Is Corelle and Pyrex the Same?

Consumers usually mix Pyrex and Corningware up because they have the same manufacturer. However, these two lines of kitchenware are different, but they have similar properties.

While creating this kitchenware, the manufacturers gave it some similar features, like resistance to changes in temperature. They are also microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Pyrex and Corningware are long-lasting kitchenware that consumers can use in freezers, as stovetop bowls, in boilers, and on tables. Since they are made from glass, they won’t discolor or release toxins into your food. In addition, they won’t change the taste of your meal while you’re preparing it.

As they both have similar uses, which is better between the two?

After going through endless Reddit discussions, browsing cooking forums, and reading product reviews, I realized that the question of whether Corelle and Pyrex were the same isn’t something that can be solved easily.

So I decided to switch tactics and seek the answer from a professional chef with practical, hands-on experience with these products.

Continue reading to explore the nuance of both brands and their cookware:

Corningware vs Pyrex

The winner between these kitchenwares depends on the user and what you’re using them for. Furthermore, what works for one user will be different for another. However, many users have chosen Corningware as their preferred baking dish.

There may be better options than tempered glass for baking bread because it transfers heat differently than ceramic. Hence, Corningware is more fitting for the task since it’s made of Pyroceram ceramic glass.

But Pyrex has a part to play in the baking process. Pyrex borosilicate glass is perfect for measuring, mixing, and storing baked goods. However, if you want to serve your food, Corningware is ideal because it has tempered glass.

Corningware vs Corelle

The Corningware and Corelle brands are popular dishware brands in the United States. They produce kitchen utensils and gadgets that are durable. Corelle has made its mark in the kitchenware business since 1970, producing break-resistant glassware.

Additionally, it uses three layers of Vitrelle-tempered glass. Hence, its products are lightweight and resistant to sudden changes in temperature. In addition, it is also resistant to thermal shock.

On the other hand, Corningware uses Pyroceram ceramic glass for its products. Pyroceram ceramic glass makes Corningware safe to use on gas or electric stoves.

Also, you can use this dishware in ovens and boilers. Most people also use the product in microwaves because they do not need to worry about it breaking.

These dishes are stain-resistant, safe to use, and don’t absorb or ruin the taste of your food.

Why is Pyrex Different from Regular Glass?

The significant difference between Pyrex and regular glass is that Pyrex is tempered glass. Since Pyrex is tempered glass, it is perfect for making cookware. You can use it for cookware because it withstands the heat from cooking.

On the other hand, regular glass expands and breaks upon heat application. In some cases, it can melt if the heat gets too high. Have you ever tried pouring boiling milk directly into a cold glass?

The sudden temperature change will shatter the glass dish. Pyrex is a perfect fit for such instances. 

It will interest you to note that glass and Pyrex have similar elements. The difference in composition comes from the production methods manufacturers use in creating this kitchenware.

Regular glass is blown and pressed in a mold, while Pyrex comes from expanding borosilicate glass.

Are Corelle and Pyrex the Same?

Corelle and Pyrex are from the same company. However, these companies vary in terms of composition. Pyrex has been on the market since 1915, and Corning developed the dishware.

However, Pyrex and Corelleware spun off into separate companies in the 1990s.

Both dishes are currently under the Corelle brand. Corelle Brands is also an American company based in Rosemont, Illinois. Corelle Brands is a famous brand in the US, and they have made a couple of dishes you’ve probably heard of.

Below is some dishware they produce:

• Pyrex
• Corningware
• Visions
• Corelle
• Instant pot

What Is Vintage Corelle

Corelle is one of the most popular dishes in the United States. The dishware was first introduced and manufactured in the 1970s. Back then, these were the dishes every house would buy and stack up.

Vintage Corelle is highly durable dishware. Hence, it is chip- and break-resistant. Vintage Corelle rose in fame quickly; it was manufactured by many companies and sold worldwide. Although vintage Corelle is generally challenging, there have been some recent concerns about the possibility of lead poisoning.

Corelle has been revolutionized over the years to fit with modern improvements. Newer Corelle dishes are thinner and lighter compared to vintage Corelle pieces. However, the downside to this drop in weight is that it can chip easily now. But this dinnerware is more rigid than most Chinese dishware.

Can You Microwave Vintage Corelle?

There are a lot of controversies about whether vintage Corelle is microwavable or not. You must not microwave any Corelle dinnerware made before 2005. For several reasons, it would be best not to put a vintage Corelle in a microwave.

Firstly, there is the issue of the plate’s age. Since the plates are old, they cannot withstand the heat to warm your food. Also, Corelle dinnerware comes from glass that usually shatters when microwaved.

If you have any dishware from Corelle brands, it would be best to avoid putting it in the microwave. Also, if vintage Corelle does withstand the heat from the microwave, the chemicals from the dishware may leach into your food.

Why Is Corningware Not Made Anymore?

While the brand has made and sold over 750 million pieces of Corningware, its sales dipped in 1998. This sales slump led to Corning Glass Works selling off Corningware with Pyrex lines. However, that is just one of the reasons Corningware is no longer produced.

Also, the production process became too expensive for the brand to maintain. It became increasingly challenging for the brand to profit from producing this dishware. Thus, they discontinued the production of Corningware.

Customers also preferred modern types of instant brands of lightweight dishware compared to Corningware dishes. Therefore, the company focused on creating more high-end modern kitchenware and glass products.

Are Pyrex and PYREX Similar?

Did you rub your eyes while looking at the above title? No, you are mistaken. The same word is spelled the same way; however, these two are not similar. You may have recently encountered social media posts about Pyrex cracking or breaking. 

However, the Pyrex in stores is unrelated to the original vintage PYREX, the first dishware produced and sold on the market. However, the company changed its raw materials along the way.

The company changed its materials due to concerns about boron’s toxicity and its difficulty in disposing of it.

PYREX is harder to crack and break in extreme heat. On the contrary, Pyrex isn’t as strong as its predecessor. You must, however, note that PYREX is no longer in production. Hence, if you have PYREX, it is likely older than you think. The PYREX might be a hand-me-down.

How to Tell if Dishware Is Pyrex

The easiest way to know if Pyrex is borosilicate is to heat it and then instantly cool it. Since borosilicate only expands about one-third as much as regular glass, it will not shatter when cooled instantly.

It is authentic if you put your Pyrex dishware through this test, and it doesn’t break. 

Furthermore, if Pyrex breaks, it shatters into small cubical pieces. On the other hand, glass-laminated kitchenware breaks into sharp-edged, long pieces.

Borosilicate glass bakeware is resistant to heat, electricity, and chemicals. It is a professional instrument vital to producing piping equipment and thermometers. Additionally,  it is used to store food cans and ovenware. Also, fabrics made with borosilicate glass do not catch fire.

A word of warning: be careful if you choose to conduct any of the above tests, as they are dangerous and may also lead to you breaking your valuable kitchenware.

Pyrex vs Duralex

Pyrex and Duralex are world-class dishware made from two different types of glass. The Pyrex brand uses borosilicate glass to create its kitchenware, and its products can stand up to 428 °F of heat.

On the other hand, Duralex isn’t clear glass or resistant to thermal shock. It is a highly tempered soda lime glass that is perfect for stylish tableware because it is durable. However, Pyrex and Duralex, in recent times, have become a lot more similar.

The Pyrex brand is now shifting its concern to tempered glass instead of borosilicate glass because boron is toxic and an expensive material to dispose of. However, the heat and shock resistance consistency has almost stayed the same.

If you want to use glass-laminated cups or dishware in the oven or stove, Pyrex is the perfect material. On the other hand, Duralex, made from highly tempered soda lime glass ceramic, is best used as tableware. Also, it is stylish and would do wonders for your table’s aesthetics.

Corningware French White

Corningware French White is the best mix between ceramic and glass. It is a special kind of stoneware made with white kaolin clay. The kaolin clay gives the dishware its unique French white color.

The production process involves mixing the raw materials perfectly to create a properly mixed substance. Next, the mixture is cut into short pieces and air-dried. Finally, it is fired in an oven at around 2,500 Fahrenheit.

The firing process transforms the mixture into strong and durable ceramic dishware that can resist heat and chips. Additionally, Corningware French White is a famous line of kitchenware.

The brand has a long line of impressive bakeware and kitchenware. These include casserole dishes, pie dishes, mugs, and roasting pans. Furthermore, Corningware French White is perfect for preparing, serving, and storing food in freezers. The glassware is also non-toxic since it comes from a type of ceramic that doesn’t release toxins. As a result, you can eat your food without worrying that it might be poisonous.

Conclusion

Pyrex, Corningware, and the other brands mentioned in this article are some of the best kitchenware. Although they have slightly similar features, the kitchenware is of different origins. In our article, we outlined the differences and similarities between the kitchenware. 

You can choose any kitchenware we mentioned above for a pleasant experience.