Can also be used for regular oven baking, roasting, and microwave too! Good leftover sizes. I see the dimensions are listed above. Perhaps the information was added sometime after the 2003 review.
The dimensions are listed above, under "Product Description" as follows:
3-cup: 3-in. d x 9.75-in. l x 7.75-in. w;
2.75-qt: 1.75-in. d x 7.5-in. l x 5.5-in. w;
1.5-qt: 2.5-in. d x 8.5-in. l x 6.5-in. w;
However, when I look closely at that dimensions list, there seems to be an error. It looks as if the dimensions for the 3-cup container and the 2.75-quart container got switched, transposed.
We were pleased to find that these containers can be used for some types of COOKING, not just for storage.
We like the convenience of containers that can be used for bakingor microwaving, and then covered and used to store any leftovers, without scooping into different containers.
These containers do not have handles on the sides, so they can be tricky to grasp with potholders when removing from a microwave or regular oven. On the other hand, the lack of handles does allow these rectangular containers to use space efficiently in the refrigerator.
The printed paper labels/inserts say these Pyrex glass containers are oven safe (in a regular oven, preheated), and microwave safe, freezer safe, and dishwasher safe. However, like most Pyrex, they are NOT broiler safe, and should not be used on stove-top burners. There is also a warning against use in a toaster oven.
The plastic lids should not be used in a regular oven, of course. I assume we should unseal and loosen the lid, before we put a container in the microwave.
The plastic lids go on easily, and fit OK, but are not perfectly tight. I think if I turned a container upside down, the contents would leak around the edges of the lid. I assume that if the lids are put in a dishwasher, they should only beon the top rack, if at all. When I looked at reviews for some other Pyrex storage containers, a few reviewers recommended hand washing plastic lids; they thought the lids might keep their shape better if hand washed.
We have not yet put these containers through dozens of uses, so I cannot yet say how durable they are. I will add a "comment" to this review in the future, if there are problems later on.
We have owned other Pyrex glassware for years. These containers seem just slightly thinner than the Pyrex "Storage Deluxe" containers which areextra thick.
To give you an idea of the expected durability of Pyrex: About 6 years ago, we bought Pyrex "Storage Deluxe" glass containers (with the vent tabs on the lids); they have endured years of frequent use with no chips. However, we eventually had to replace some of those vented plastic lids. We were able to buy replacement lids from the manufacturer's world kitchen web site and/or phone number; I assume that replacement lids for this non-vented type of storage container can also be obtained. We have heard that Pyrex outlet stores may also have the lids. We have not been able to find replacement lids on this site yet.
On the printed paper labels/inserts, there were lots of warnings, but the print seemed small (or am I just getting old and farsighted?).
The labels/inserts said: "Failure to follow these instructions can cause immediate or later breakage ..." I will mention some of the warnings and limitations here, so shoppers will know whether the limitations fit with how they plan to use the containers: "AVOID SEVERE HOT TO COLD TEMPERATURE CHANGES." "DO NOT add liquid to hot dish..." Hmmm, sounds like basting is out. The label advises: "Add a small amount of liquid to the dish prior to baking foods that release liquids while baking."
DO NOT "place hot dish ... in a sink, immerse in water or place on cold or wet surfaces." ... "Allow glass to cool before soaking."
More warnings: When using the container in the microwave, do not use a microwave "BROWNER", and "DO NOT use PYREX glassware items ... to hold or support popcorn bags, microwave convenience foods with special browning wrappers, etc."
For use in a regular oven, the label implies that we should PREHEAT the oven BEFORE putting a Pyrex glass container in the oven. I have heard that some ovens use extra high heat during the preheat step -- higher than any regular baking temperature, but I don't know that with certainty. I'm guessing that the exposure to extra high heat during preheating, could cause damage to Pyrex glassware.
These containers seem sized for leftovers. If used for cooking, they would not be big enough for making several servings.
The containers' side walls are sloped outward at a slight angle. Thus the length and width at the bottom are somewhat smaller than the length and width around the top edge.
I wish the measurements for length, width, depth were listed for ALL kitchen items available at Amazon.com. Yes, sometimes it is enough for me to know just the total capacity for a container, such as 3 cups. However, there are some foods that have specific dimensions; for example lasagna needs somewhat high side walls. Bulky leftover turkey pieces may not fit in some. And I know there are people out there have tiny ovens or refrigerators, and/or small cabinets for storing containers, with just enough space left vertically or horizontally for a specific size. I'm thinking of Manhattan kitchens, among others.
