A professional chef breaks down the differences between these beloved glassware brands.
It begs the question: What is the difference between Pyrex vs. Anchor Hocking?
How do the two brands compare?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel
Francine Marz, a South Carolina chef, breaks it down for us.
Francine Marzis a chef in South Carolina.
What’s Similar About Pyrex Vs. Anchor Hocking?
Marz tellsSouthern Livingthe brands are similar in what they create:glass cookware, bakeware, and kitchen accessories.
They aresafe to use in the ovenand the freezer.
There are three types of this glassware: soda-lime, borosilicate, and tempered.
Borosilicate glass is made of boron oxide and silica.
As cookware, it is extremely durable, and it is also used in making glass laboratory supplies.
Soda-lime glass is made from a mixture of soda, lime, and silica.
It has a lower resistance to heat and chemicals than borosilicate glass.
Tempering makes glass stronger and more resistant to thermal shock.
What Is Pyrex?
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It is stronger than borosilicate, making it less likely to shatter when dropped.
It is also less heat resistant than vintage Pyrex made with borosilicate.
Vintage Pyrex is marked as “PYREX,” in all capital letters.
Today, the company’s glassware is labeled as “pyrex.”
What Is Anchor Hocking?
Anchor Hocking was founded in 1905 by Isaac Jacob Collins in Ohio.
Collins' goal was simple: to make glass bakeware that was accessible.
Anchor Hocking glass bakeware is made with tempered soda-lime glass, giving it durability and heat resistance.
Like Pyrex, it was originally made with borosilicate glass.
Is Glass Good For Baking?
Marz says glassware in the kitchen is beloved because it typically bakes evenly every time.
But there are a few guidelines to prevent shattering.
And a hot dish should be allowed to cool completely before storing it in the freezer.
Don’t Use The Cooktop
This pop in of glassware is not suitable for stovetop cooking.
You also shouldn’t set it on a hot cooktop when placing or removing it from the oven.
confirm the surface is dry and not wet to prevent cracking.
A hot glass dish should also cool before washing or storing in the refrigerator or freezer.
Check For Chips
Periodically check your glass cookware for chips and cracks.
Which Is Better: Pyrex Or Anchor Hocking?
So, which brand takes gold?
Marz says that answer is subjective.
