More on Pyrex

[Big Daddy Audio]

What is the difference between Pyrex and Corningwear baking items?  I'm pretty sure they're both made by Corning in upstate NY.  The reason I ask is that I scored some lasagna pans (clear glass dishes) and two were Corningware and one was Pyrex.  No big deal either way.  I also scored a couple of the smaller squared off pans (yellow and green solids) one with a flat top with flutes (for strength, I would imagine).  Are these "refrigerator pans" or what have you?

Also - got some good use out of the pieces I thrifted over the last month or so during the holidays.  I know I should arrange them and photo them, but the digital camera is in the shop being cleaned and adjusted.

Just to tie up more loose ends - the picture is of me from Christmas Eve, still in my Santa make up, reading my vintage copy (from when I was a kid) of "The Night Before Christmas."

See you next time
Bye for now

[Jay2TheRescue]

What is the difference between Pyrex and Corningwear baking items?  I'm pretty sure they're both made by Corning in upstate NY.  The reason I ask is that I scored some lasagna pans (clear glass dishes) and two were Corningware and one was Pyrex.  No big deal either way.  I also scored a couple of the smaller squared off pans (yellow and green solids) one with a flat top with flutes (for strength, I would imagine).  Are these "refrigerator pans" or what have you?

Also - got some good use out of the pieces I thrifted over the last month or so during the holidays.  I know I should arrange them and photo them, but the digital camera is in the shop being cleaned and adjusted.

Just to tie up more loose ends - the picture is of me from Christmas Eve, still in my Santa make up, reading my vintage copy (from when I was a kid) of "The Night Before Christmas."

See you next time
Bye for now

Yes, Pyrex and Corning are from the same parent company.  Its kinda like the difference between a Buick and an Oldsmobile.  They are both GM cars, they both look very similar and you can even get them in the exact same colors.  The square pans you describe sound like refrigerator dishes. 

-Jay

[thunderthrift]

Hi Big Daddy Audio,

From what I have read, Corning may have designed many of the Corningware pieces to be used directly on a stovetop.  Generally, Pyrex is not designed to be used directly on a stovetop.  Look at the warnings stamped/decaled or in raised lettering on the products.

I would not use VINTAGE Corningware or Pyrex on a stovetop, but YMMV.  Personally, I treat vintage Corningware, Pyrex, Fireking, Glasbake, etc. as decorative pieces. 

[Jay2TheRescue]

Hi Big Daddy Audio,

From what I have read, Corning may have designed many of the Corningware pieces to be used directly on a stovetop.  Generally, Pyrex is not designed to be used directly on a stovetop.  Look at the warnings stamped/decaled or in raised lettering on the products.

I would not use VINTAGE Corningware or Pyrex on a stovetop, but YMMV.  Personally, I treat vintage Corningware, Pyrex, Fireking, Glasbake, etc. as decorative pieces. 

Pyrex did make some pieces for the stovetop.  The Visions sets from the 80's are a prime example.  The older Pyrex flameware had some pieces - teapots, coffeepots, saucepans, and even a double boiler that were made for stovetop.  These should only be used on a gas or smooth top electric range.  If your electric range has the coiled burners do not use flameware on it without a diffuser between the burner and the glass or it could crack.

-Jay

[Femme1]

Yesterday, at Goodwill, I found just a Pyrex lid. I bought it (probably overpriced as usual at Goodwill), and when I got home looked it up on the Pyrexlove site (http://www.pyrexlove.com/vintage-pyrex-pattern-guide/) and it's what they call the "Sol Flower" pattern. (Apparently no one knows the real name of this pattern, but that's what Pyrexlove calls it.) Perhaps rare...

So you pyrexers out there...is this a good find?  I'm thinking about doing an E-Bay thing and am starting to pick up some stuff for resale.

[valleythriftshopper]

So you pyrexers out there...is this a good find?  I'm thinking about doing an E-Bay thing and am starting to pick up some stuff for resale.

I am not a pyrex expert, but have been selling on Ebay for a few years.  I generally avoid pyrex unless it is something unusual or collectible (I did recently sell a pyrex percolator coffee pot, but I only paid a few dollars for a complete pot).  If you look at the completed listings for pyrex on Ebay (you have to register to do this) most of the casserole dishes, etc don't sell for much (maybe because it costs so much to ship?).  A rare item like the one you described might be worthwhile.  If you can't find any information about that pattern, you can always wait for the next listing sale on Ebay (they seem to have these often now) & put it up.  The other day they had a 10 cent listing sale which would make it worthwhile to put unknown items up for bid.

Also with pyrex you have to pack with bubble wrap & peanuts etc, which can be expensive if you don't have access to free ones.  Unless you can find collectible or rare pyrex pieces I would not spend much money on any for resale ($1 or $2 for a like new piece).  I love the thrifts & go just about everyday, but actually yard & estate sales are the biggest supplier of Ebay stuff for me.  You can find greater amounts of things at chaper prices.  Good Luck if you try to resell some of your stuff, you'll get better at it over time & start to recognize what stuff to avoid & what to buy.

One thing I should add is if you can figure out the clothing market on Ebay, you could potentially find alot at thrifts.  Clothing is a HUGE catagory & much of it doesn't sell well, but some people do quite well with it.  I have not had the patience to figure it out & I don't pour through the clothes at thrifts on most days. 

[Big Daddy Audio]

Thanks for the info - I'd not use the stuff on the stove top anyway.  As for keeping them for decorative pieces, that kind of flies in the face of why I thrift.  I like to find things that I can use; things that I can put into daily life.  We used the Pyrex as mixing bowls and serving bowls, and they've done brilliantly.

See you next time,
bye for now.

[SecondhandSophisticate]

I found another site for identifying Pyrex, all you Pyrex-aholics:

http://dragonfire1.50megs.com/Pyrex/pattern.htm

[Mattie]

A couple years ago I found a Pyrex Flameware double boiler with glass handles at a thrift.  Not being a Pyrexian at the time, I wasn't sure it was a good bargain at $2.95 but I bought it anyway.  I cooked pasta in the bottom half once just for the fun of watching the water boil through the glass.  (I have a gas stove, by the way!)  Now it sits on my stovetop looking pretty.  I found a Flameware coffeepot (missing an interior part, I think) for $4.98 so I bought that as a companion for the double boiler.  My recent Cinderella bowl score is my first non-clear Pyrex.  I'm being very cautious with this addiction; I know it could easily get out of control!   

[SecondhandSophisticate]

Hello Mattie, How are you doing?  Your flameware sounds groovy!  It must have been very meditative to watch the water boil (kinda like watching fish in an aquariam, maybe?)

What color is your Pyrex Cinderella?

[Mattie]

It was actually kinda nerve-wracking to watch the water boil - I kept waiting for the glass to explode!  But it was pretty, nonetheless.  I realized that a pot of hot water and pasta is HEAVY so glass isn't the best material for it.

I think I mentioned my Cinderella bowl on another thread but I'm not sure.  It's a four-quart pink bowl with the gooseberry pattern in white.  It's sweet.

[dewdrop_me_a_line]

Wowzer! I just went to the Pyrex site recommended, then on to eBay. Very interesting. I have a little refrigerator dish that stores our faux sugar packets. I better be more respectful of it dontcha' know. LOL! I am going to get a great education here.

Thanks so much! Hope I don't OCD here and lose my life. LOL!

dew

[SecondhandSophisticate]

It's not called OCD here re:  Pyrex, Dew.  It's called PYREXIA and we all have it to varying degrees. It's one of our bondings.  I came down with it seriously after joining this board, though, I must admit.

PYREXIA:  From the ancient tribal Pryexiana Rexus: to collect glass vessels that withstand heat, chips and cracks.  Fire=good.

SeSo

[Krisathome]

I have a mint flameware coffee pot and tea pot.  I don't like to use them though.  They were cheap enough, I think I paid $3 and $1.50 but I keep thinking I may get over this Pyrexia someday and want to sell them.   

Nah, in fact I saw a crazy daisy/spring blossom mixing bowl set yesterday I may have to go back and buy.  It wasn't marked and my dh was with me when I saw it.  Didn't think he would appreciate one (or 3) more pieces in the house. 

[Mattie]

Today I saw not one but TWO Flameware double boilers plus a complete Flameware coffeemaker, all with glass handles, at Thrift Town.  They were priced around $5.99 each.  I was tempted but talked myself out of it because 1) I already have one of those double boilers, 2) I don't drink coffee, 3) the double boilers were clear glass (the oldest versions, like mine, have a slight bluish tint) and 4) they were all heavily stained and would need more cleaning than I'd care to do.

Later I saw one of the double boilers in a woman's basket.  Good for her.  And good for me for resisting the call of Pyrexia...this time.