Pyrex and Anchor Hocking Exploding

Very scary. This cookware is used extensively in the kitchen for assorted cooking tasks. Now considered by some to be a possible danger.

This morning I read the article in “Consumer Reports” about the Pyrex and Anchor Hocking glassware exploding into shards. I have been using these products since the 70’s. I no longer own those products, I have the newer versions purchased in the 90’s.  I have the loaf pans, 2 13 X 9  pans, 8 inch square pans, mixing bowls and measuring cups. My pie plates are even Pyrex/Anchor Hocking I melt butter, chocolate and heat cream in the microwave and have never had a problem. I use these pans for lasagna and assorted casseroles and all kinds of other baking. I use measuring cups and mixing bowls daily. For the past few years though, I’ve heard rumblings of these vessels exploding when being taken out of the oven and placed on top of oven, people basting meats or checking doneness of food without ever abusing the cookware.  The last time I purchased these products were in the 90’s, but I believe the  glass composition they began to use during 70’s and 80’s is called soda lime glass. Before this the bakeware was made of borosilicate which is more expensive than the soda lime glass. As you can read if you click the above photo, the stories have ranged from injuries related to glass pieces being flung all over hitting people in proximity to the exploding vessels to burns from hot food flying.  There have been reportedly many law suits which have been settled. The settlements include sealed records and having the consumers not discuss the incident. Also reportedly Pyrex and Anchor Hocking continue to insist their product is safe.

I won’t lie, I hate the above information. I use these products regularly and it would be expensive to replace all of these pieces.  I don’t want to use metal or plastic measuring cups. I love my glass pie dishes.

Company Statements

Click here for company statement

Here is Anchor Hocking’s statement on the safety of their products: http://www.anchorhocking.com/Bakeware_Facts.html

Pyrex Statement about the safety of their product

Here is Pyrex’s statement: http://www.pyrexware.com/index.asp?pageId=30