Pyrex has earned its place as a kitchen staple thanks to its versatility. The same dish can be used to prepare ingredients, bake meals, store leftovers, and reheat food, making it a practical all-in-one solution. Although Pyrex is known for its durability, it is still made of glass and must be handled with care.

One of the greatest risks is thermal shock, which happens when glass is exposed to a sudden, extreme change in temperature. For instance, placing a cold Pyrex dish straight from the refrigerator into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven can cause uneven stress in the glass, increasing the risk of cracking or shattering. To help prevent this, let refrigerated dishes reach room temperature before baking, or place the dish in a cold oven and allow it to heat gradually as the oven warms.

Taking a Pyrex dish directly from the freezer to a hot oven is even more dangerous. Whether made from older borosilicate glass or the tempered soda-lime glass used in many modern Pyrex products, no glass is completely resistant to rapid temperature changes. Whenever possible, thaw frozen food first or transfer it to another oven-safe baking dish.

It’s also important to avoid setting hot Pyrex on cold or wet surfaces, pouring cold liquid into a hot dish, or exposing it to any sudden temperature changes, as these can weaken the glass over time.

With proper care, Pyrex can last for decades. Treat it as durable glass—not an unbreakable product—and by avoiding rapid temperature changes, you can safely use it for baking, cooking, storing, and reheating meals for years to come.