Vintage Pyrex 101: A Guide to Pyrex (2024)

You can’t hang around estate sales for very long without eventually running into a piece of Pyrex; for example,a vintage Gooseberry 473 (if you want to get technical). While estate sales aren’t the only places to find vintage Pyrex, they’re a pretty good wayto start your search, especially as the Baby Boomers beginto let go of their collections. You can often find better deals at an estate sale than you’ll find online.

Why Vintage Pyrex?

Why not? Part of Pyrex’s popularity is due to the nostalgia factor. Many collectors love Pyrex simply because it reminds them of childhood. Pyrex lover Sylvia Schanchesays she inherited pieces from her mother and grandmotherand likes using piecesshe remembers as a kid growing up in the 60s and 70s. Her vintage Pyrexcollection is spread outall over her housebecause she incorporates her pieces into daily use (known to insiders as“Pyrex in action”).

On the other end of the Pyrex-collectingspectrum is a young, twenty-something Pyrex enthusiastwho calls herself PyrexHellcat. PyrexHellcat says she got into the hobby by way of the whole 1950s-musclecar-pinup scene. Her Pyrexcollection is just for show, and she changes her displays with the seasons. For her, Pyrex is a way of expressing her uniquestyle.

For still others, the fun of Pyrex is in the thrill of the hunt. (Vintage Jadeite and Fire King have similar followings). Pyrex aficionadoAshley Jennettesaid she felt a special thrill whenever she walked into a thrift shop and saw a piece of Pyrex “in the wild.”

One thing’s certain: whether you’ve been collecting Pyrex for years or are new to the game, you’ll find that (like anything midcentury modern), the demand outweighs the supply. This sudden surge in popularity makes some Pyrex collectors wary. They don’t want demand drivingthe value of Pyrex up. (Collectors, whether they’re intoPyrex or Star Wars collectibles, are a lot like hipsters: territorial over their “thing,” whatever it is,and always in search of that next cool piece to add to their collection. . .the more obscure the better).

But don’t let the rabidPyrex junkiesscare you off from this throwbackhobby. Pyrex hunting and collecting is fun and easy, if you know what to look out for. But first– the facts.

What Is Pyrex?

Pyrex was originally made out of borosilicate glass, which was created to use in science labs because it didn’t expand or contract withheat. In 1915, the glass was sold to Corning Glassware and branded under the new name “Pyrex” which was then used to create all sorts of kitchenware. It’s been popular ever since,even afterthe1998switch from borosilicate to the cheaper and even more thermal resistanttempered glass.

Pyrex Colors

But the colored vintage Pyrex bowls, which debuted in 1947 and lasted well into the 1980s are what collectors go crazy over. These are the sets comprised of colored andopal dishes featuring silkscreened decorative patterns that your grandmother might have used, and they come in variousvessels: casserole dishes, space savers, chip ‘n dip sets, nesting mixing bowls, refrigerator sets that include square-shaped stackable containers called “fridgies,” and more.And don’t forget the famous Cinderella bowls, which feature a spout on either side for easierpouring. Patterned Pyrex alsocame in other kitchen “compatibles,”like butter dishes, carafes, coffee and tea cups, and even dishes.

Pyrex Patterns

While everyone has their favorite Pyrex pattern, the rarer patterns are in higher demand for obvious reasons. Pyrex patterns are classified as Standard or Promotional. Standard patterns were manufactured for at least two years, while promo patterns were only featured on a limited number of pieces for a limited time. As you can imagine, promotional Pyrex patterns can be quite expensive. In fact, the Pyrex pattern that’s the most in demand can go for upwards of $4,000 and is called Lucky in Love. If you ever find one of these pieces, you’ll be lucky indeed.

But even if you don’t find Lucky in Love, you can still luck out withseveral other Pyrex patterns at estate sales, Etsy, online, and more.Scroll through our Pyrex Pattern Timeline to find your favorite.

*Promotional Pyrex patterns are marked with an asterisk.