name: Pyrex
summary: Iconic glass bakeware brand owned by Corelle Brands (formerly Corning, now Instant Brands), with borosilicate glass that defined home baking for over a century.
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Iconic glass bakeware brand owned by Corelle Brands (formerly Corning, now Instant Brands), with borosilicate glass that defined home baking for over a century.
1915: Corning introduces Pyrex borosilicate glass (originally for railroad lanterns). 1919: First Pyrex baking dishes. 1950s: Becomes American kitchen staple. 1998: Corning splits consumer products into World Kitchen. 2000s: US Pyrex switches from borosilicate to soda-lime glass. 2010s: Corelle Brands acquires World Kitchen. 2023: Instant Brands (Pyrex owner) files bankruptcy. 2024: Brand sold to new owner.
Glass bakeware (measuring cups, baking dishes, storage containers), mixing bowls, and food storage. The brand has a fascinating split: Pyrex International (sold by Arc International) still uses original borosilicate glass, while US Pyrex (Instant Brands/Corelle) uses tempered soda-lime glass. Both markets coexist with different quality perceptions.
Century of brand recognition. Pyrex is the generic term for glass bakeware in many countries. The measuring cup design is in the Smithsonian. Despite ownership chaos, brand recognition remains near-universal in American kitchens.
Part of Instant Brands portfolio (approximately $1B total revenue before bankruptcy). Sold in 40+ countries. The original Pyrex measuring cup design has not changed since 1919.