In addition to being less likely to break if dropped, tempered soda-lime glass is also more environmentally friendly to manufacture than borosilicate glass.  (BestReviews)

Every home cook needs a casserole dish. This versatile bakeware is a must-have for preparing everything from roasts to mac and cheese to namesake casseroles. Of the different options available, a Pyrex casserole dish is an excellent choice.

Pyrex casserole dishes can be used in the microwave, freezer, refrigerator and preheated oven, and come in different shapes and sizes. If you need one for preparing meals for a group, the Pyrex Easy Grab 3-Quart Baking Dish can hold ample amounts of food and comes with a BPA-free snap-on lid for storing leftovers.

If you cook, at some point in your life you’ve probably used Pyrex products. Recognized for their transparent construction, they were introduced by the Corning Inc. company in 1915. Pyrex pieces were originally crafted of borosilicate glass that’s known for its durable structure that resists thermal shock that leads to breakage with rapid temperature changes.

In the late 1980s, the material used in the manufacturing process was shifted to tempered soda-lime glass, which is less likely to shatter if bumped or dropped. Although the material isn’t as resistant to thermal shock as borosilicate glass, it’s still safe to place in a preheated oven.

Today, you'll find numerous kitchenware products made of Pyrex, including glass bowls, pie pans, storage containers, measuring cups and casserole dishes in a variety of sizes.

When you consider the benefits of Pyrex, it’s no wonder it’s been popular for more than 100 years.

Just because modern Pyrex is made of tempered soda-lime glass that isn’t as resistant to thermal shock as vintage borosilicate pieces, that doesn’t mean you can’t use a Pyrex casserole dish for numerous cooking purposes. Following a few safety precautions will ensure that the bakeware stays in one piece.

Preheat your oven. Allowing a piece of Pyrex to heat up with an oven can cause it to break. Warming your oven up to the appropriate cooking temperature will produce even heat that reduces the likelihood of thermal shock.

Avoid extreme temperature changes. Never put a hot Pyrex casserole dish in the refrigerator or freezer until it cools down. Likewise, don't put a frozen or cold dish directly in the oven or microwave — allow it to warm to room temperature first.

Wash with care. Don't place a hot or cold Pyrex casserole dish in the dishwasher.

Avoid stovetop burners. Pyrex pieces are not designed to be placed on direct intense heat sources.

Follow directions. Always read and follow the usage instructions that are included with Pyrex pieces.

Handle with care. Even though tempered soda-lime glass Pyrex is strong, it can still shatter if exposed to extreme force.

Most Pyrex casserole dishes are rectangular, which is a popular shape that’s suitable for preparing large portions. Square, round and oval dishes are also available.

Pyrex casserole dishes come in a variety of sizes. As a rule of thumb, 9 inches by 13 inches is the most practical size for baking meal-sized portions. Larger options are available and are ideal for party-size portions. Smaller dishes are best for small meals and sides.

There are two types of Pyrex casserole dish lids. Glass lids are made of the same tempered soda-lime glass and can be placed in a preheated oven. Plastic lids that are made to cover food for transport or storage in the fridge come with some dishes but cannot be placed in the oven. Some basic casserole dishes do come with lids.

Pyrex casserole dishes have side handles. Some are small and not very easy to hold onto, but the brand’s Easy Grab models solve this problem with wide, loop-design handles.

Pyrex casserole dishes are affordable and range from $15-$30 for a single dish.

A. The smooth surface of a Pyrex dish makes cleanup quite simple. Coating it with a bit of butter, vegetable oil or cooking spray will help tough foods slide off easily. What's more, the fact that Pyrex is dishwasher-safe helps when mealtime is over.

A. It's a good idea to add a small and large casserole dish to your cooking collection. Having cookware and bakeware in a variety of sizes always adds convenience in the kitchen. Keeping a small and large casserole dish on hand means you can prepare the main course and side dish at once. Additionally, you may not always need to prepare large portions, which is when a smaller dish will come in handy.

A. Yes, both terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same type of bakeware.

Pyrex Easy Grab 3-Quart Baking Dish: available at Macy’s and Kohl’s

Our take: If you are looking for a generous casserole dish for preparing meals for a large household, this model won't disappoint you.

What we like: This casserole dish holds three quarts of food and has a practical rectangular shape. It features a lid for food storage and large, useful handles that are easy to hold.

What we dislike: The lid is made of plastic, so it's not oven-safe and is only intended to cover food in the fridge.

Pyrex Easy Grab 2-Quart Casserole Dish with Glass Lid: available at Amazon 

Our take: This feature-packed dish is both practical and affordable, and will easily become a go-to favorite when it comes to meal-prep time.

What we like: We like that this rectangular casserole dish has a glass lid that can go with it in a preheated oven. The lid and dish both have handles that make the dish easy to work with when cooking, serving and storing food.

What we dislike: The capacity of this dish is two quarts, which is practical but not ideal for preparing large meals.

Pyrex 4.8-Quart Oblong Baking Dish: available at Amazon and Macy’s

Our take: Although it's worth considering if you need an extra large casserole dish, this model doesn't have as many features as others by the brand.

What we like: With a 4.8-quart capacity, this rectangular casserole dish is ideal for preparing enough food for a group with leftovers to spare.

What we dislike: This dish doesn't come with a lid, and the handles are small and difficult to grip.

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Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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