Is Pyrex Oven Safe? Can It Go in the Oven? (Safety Guide)

Whether you are an expert chef or cook well enough to save your life, Pyrex kitchen glassware is not a new name for you.

Due to its resistance to thermal shocks and low-melting nature, Pyrex is one of the most strong and durable kitchenware. But again, the question is:

Is Pyrex Oven Safe?

Yes, It is safe to use Pyrex for the oven. Pyrex is built to withstand high thermal pressure and temperature. It can be used for baking, warming, cooking, and reheating food.

However, make sure there are no sudden temperature changes that can cause the glass to shatter or explode.

So, always put Pyrex in a preheated oven and inspect the glass before putting it in the oven to prevent any explosion.

In this article, you will know how to use your Pyrex more effectively and safely. Other than that, we will also tell you how you can use pyrex bowls.

At the end of the article, you will get the answer to your queries about using vintage pyrex for baking. 

So without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

How High Can Pyrex Withstand Heat?

Pyrex glass is completely oven-safe at 425°F. But, it can break if the temperature exceeds 425 degrees.

Pyrex is made to be used in a preheated convection and conventional oven at any temperature that is required for baking recipes.

So as long as you follow that Safety and Usage Instruction given by Pyrex, your Pyrex is oven-safe.

On the other hand, using your Pyrex for a recipe that requires more than 425 degrees Fahrenheit can lead your glass to thermal shock, or the glass will simply break. 

Also, Check: Types of Ovens

Can Pyrex Glass Explode?

Yes, Pyrex can explode when it is exposed to sudden extreme temperature changes.

For instance, when you suddenly move Pyrex from a cold environment to a hot one or vice versa, it causes a fluctuation in the temperature that can lead your pyrex to explode.

Pyrex is one of the most useful materials in the kitchen. For decades, it has been known for its quality to tolerate extreme temperatures.

Pyrex is made of soda-lime glass, and this kind of glass has the property to accept both cold and hot conditions.

But, no matter how durable or strong it is, there are still some limitations to the temperature it can go on in the oven. 

Related:

• Dishwasher Brands to Avoid
• Refrigerator Brands to Avoid

How Do You Stop Pyrex From Exploding?

Always place the Pyrex on a metal cooling rack or dishtowel after taking it out of the oven.

Avoid putting it on a damp surface or towel as it also causes a temperature change in the hot Pyrex.

You can also prevent Pyrex from exploding by not putting it on the eye of the stove, in a toaster, under a boiler, or on a grill.

The main reason behind the explosion of this bakeware is thermal shock. So unless you follow the precaution mentioned above, your Pyrex is safe.

To keep you on the safe side, here are the 7 tips to avoid temperature changes so that your pyrex can have a longer life. Let’s have a look.

1. Look For Cracks Beforehand

How would you feel if you heard a shattering noise coming from your oven only after a few minutes of placing your dish in the oven?

But what if you can stop this from happening? Well, there is no magic to it. It’s just simple.

All you have to do is check if there are any cracks or damages to your Pyrex. By doing so, you will know whether your Pyrex is ready to go into the oven or not.

Remember that even if there is a small crack, it can expand from the moisture of your meal.

So if there is no chipping, cracking, or damage, you can move ahead with your cooking. 

2. Be Aware Of The Temperature Of The Oven

Although Pyrex can withstand extremely high temperatures, the highest you can use it is 425^oF.

So whether you are using convection or conventional oven, make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed this.

3. Always Preheat Your Oven First

As per Pyrex’s Safety and Usage Instruction, “The glass is built for baking temperatures.

However, it can shatter if it is exposed to the direct heat element while the oven is heating up.”

So always preheat the oven first and then put the Pyrex into the oven.

This way, you will not only reduce the chance of explosion, but your Pyrex will also have a long life.

4. Avoid Using Pyrex Over Stovetop

Although Pyrex has high heat resistance, it is only safe to use in the oven and microwaves.

So, never put your pyrex on a direct heat source such as a stovetop, whether electric or gas. Moreover, avoid putting Pyrex in a toaster, on a grill, or under a boiler.

This exposure to direct heat causes a sudden change in the temperature, and your Pyrex will explode, resulting in shattered glass pieces all over your kitchen.

So, if you don’t want this nightmare to come true, make sure never to expose your Pyrex to a direct source of heat.

5. Be Careful With Liquid

Never cook a dry dish in your Pyrex.

Or, if you are cooking any food that releases any liquid, whether fats, moisture, or juice, before putting it in the oven, make sure to add a little liquid to cover the bottom.

Also, while adding liquid, remember that the Pyrex should not be hot as this will also change its temperature leading it to break or crack. 

6. Set It On Cloth Or Wood

While taking your Pyrex out of the oven, never put it on any surface such as kitchen countertop, metal, hot, wet, or any cool surface that can cause a thermal shock.

Place the Pyrex on a safe surface such as a dry cloth potholder, cooling rack, kitchen towel, or a wooden trivet to avoid breaking and cracking. Damp towels can also cause temperature changes, so make sure not to use these as well.  

7. Let It Come To Room Temperature

It takes Pyrex some time to cool down. So, if you take a hot pyrex directly out of the oven and put it into the freezer and vice versa, you are subjecting your Pyrex to thermal stress.

Allow it to come to room temperature before moving it to a cool or hot place.

You might find it hard to wait for it to cool down, but it is far better than cleaning glass shards from your kitchen.

Can I Use Pyrex Instead Of Baking Pan?

Yes, Pyrex is a good substitute for a baking pan due to its nonreactive nature. Compared to metal baking pans, food baked in a Pyrex is free of any lingering flavors.

Pyrex is known for its heat-retaining quality, which is much greater than that of metal baking pans. If you want your food to stay warm for long, then Pyrex is your thing.

In addition, if you are going to make lasagna, roasted meat, and casseroles, going for Pyrex glassware is a nice idea.

Can You Bake In A Pyrex Mixing Bowl?

Yes, Pyrex mixing bowls are also oven-safe. But, they are also prone to breaking.

When these bowls are placed in a heating oven, the temperature across the glass sides is different from the surface areas. This causes thermal stress, and the glass can break into pieces.

Moreover, avoid putting the plastic lids with bowls as they are designed for storage purposes only.

If you put them in the oven, they will melt. Instead, you can use aluminum foil, stainless steel plate, or a baking sheet.

Despite being oven safe, there are still a few areas where you should avoid using Pyrex bowls.

If used in any of these areas, your Pyrex bowls are prone to breaking and shattering. The cooking methods that you can’t use Pyrex bowls are listed below.

• Heating oil or butter inside the bowl
• On a direct source of heat such as a stovetop
• At high temperatures such as above a 700^oF
• Under a boiler
• On a grill
• Putting it empty in the Oven
• Using it to make a dish in the microwave. 

Also Read: Maxx Oven Reviews

Can You Bake In Vintage Pyrex?

Yes, any vintage pyrex made before 1998 can go in the oven.

These vintage Pyrex glasses are made of borosilicate glass, making them far more durable and stronger than modern Pyrex.

Compared to modern Pyrex, your vintage Pyrex has a high resistance to thermal shocks.

So, whether you move your hot mac n cheese casseroles from the oven directly to the fridge or put them on the kitchen counter, there will be no breaking or shattering of glass.

Can Pyrex Go In The Air Fryer?

The temperature changes in an air fryer are much faster than in a regular oven. And these sudden and rapid temperature changes can break the Pyrex.

Although anything that is oven safe can be air fryer proof as well.

But Pyrex is not designed for air fryers, so even if someone wants to place their Pyrex in an air fryer, they need to be cautious.

You can check whether it works for your Prex or not by simply putting the Pyrex in the air fryer at a high temperature a few times.

But make sure to test an empty Pyrex. This might work but is not recommended.

The Key Takeaway

The use of Pyrex dates back to 1915. But only a few people know that Pyrex is a brand in itself, not a type of glass.

Back then, Pyrex was made of borosilicate glass, which is known as vintage Pyrex.

Those Pyrex were very strong and could bear extremely high temperatures.

However, the glass that we use these days is made of soda-lime glass. Which, to be honest, is not that sturdy as compared to the vintage Pyrex. Therefore, they are much easier to break or crack if not taken care of.

Now back to your question, “Is pyrex oven-safe?”. So yes, Pyrex is strong and safe enough to go into the oven.

But to be on the safe side, never use an empty Pyrex in the oven, and do not transfer the dishes from the oven straight to the fridge. This will cause thermal stress, and your glass will break.

Apart from that, never let the oven temperature exceed 425 degrees Fahrenheit.  

In the article above, we have told you how you can save your Pyrex from exploding, whether there is an alternative to Pyrex or not, and we have also tried to answer all queries related to Pyrex.

Do you have another question or confusion about your Pyrex? If so, then we are here to answer it, so ask away. Have safe cooking!

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.