Pyrex vs Anchor Hocking Glass Cookware: What’s the Difference?

Last Updated on July 21, 2024 by Lori Walker

Picking **trusted** and **durable** glass cookware usually boils down to Pyrex and Anchor Hocking as the top choices.

These two have long been the biggest names in the bakeware market, but how do their glass products compare?

As a passionate cook, I had the pleasure of using both brands and experiencing their remarkable qualities.

In this detailed comparison review of Pyrex vs Anchor Hocking, we’ll tackle several crucial factors to help you decide which brand is the more reliable choice.

Battle of the Brands: Anchor Hocking or Pyrex?

Pyrex and Anchor Hocking are popular glass kitchenware staples made from durable materials to withstand high heat.

Anchor Hocking bakeware was first established in 1905, while Pyrex was founded in 1915. Both formerly used borosilicate glass but presently use soda-lime glass to withstand being dropped.

Pyrex offers a variety of products, such as tempered food storage containers and food keepers. However, Anchor Hocking offers a broader selection of products.

Aside from what Pyrex has to offer, Anchor products like bottles, cake stands, platters, cups, and pantry organizers are widely available in the market.

Also, based on my experience, Pyrex glassware is more expensive than Anchor Hocking glassware. But how does All-Clad Differ from Cuisinart?

Comparison Table 

Criteria	Pyrex	Anchor Hocking
Origin	Founded in 1915 in Corning, NY	Founded in 1905 in Lancaster, OH
Material Quality	High-quality, durable glassware Lime-soda glass	Reliable and sturdy glass products Lime-soda glass
Affordability	Slightly more expensive	Expensive
Oven-Safe	Yes, up to 350 F	Yes, up to 425 F, but not all kitchenware
Selections	Wide range of products available	Extensive selection of glassware
Compatibility	Versatile for various uses	Versatile for different kitchen tasks

Main Differences 

History & Location

Pyrex brand was created in 1915 by a team of researchers as they launched their first line of bakeware, which includes loaf pans and pie plates [1].

Anchor Hocking brand was formerly known as Hocking Glass Company, and it was a product called Anchor Cap and Closure Corporation in 1937.

German Scientist Otto Schott made borosilicate glass in 1908 [2]. Pyrex started as Corning Glass Works, and the company invented “Nonex,” made of borosilicate glass in 1908.

It was only in 1913 when Bessie Littleton, wife of one of the Corning scientists, Jesse Littleton, requested her husband to bring home a Nonex glass for her to try out since her glass bakeware cracked while in the heating oven.

As a result, this led the company to venture into the cookware industry. In 1915, they became known as the Pyrex brand when they launched their first line of Pyrex glassware.

On the other hand, Anchor Hocking was established in Lancaster, Ohio [3], under the name Hocking Glass Company in 1905.

In 1937, the company merged with the Anchor Cap and Closure Corporation. The merged entity became known as Anchor Hocking Glass.

Assortment 

Pyrex may have the best-selling items, but Anchor Hocking has a broader selection of products.

Pyrex offers various cooking, baking, storage, and serving products, including baking dishes, cake pans, pie plates, cold packs, loaf pans, mixing bowls, measuring cups, food storage containers, and more.

In comparison, Anchor Hocking offers a wider variety of products than Pyrex. In addition, it also manufactures pantry organizers, water bottles, cups, food-grade glasses, measuring cups, platters, and cake stands.

Borosilicate Glass vs Soda Lime Glass 

Historically, both Pyrex and Anchor Hocking used borosilicate glass in the production of their glass containers and other products.

It is a material that can resist thermal shock or extreme temperature changes; the brands want kitchenware that does not break easily when accidentally dropped.

As of today, both brands use soda lime glass [4], which is far inferior to borosilicate and is more prone to shattering when exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes.

However, it is still durable and suitable for everyday use compared to plastic containers that leach chemicals.

Storage Set

I noticed that Pyrex offers more variety of storage sets than Anchor Hocking. However, Based on my experience, Pyrex is a bit pricier than Anchor Hocking.

Both storage sets come in different sizes and shapes, and their glassware is made with tempered glass, which makes them freezer, dishwasher, and oven-safe.

However, we must note that Pyrex containers are only recommended in the oven preheated up to 350 degrees F while Anchor Hocking containers can reach up to 425 degrees F.

In addition, if you are concerned with the capacity of container sets, Pyrex offers more selection.

Both bakewares include measure cups that are microwave-safe too.

Lids

Since I got storage containers from the two brands, I compared their plastic lids. The plastic lids of both brands are BPA-free and airtight.

I observed that some of the plastic lids from Pyrex containers could fit into Anchor Hocking glassware. However, I recommend buying replacement lids for the bowls to ensure they are airtight.

Properties 

Pyrex has established itself as a trusted brand with high-quality, durable glassware known for its excellent heat resistance and versatility.

“We are dedicated to rebuilding … Anchor Hocking. There is real value in the brands and their heritage.”

– Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, CEO

Both brands feature tempered glass, making their glassware dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe, which makes the kitchenware ideal for cooking.

Also, since the lids are made from BPA-free plastics, you don’t have to worry about the harmful chemicals they may contain when heated in the microwave oven.

Check out the differences between Calphalon and Cuisinart here.

Usability

Kitchenware items from both brands are beneficial because of the materials used to craft them.

Plastics wear down eventually, but glass kitchenware is built to last. Both brands come with tempered glass measuring cup sets, and while Pyrex gives a 2-year warranty, Anchor Hocking gives a 5-year warranty.

Also, Anchor Hocking cups are heavier, which may affect the usability but not to some extent.

Durability Test & Safety 

After conducting a series of durability tests and safety evaluations, it is evident that Pyrex outperforms Anchor Hocking regarding product quality and reliability.

Pyrex demonstrated superior resistance to thermal shock and proved to be more durable under various conditions, including extreme temperature changes.

Its heat-resistant soda-lime glass consistently maintained its integrity without cracks or breakage, especially in our drop test.

While Anchor Hocking exhibited decent durability, Pyrex’s long-standing reputation for exceptional product quality and safety makes it the better choice for those seeking reliable, long-lasting glassware.

Price Point

Pyrex tends to be slightly more expensive than Anchor Hocking.

While both brands fall within a moderate price range, Pyrex may have a slightly higher price point due to its long-standing reputation for high-quality, durable glassware.

“Two glassware legends, each with its own timeless charm.”

– Leonelli Bakery

However, the price difference between the two is minimal, making Pyrex a worthwhile investment for those seeking reliable, trusted kitchenware.

Do Pyrex & Anchor Share Similarities? 

Pyrex and Anchor Hocking use the same material for their glass bakeware and food storage products.

Their plastic containers are BPA-free, and their bakeware necessities and food containers are all dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer-safe.

Also Read: What’s The Key Differences Between A Dutch Oven & Stainless Steel Pot?

FAQs

Final Say

After careful testing and consideration, Pyrex emerges as the clear winner in the Pyrex vs Anchor Hocking showdown.

With its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and widespread popularity, Pyrex is a reliable and trusted brand.

Anchor Hocking is a good choice if affordability and wide selection are critical considerations. Their glassware is durable, versatile, and suitable for various kitchen tasks.

References:

1. https://www.foodandwine.com/lifestyle/kitchen/history-of-pyrex
2. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/how-pyrex-reinvented-glass-new-age-180955513/#
3. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-shattering-of-an-all-american-town/
4. https://www.britannica.com/technology/soda-lime-glass