what i'm collecting: refrigeratorware
In the days before everything was made of plastic (i.e. the 1930′s), when “ice-boxes” were still a new idea, a type of glass storage was created that was amazingly practical and modernly chic. Called “refrigeratorware” or “refrigerator jars,” these colorful, lidded glass containers were popular through to the 1960′s. Usually they have the manufacturer stamp on the lid (this one is from Pyrex) and pop up often in vintage stores and on eBay. I like to use this one to reheat leftovers — it goes right from the fridge to the oven. Can’t do that with Tupperware, now can you? — Angela M.
I love refrigeratorware. I have a ton of it and have pretty much phased plastic out of my kitchen. I swear the leftovers taste better coming out of glass.
You can’t do that with Tupperware, but you should be careful doing that with refridgerator ware too. The sudden change from the cold fridge to the hot oven and cause it to crack. Not a pretty site, believe me. I always let it warm up for a couple minutes on the counter before popping it in the oven.
I love this stuff! I can often find it at thrift stores as well.
I used to work at a Restoration Hardware in college (we’re talking six years ago now…) and they used to carry the glass refrigeratorware from Pyrex in their Kitchen department? (God, anyone remember the Kitchen department RH used to have? It was amazing. They had adorable metal Bread boxes too…) Anyway. I loved those… I agree julielion: leftovers DO taste better out of glass! Pity Resto doesn’t carry them anymore.
[...] Therapy had a nice little post on what designers collect. Angela collects antlers and refrigeratorware. I’ve developed a thing for vintage Pyrex. (Somehow I’ve just noticed the amazing site [...]