Pyrex Explosions: The Fall of a Kitchen Icon?
2025-03-28
Since 1915, Pyrex glassware has been a kitchen staple. However, in recent years, numerous reports of Pyrex cookware exploding under heat have surfaced. Investigations reveal a shift in the 1950s to cheaper soda-lime glass from the original heat-resistant borosilicate glass. While tempered, soda-lime glass is far less resistant to thermal shock, making it prone to shattering. Although Pyrex's parent company claims explosions are rare and due to misuse, consumers and experts question this, citing insufficient risk communication. A class-action lawsuit is underway, and consumers are seeking out reliable borosilicate glass alternatives. The incident highlights the importance of material science in everyday products.