A while ago, I was baking blueberry muffins and adding milk to the batter like I always do with my new 1 cup Pyrex measuring cup. The recipe calls for me to alternately add milk and flour into the mixer, but every time I added milk, it would spill. It was the weirdest thing because I've always used the 1 cup Pyrex to do this and never had a problem. Then I remembered.
I compared the two measuring cups and instantly saw that the spout was different.
When I looked at the lettering on the cups, I noticed that the newer Pyrex I'd bought at Longs (CVS) was made in China. The older cup was made in the USA.
I decided to look up what had happened. I wondered if Pyrex was now outsourcing its products so it can be made more cheaply.
This is what I discovered from this Chameleon Glass website.
..."Back in the day, Pyrex meant Borosilicate...but, Pyrex ain't Pyrex anymore. We no longer refer to it as Pyrex, because Pyrex is a brand name. A brand that is now manufactured in China, who in an ongoing and well documented pattern, have completely cheapened the actual physical product, but continue to use the brand name Pyrex to fool the average American consumer into thinking they are getting the product that used to be synonymous with strength..."
Apparently Pyrex is now being made with generic soda-lime silicate which is far weaker and easier to break.
So it's not just the design of the cups that is inferior, but the material it's made from.
I just poured the milk into the measuring cup made in the USA and used it to pour into the mixer like before without spilling.
This is so aggravating! I guess I shall be avoiding Pyrex (Made in China) from now on.
Sigh...
Wow--an interesting investigation on your part Kay, I'm just sorry you got rooked. But thank you for the heads-up, good to know! C'MON CHINA, knock this kind of crap off!! 😤
ReplyDeleteI bought two new ones recently. I need to check out where they were made.
ReplyDeleteI checked the ones I purchased recently and they have the Pyrex trademark and Made in USA printed on them too.
DeleteWhodathunkit?
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid as much as possible that is made outside of the United States. But it is nearly impossible to do so completely.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay, that is such a bummer as I have some older Pyrex measuring cups with good spouts. I have not been able to find them over the past year or two and wondered what happened (2-cup measure with an open handle that pours neatly). The Anchor Hocking have the same dibbly spout that does not pour neatly. AH has also copied the 2-cup open/handle that Pyrex had. Picked one up by mistake thinking I had FOUND IT. Nope.
ReplyDeleteI did happen upon a 4-cup Pyrex about 5-6 years ago. Good shape and spout. Its also handy for cooking oatmeal in the microwave (keep an eye on it, different microwaves and cereal/water ratios can create little lava makers !)
Its disappointing when a reliable product is altered and not for the best of the consumer.
I do have an 8-cup Anchor Hocking clear batter-bowl that might be 8-10 years. It does have a good well-formed spout. I used it the other day to measure pureed fruit for sorbet. The puree is thicker than water, but it did pour neatly into the larger mixing bowl.
For the dibbly spouts, I just pour off the side if I think I can get away with it, or just use it for dry ingredients, like packing brown sugar.
M in NC
I just looked in the cupboard and found that the Pyrex I have on hand is USA. The most recent has a printed decal. It is not molded into the glass.
DeleteI also have an BakeKing with a miniscule spout that makes a mess. I use it for large mug when I make hot tea in the winter. I have a 2 cup Pyrex that has been through the dishwasher so many times it has lost its markings. no worries, it makes a good mug too.
I am curious why they changed the shape of the spout? Easier to make (its molded glass), more compact for shipping, less chance of a break or chip? Whatever the reason, it does not improve the product.
M in NC
Drum Major Linda just mentioned Anchor Hocking too. I don't think I have any Anchor Hocking. Next time I see a garage sale, I'm going to have to stop by and see if they have older Pyrex.
DeleteYou made me look. My Pyrex is made in USA--probably old and my Anchor is made in Ohio. Both spouts are about the same.
ReplyDeleteSad when a well known brand however is cheapened.
I thought I was just getting old and clumsy when pouring. (I steep 2 separate cups of tea in the morning, pour them into a 2-cup Anchor Hocking cup, then into my plastic bottle for work, all in an attempt not to spill the tea.) At the end of the pour, it sometimes get sloppy. My 3 glass measuring cups aren't from China. I AM just getting old and clumsy.
ReplyDeleteAt my previous home patient's house, his feet in the wheelchair accidentally knocked over the glass cup I used for medications and it broke. I was a bit surprised. Bet it was a cheaper China-made cup. I replaced it with an Anchor Hocking one.
My old Pyrex 13x9" casserole dish fell from one shelf to another (in a tight corner cabinet.) I was surprised it shattered. The handles and shape of the newer 13x9" dishes are different. Protect your Pyrex!
Interesting research. Thanks for letting us know! You have a job waiting for you at Consumer Reports! Linda in Kansas
This makes me want to go to garage sales again. I shall have to look in Anchor Hocking.
DeleteKay, I too went to check my measuring cups (1 cup, 2 cup, and 4 cup) - all Pyrex and made in the USA. I also checked on the different size Pyrex bowls I use for everything... also made in USA. So far none made in China (but then most of my stuff is not new).
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the inferior cup from China. But, my furniture was made in China (bedroom and living room). Very well made and durable. Gigi-Hawaii
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you looked in a thrift store if you would find an older, American made cup?
ReplyDeleteAll of my baking stuff is old so it's probably OK. I find that much of the newer products are cheap/flimsy, no matter where they're made.
ReplyDeleteGood to know this important information. I'll be going to the thrift store for a replacement for mine, if I break it. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, that's not good. I have old ones but I will have to check on a newer one I bought not long ago.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am hanging on to my old Pyrex forever now! Thanks Kay.
ReplyDeleteYes this has been going on for some time! Many people try to collect the old Pyrex. I'm glad you have one dear
ReplyDeleteI am cautious about buying newer Pyrex. I heard that the made in China ones can explode if taking it from the refrigerator and then heating it up in the microwave. They should not be allowed to use the name "Pyrex", imo. Buyer beware!
ReplyDeleteFortuantely my Pyrex is really old and I have lots of it. How disappointing. I got new 4 cup coffee maker about two years ago and the pour spout on the pot really dribbles, made in China, it has the same funny shape. And it's made in China. I should have kept the old pot, who knew?
ReplyDeleteOutsourcing stinks. I once broke a succession of Singer sewing machine needles. Finally I took one and broke it with my fingers. I immediately emailed the Singer plant in Kentucky. The quality control manager replicated my experiment and "stormed" into purchasing with a handful of needles to break for their benefit. Turned out purchasing had switched sourcing to Brazil, from Germany. It was sourced back to Germany and I had a lovely email from the head of the German plant for interceding on their behalf.
ReplyDeleteThat is just so cool, Joanne! I just love that the German plant person acknowledged your efforts.
DeleteSadly we will have to avoid many poorly made products from China. I don't like buying tinned food.
ReplyDeleteMy old Pyrex is battered, but I take care of even the chips. Good to see you. Theree is a CR article on this new glass.
ReplyDeleteI think manufacturers have messed with us all, outsourcing hasn't worked well for any of us. Good research. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that you followed through on this!! Good for you and now I realized I have to pay even more attention to stuff I purchase!!
ReplyDeleteThat's sad 😔
ReplyDeleteI did not know about the spout difference but if you google exploding Pyrex I think you will be surprised and not in a good way.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to check mine too! Thanks for the heads up Kay, 👍❤️
ReplyDeleteI am not at all surprised.
ReplyDelete