrex logo. Made of tempered soda-lime glass, it is more prone to shattering from sudden temperature shifts.
CorningWare was discontinued in its original form because its manufacturing process—which used a nearly indestructible, heat-shock-resistant ceramic called Pyroceram—became too expensive to produce. Because the cookware was famous for never wearing out, sales eventually slumped, prompting the brand’s owners to pivot to cheaper stoneware.
Vintage Pyrex is highly sought after by collectors and mid-century design enthusiasts, with specific sets and rare promotional items fetching anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Rarity, pristine condition, and whether a piece was sold as a limited-edition promotion heavily drive its value.
Lead is removed from the body primarily through chelation therapy, a medical treatment using specialized medication (chelating agents) to bind with lead, allowing it to be excreted in urine. For lower-level exposure, the body slowly clears lead on its own, a process supported by a healthy diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, which inhibits further absorption.
Using vintage Pyrex (made before the late 1970s) for eating or cooking comes with serious risks. While the glass itself is inert and food-safe, the painted exteriors on these colored bowls and baking dishes frequently test positive for high levels of lead and cadmium.
Borosilicate glass has become a gold standard for food safety due to its remarkable chemical inertness. Unlike some plastics that release BPA, phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, borosilicate glass remains chemically stable even when exposed to acidic foods or high temperatures.
Yes, Pyrex can go in the freezer. However, to prevent the glass from shattering, you must protect it from extreme temperature changes, known as "thermal shock".
PYREX® USE & CARE
The most common and popular vintage Pyrex patterns are Butterfly Gold and Spring Blossom Green (often called "Crazy Daisy"). Produced in the 1970s and 1980s, these were mass-marketed and often paired with Corelle dinnerware, making them kitchen staples in millions of homes.
Vintage Pyrex refers to glassware manufactured by Corning Glass Works between the 1940s and 1970s. Authentic pieces feature a distinct, highly durable borosilicate glass.