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The company Corning Inc. introduced its heatproof range of glassware for kitchen use way back in 1915. Even today, most of us have a Pyrex dish or two in our kitchen cupboards and they are common in second-hand shops.
Some of the older types are considered “vintage” and fetch high prices at auctions as collectibles. So, don’t throw away that dish your grandmother gave you!
Pyrex can be used in the microwave, and in the conventional oven, and is dishwasher proof. You can even freeze food in it! Pyrex is your ultimate oven-to-table cookware.
However, Pyrex certainly isn’t indestructible and if it’s not cared for properly, both the lids and the bases can crack. After all, they are made of glass. Let’s have a look at why this would happen.
Why are My Pyrex Lids and Dishes Cracking?
There exist numerous reasons why your Pyrex lids start to crack, but if we talk about the most common reasons, then they are mentioned below.
1. Age Factor
You will not face issues related to your Pyrex lids cracking after many years of getting it.
But, if we are talking about Pyrex lids that are as old as the first decade of this century, then the only reason why your Pyrex lids are cracking is that they are now old enough to serve you.
If you are looking for a solution for your old cracking Pyrex lids, then the only solution is to get new Pyrex lids and nothing else.
2. Using the Dishwasher Incorrectly
Another reason why your Pyrex lids and dishes may crack is if you place them incorrectly in the dishwasher.
While Pyrex is theoretically dishwasher safe, it should not be placed directly above the heating element. There’s no need to wash the pieces by hand, just place them on the top shelf away from direct heat.
3. UV Exposure
Pyrex can also crack from UV exposure. You may be wondering how on earth this would happen.
It happens when people leave the dishes in their cars or on their patios where they get exposed to the sun’s direct rays.
4. Heat Shock
The last but most common reason for Pyrex lids and dishes to crack is heat shock.
Exposing the glass to extremes of temperature too quickly causes rapid, uneven expansion and contraction of the glass. This creates minute “fault lines”.
For this reason, do not microwave frozen meals in your Pyrex or subject it to high heat microwaving when it contains ice-cold ingredients.
Also, never place a hot Pyrex dish or lid onto a very cold surface such as putting a hot meal into the fridge. Rather allow it to cool down first.
Don’t put a frozen meal directly into the oven either.
Is It Possible to Obtain Spare Pyrex Lids Separately?
Some online stores or kitchenware shops sell plastic Pyrex lid replacements.
While these obviously cannot be used in the oven, they are very useful for covering your food. They come in a range of colors and sizes.
Conclusion
We hope this has shown you why Pyrex cracks and that you will use our tips to prevent this from happening. Who knows, maybe your Pyrex will be “vintage” one day and will sell for a fortune!