Pyrex brand celebrates 100 year anniversary

Pyrex®, the iconic kitchenware brand, celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2015, recognising a century of innovation, as well as countless kitchen creations baked across the world. I have a good assortment of Pyrex ware in my cupboards - measuring jugs, mixing bowls, bakeware - and must say I use them almost every day of my life! 

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To mark the milestone and pay homage to the iconic brand’s history of creativity and innovation, the Pyrex brand has released a selection of stylish limited edition 100-year anniversary products including the iconic measuring jug, pie plate and dot-themed glass storage containers (pictured above).

Since its invention, billions of Pyrex glassware pieces have been sold worldwide, including more than 65 million in Australia. The brand has stood the test of time with an estimated one in five Australian households owning a Pyrex product. The ultimate collectors’ item, the limited edition selection will be available in a variety of sizes and colours, including blue, white, green, turquoise and signature red inspired by popular and classic Pyrex designs from across the decades. 

True to the Pyrex brand, the selection is characterised by exceptional quality, masterful design, simplicity and endless versatility. Great for both everyday meals and special occasions, Pyrex glassware collectors, baking enthusiasts and home chefs of all ages can enjoy these timeless pieces. Made from the Pyrex brand’s celebrated and durable glassware, the selection is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Home baker and Pyrex brand spokesperson Katherine Sabbath says, 'Pyrex glassware has been a part of the family kitchen for 100 years and still today, experienced cooks and beginners alike reach for their Pyrex products time-and-time again, including me. When growing up, sharing the simple pleasures in life and providing for the ones you love were considered the key to happiness. For me, this meant baking and I’ve been creating and making cakes ever since. Throughout my life, a Pyrex measuring jug has always been at the forefront of my baking projects and along with other classic Pyrex items, has been part of many cherished baking memories and creations.'

Synonymous with cooking and baking, the iconic Pyrex measuring jug has been a kitchen staple for generations and is the most popular Pyrex product in Australia, with more than 300,000 sold each year. It is believed that over 75 million Pyrex measuring jugs, representing a total capacity of 14 million litres, have been sold to date worldwide. 

Kylie McKinnon, General Manager at World Kitchen Australia, says, 'The original line of Pyrex bakeware included twelve items, which revolutionised home cooking worldwide, many of which are still available today. The current glass casserole dish, loaf pan, pie plate and custard cup are all examples of products that have stood the test of time. 100 years ago, the team behind the Pyrex brand created the glass baking category and we believe the next generation of family cooks will continue to use Pyrex glass products for 100 years to come. We’re very proud to have Pyrex glass products in the World Kitchen family and will continue its legacy.' 

In the early 1900s Corning Glass Works, the inventors of Pyrex glass bakeware, originally used the strengthened glass for lantern globes on railways. The progression from railways to kitchens came about when the wife of one of the company’s employees used a piece of the same heat-resistant glass to bake a cake. After noting several remarkable findings including a shorter cooking time and more uniform baking, Corning Glass Works set about perfecting this new invention and an iconic brand was born. 

The Pyrex brand’s 100 year anniversary limited edition collection is a must-have for avid bakers and cooks alike. It will be available in David Jones, Myer, Big W, Woolworths and selected independent retailers from April 2015 with prices ranging from $9.95 to $16.95 per piece. 

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Good Things readers have their say about Pyrex...  

Andrea says: 'Yes, I do have Pyrex ware! Some that I sneakily pilfered from my mum I think and I actually used the pie dish yesterday for my pear cake instead of a cake tin. I also have the best of Pyrex jugs that I love too, and they have travelled all over Australia! We have a few, and when I told my husband, Geoff, that I was talking to you about Pyrex, he rushed to my pantry to checking out all of my kitchenware!'

Ambra says: 'I found an unused, unloved pyrex baking dish at the back of my mum's kitchen cupboard last year and stole it for my own use. Pure 1970s. She used to make giant eggplant parmigianas in it for dinner parties way back then. I believe the colour is "smokey" and here is a picture (below).'

Viviane says: 'I love my pyrex bowls (especially my mum's old ones that are almost my age but still going strong). So many cakes and baked treats were mixed in them over the years. So much gelato was mixed and aged in them, so much dough was proofed ... all the good things. They were clear, white with red design as well as set with coloured exterior and white interior (large red, medium orange).'

Rose says: 'My mom has one which she makes rasam in. I just loved looking stall those spices boil through that clear vessel. To be honest as a little girl seeing those spices swirl in boiling water through the light brown clear vessel, I always thought she was making a special magical potion!'

Danita says: 'I smashed a friend's Pyrex plate once. Does that count?' Ü

Nyla says: 'My Mum always used Pyrex. And it was one of the first things I bought when I started up my own kitchen. And I remember a great story about a little Pyrex dish. We were on a bush walk and found some dumped rubbish at the edge of the bush. I saw a little tiny dish and rescued it. I put it in my sister's car and forgot about it. I saw her the other day and she is using it as a cereal bowl. Astonished, I asked her "Where did you find that? She said up front, "You left it in the car. I think I have lost the right to it." I was very upset. It was such a cute dish.'   :(

Christine says: 'I've inherited and am using some dishes that used to belong to my mum and I'm sure they are older than me!'

Marian says:  I have a couple of pieces that I've been using for 40 years or so, and three or four other retro pieces I've discovered at Op Shops!'

Amanda says: 'I received two clear, round, covered Pyrex bowls/casseroles as wedding presents when I married my (late) first husband about 100 years ago. One is dead and gone, the other is battered, scratched and chipped, but still standing.'

Ann's reliable pie dish

Ann says: 'This is my 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dish. It has seen many Lemon meringue pies and apple pies produced for my family and friends. I think it is about 30 years old. It's great for presentation, as well as cooking and has always been reliable. Here is a photo of it (below).'

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Ambra's 'smokey' Pyrex roaster

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Let's have a look at Pyrex ware through the ages... 

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Happy 100th Pyrex! 

The folks at World Kitchen know how much I love Pyrex, so they kindly gifted me with the pieces shown at the top of this feature. Thank you! While I have run some text from a media release, this is not a sponsored or paid post.

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Do you have any Pyrex ware in your kitchen, dear friends and readers? Are they vintage pieces, or new? Do you recognise any in the vintage advertisements shown here?