Duralex Glasses – Continued
This is a continuation of a discussion on Duralex Picardie Glasses begun on July 28th, 2005 (95 previous responses). Feel free to add further responses but please don't use this page to try to sell your own Duralex items. See also, in Design Classics, the Duralex Picardie Glass.
Duralex International France now has a website »
Thank you so much Patrick for providing this wonderful background on Duralex picardie. I just recently became interested in restocking my cupboard with Duralex picardie and realized it was next to impossible to find new glasses in USA.
Just a few days ago I had the unique experience of one of my old glasses "exploding" while being put away. I was thrilled to have the experience! Though, once is enough.
Thanks for the website resource for the Duralex company in France. I hope to study it further. I have several questions maybe you or someone out there can answer for me:
1) I notice some glasses have the Duralex stamp with a ring, mold # and Made in France on bottom. Others just have Duralex and Made in France stamped into the glass bottom. Are ones a newer version than the other? Is one considered more "vintage" or "classic" than the other?
2) What is Duralex Lutece? I came across this term in my research and wonder if this is just another style of Duralex (not a picardie), but I haven't been able to see what they look like.
3) I read the Duralex company line on their website saying they are up an running with one factory now, but rumors I still hear are they are bankrupt and will not be making the picardie anymore. What's your latest information? Is the picardie still being made?
Thanks for your interest and fun in this adventure…
John
I've never come across Duralex Lutece, but I do know that the Duralex company is still in business manufacturing tempered glassware at La Chapelle Saint-Mesmin, where they have invested in a new furnace this year. Their other factory at Rive-de-Gier was apparently closed down in 2006. Those furnaces were powered by electricity, which was not economic compared to the gas-fired furnaces at La Chapelle.
So Duralex is not bankrupt and the Picardie glass is still being made in France, despite any rumours to the contrary.
I have some glasses I am not using if anyone is interested. I was also recently given a set of mixing bowls of several sizes which nestled within one another. I was using the large bowl and it exploded out of nowhere, ruining about a quart of pesto. No microwave, heat or anything else. Just a boom, and glass and pesto everywhere.
One more thing. Contrary to statements here, the result of the explosion was not tiny "windshield" glass, but long shard. I think I'll stick with pyrex. Less elegant and chi chi perhaps, but seemingly safer and more practical.
I wouldn't be too sure about that. Maybe search Google, Yahoo! or MSN/Live for Pyrex explosion. The fact is, toughened glass is way tougher, and if it does break, it's safer, even with a few shards. I can well imagine the large bowl not fragmenting completely.
I came here because I recently read on an eBay auction discription that the Duralex factory had a fire and was closed. Is this recent news or misinformation?
Brad, I'd be interested in your glasses. I'm looking for the smaller Duralex picardie glasses 25cl (7.5oz.) and smaller with the circle "Duralex made in France" logo on the bottom – Used in good condition or better.
One of the Duralex factories (at Rive-de-Gier) was apparently closed during the autumn of 2006. Not, as far as I know, because of a fire but related to other issues. The other Duralex factory at La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin is still manufacturing glassware. Those eBay sellers may believe what they're writing, and of course it helps to sell the items, but it's not true.
I obtained my first Duralex glasses in Afghanistan in the early 1970s. They use them there as "tea glasses." I got hooked on the Duralex tea glasses and have used them every day since about 1972.
For many years got them in the states at an Indian grocery store in Queens, NY. I usually kept about a dozen in my cabinet for daily use. The Indian grocery has not carried the Duralex glasses for several years now.
My stock has now reduced to about six, due to breakage and loss. The specific glasses I have are marked with the "Duralex Made in France" logo on the bottom, and show mould number 20. They hold about 8.5 ounces.
I went to the new Duralex web site referenced above and looked through the catalog. Mine do not appear to be from the "Picardie" line, at least the sizes and capacity do not match up.
Would anyone know: Are the ones I have and marked as mould "20" from the Provence line of Duralex? If not can anyone provide me with the current order or model number for those marked with mould 20? Many thanks.
Hakim Chishti
Carlsbad, California
USA
Duralex purchashed as mentioned by sanjeev from Gifts by VishalDeep – 378 Romford Road, ForestGate London e7 – they are very cheap!
They sell the 22cl (7.5oz) Picardie glass at £2.25 for four, then they add £7.70 for shipping within the UK by Standard Parcels, making a total price of £9.95. So although they're quite cheap if you walk in and buy, they're not so cheap online.
For four of those glasses, Royal Mail would actually charge £3.85 for delivery by Standard Parcels – exactly half £7.70. Second Class Post would cost £2.30.
i actually purchased items from thier website, i havent purchased the duralex glasses, but a few other items and thier shipping rates are misleading, as the shipping rates that appear are only estimates, and not the actual cost. It cost me £5.40 for shipping for a roti maker, which i think is reasonable.
As stated above, please don't use this page to sell Duralex items.
For the last year I have been using a set of glasses marked… Palaks… Turkey… 35… (pasabache??) They are 8.5 Oz.
I am interested in buying more. The search has been unsuccessful except for this site. Can some one help me to locate a place to buy them or confirm that Durelex is the same quality and shape as Palaks.
Any information will be appreaciated.
Thank you, Len
I have 6 PALAKS Pasabache Turkey glasses all have different numbers on them, anyone interested?
Barbara, Len DeMarco might be. I'll get in touch with him.
Patrick,
Thank you for your response. I would appreciate more information from Barbara about her Palaks glasses (size, condition, cost, shipping).
I would also like to get a quote for Duralex 10 1/2 oz. Le Tom lists quantities of 1 to 5 sets. The price for the glasses themselves seems quite reasonable.
The shipping changes the whole price structure. Are there any savings on shipping to the U.S. when buying 1, 2, 3 or 4 sets?
Thank You.
Len
I have two PALAKS Pasabache Turkey glasses, #17. Where can I find more? VIRGINIA USA
I have a little PALAKS glass with the number 29, (no Turkey) Are they old snuff glasses? I'd like to know if they are lead glass. Does anyone know? It holds about 9 oz.
I had a set of 8 Duralex small prep bowls about 1 1/2 inches wide. One got broken over the holidays and I have not been able to find a source to replace it. Can anyone help?
Just purchased some original Duralex Picardie glasses, exactly like my old Williams Sonoma ones at World Market. They are on line as well, though I got my supply at one of their stores. They say 'Duralex Made in France' on the bottom and I am thrilled… have been looking for ages.
Trish, a timely purchase. According to France Info the company has gone into some sort of liquidation imposed by a commercial court. A buyer is being sought.
I bought some Palaks 32 glasses here in Holland.
I was wondering… is this the same type of glass as Duralex, I mean can I use boiled water direct into the glass, or is the temperture to high?
If they're tempered glass, like Duralex, then boiled water should be okay (at least Duralex says so), but it would be prudent to put a little cold water in the glass before pouring in the boiled water. But I don't know if Palaks glasses are tempered. If you try it with one, you'll know for the others.
Thanx Patrick, I tried with pouring boiled water directly into the glass… No problem!
Tempered glass:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tempered-glass.htm
Thank you for all the valuable information about Duralex, a brand of glass that I just discovered today. While on a mission of sorts to discover more information about a local ancient Native American tribe, I found out very little except that more modern American societies make stuff that doesn't break down in their many informal landfills. Tiny Duralex bowls are just one of those things that can survive many years of seasons of exposure to the elements. I have no idea how old this small nesting bowl might be, but today was definetely a learning experience for this girl. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
And for Leah, I might be able to help you out… My "find" sounds like what you are looking for. Same size, marked; Made in Duralex, 32 (degree), France. If that is it, write me at:
esuhr2002@yahoo.com
Hello,
Duralex is still alive
I have a few Palaks that I inherited, but not a complete set. I'd like six additional tumblers and 3 tall glasses. IKEA is carrying similar ones, but definitely not the same. I missed the answer about where to find more Palaks. Can you point me in the right direction?
Can someone translate the gist of the article Remi refers to?
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jc08UUutcJ8zFiIG-bHow5vVCVEg
I have lots of the duralex cobalt blue small bowls/serving bowl pieces with the rings around the top (assiette design maybe?) there's several lots on ebay at the moment – search under duralex.
I also have the light blue marine spot (coupelle?), small bowls. There's a current auction for 2 plates on ebay item number 7384715398 – auction title Marine de Duralex Assiette.
I bought all of my duralex at Target back in the late 90's.
3 of my marine spot bowls have broken (dropped hot out the dishwasher and crumbled) and I would love to find some replacements. As far as I can tell neither the cobalt or marine are in current production. Target carried the cobalt until a couple of years ago. Haven't seen the marine spot in many years though. I'm watching ebay in case they ever come up…
jobo, the gist of it is that Duralex has been saved by four French investors. There's a Google translation of the article into English at the bottom of this page »
having been told by french friends this summer that the duralex factory was on hold, i wondered how i can still go about buying my first provence and picardie glasses?
I'd hoped they'll be back in operation some time soon, now their future's been secured?
ah i see it helps to read previous comments – so will visit e-bay!
jobo, you can use babel fish on yahoo to translate passages or web sites
i just bought picardie duralex glasses at world market. (search "picardie" at worldmarket.com) they are carrying four sizes, and they seem to be genuine. the ones in my local store here in austin, texas were sold not in sets as shown on their webpage, but singly, and cost from $1.99-$3.25 each, depending on the size. they are marked "duralex, made in france" and some have the duralex diamond logo in the center. i found an ebay guide at http://reviews.ebay.com/ (search duralex) that says they have been available at world market since june of 2008. i just wanted to share this information here, since it seems to have the most comprehensive information on duralex on the web. thank you for all the info!
Duralex International France which has supplied many French communities and cafes with glassware was placed under court receivership with further activity by the Commercial Court of Orleans on April 26, 2008. You can read the full article at Le Tom.
A similar Duralex-like tempered glass which is break and chip-resistant glassware that is made of the same tough, premium quality crystal clear glass as the original Picardie glasses Picardie Bar is made from Fully Tempered Break-Resistant glass by Bormioli Rocco. This glass can be purchased at Village Kitchen.
Le Tom's article goes on to report that Duralex was saved from going bankrupt by four French entrepreneurs in July 2008 and is still in business. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the original Picardie glass is still being made.
i just wanted to say that i dont like these glasses because they while washing them ive had them explode and go all over my kitchen and also gotten cut so many times. in my experience and mind they are very dangerous and should be takin off the market
I am looking for the Duralex "tea" (tall) glassware. I have had my "tea" and "rocks" glasses for 27 years. They are the best. Unfortunately, my sister's poodle broke one of my "tea" glasses.
My glasses are marked Duralex (c) France 5 . They have vertical lines going down the glasses and a thicker line design meeting the vertical lines at various heights. . .
What would the name of this pattern be? I haven't seen anything on it.
Please advise. Thank you.
Phyllis Baron
I'm impressed by the in-depth discussion of this glassware. I have been trying to locate a source for the glasses manufactured by Pasahabce and identified with the name "Palaks" and the work "Turkey" (presumably the place of manufacture). The Pasahabce website does not have a glass identified as Palaks, but some of their products resemble the Palaks glass. Can anyone provide information on where to find these glasses?
I absolutely love my Palaks glasses. I received Duralex for my wedding 15 years ago and wanted to add to my collection. I had a hard time finding any. So when I ran across some Palaks glasses at my local Goodwill, I snatched them up because they resembled my Duralex, but are even more stylish. I bought all they had, but have been back four different times and have found more each time. Today I got 30 (10 each of 3 different sizes) for less than 10 bucks. Love good deals.
Hi
can anyone help i have a very large fruit bowl with france and duralex printed on the bottom along with a signed signiture cant quite make it out but it looks like erton?but cant be sure there are fruits and leaves on the sides of this clear and frosted bowl. Would appreciated any help.
Good news for fans of this glass. Apparently, Emile Henry has committed to a partnership that will make the classic Picardie drinking glass available once again in the US.
I was very suprised today when I walked into a Williams Sonoma store at Ala Moana mall here in Hawaii and there was a display of Duralex Picardie glasses! Even more suprising was they have 3.5 oz shot glasses avalible. I have 2 very old boxes of Picardie shot glasses I bought from France and Canada, and 2 single Indonesian knock offs of the same style from a Goodwill store but I have never seen any others for sale. Williams Sonoma never carried them before.
Now if they would just bring in some Gigioni and Provence. I hope they continue selling the Sienna line. Without the Picardie for so long I have grown fond of them
I noticed the Picardie glasses Williams Sonoma is selling have a very, very slight green tint to them, not like the perfectly clear glass that they used to be made from, but they still look great.
Just wanted to report that 3 of my Duralex Picardie (acquired from World Market about a year and a half ago) have exploded. One was sitting on the shelf. Two were being removed from the dishwasher. Very scary. Since I have kids around, I think I'll have to switch to something else.
Guess what? If any of you would like to buy some original Picardie med and med-large glasses, they are now being sold on the DWR.com website. I almost want to keep this to myself, for I thought I was the only crazy person that likes these glasses so much. Anyhow, my conscience got the best of me, so there you are.
Thanks. Good find.
Patrick, I've enjoyed reading your website. I had no idea there were so many people in love with Duralex. I have or should I say had 8 square bowls. They are about 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 1 3/4" deep. They say Duralex on one side of the bottom of the dish and the #24 opposite. I dropped 2 on my tile floor and they broke into a million pieces. They next into each other and I use them for everything. Have you ever seen anything like I have described? I really would love to replace them. I'd appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you, Joyce.
Joyce, the Duralex catalogue features some square bowls on the last few pages. Where you'd get them, I really don't know. You might try emailing Duralex. Good luck.
Patrick,
Thank you, those are exactly the bowls I'm looking for. I see now they have other sizes. I bought these bowls at a flea market about 4 years ago and paid $1 for 8 of them. I'll probably never find a buy like that again.
Joyce
Hi Patrick,
Golly, the DURALEX saga continues! I have been trying to find sources of the PROVENCE 8.75 oz. glasses for some time. Plenty of Picardie around, but I want the Provence (pg 21 in current Duralex catalog). Do you know how/where I can order from the DURALEX catalog? I thought they went into bankruptcy and closed the company, but apparently the line lives on?
Thanks for the greatest source on DURALEX in the world!
– HAKIM CHISHTI, CARLSBAD, CA USA
Patrick, I am interested in Pasabache glasses. I have found many at thirft stores. Is there a way of knowing that they are true Pasabache glassware. Some have a P on the bottom and a number and some say Pasabache.
Thank you.
Cathy Eldred WA. USA
I would like to know whether the Duralex products I bought in 1995 are microwaveable?
Have you ever had the problem of two Duralex glasses–one 6 and one 8 oz.–nesting in each other so snugly you can't get the smaller one out? We've tried pouring hot water over them and now they seem even more tightly sealed together. Any suggested strategies or approaches?
They do occasionally lock together (despite what I've written elsewhere). Brute force is perhaps the only answer – wearing gardening gloves of course.
Solved! I filled the inside glass with ice cubes and let it cool for a while. Then I ran hot water around the outside glass, while still holding the ice in the center. After a minute or so, I could gently insert a knife between the two glasses, and they separated.
Well done! Thanks for posting.
have 5 palaks turkey on bottom with #s boston,mass john
I'd really like to know where I can get the Marine Prism, why don't they sell these direct? I'm sure they would do well.
I, too, just had a Duralex glass explode. I had poured a drink into it — no significant temperature difference between the glass and contents, and was about to pick it up to take a drink. Luckily, I had not yet picked it up or raised it to my mouth, because I am sure that I would have been blinded. The explosion resulted in glass fragments (including sharp shards, not just small pieces), flying in about a ten foot radius. Perhaps these glasses don't break for "no reason," but in my opinion, the risks are not work taking the chance — this was a very scary experience. Also, if you are buying used glasses, how do you know how they have been treated? I cannot see drinking out of this type of glass again — and I certainly wouldn't recommend using "brute force" on them even with gardening gloves. If they break, they explode.
I had a glass explode yesterday. It had been sitting on the countertop, and I ran tap water into it to take a sip. Immediately after I had taken a drink and was moving it away from my mouth, the glass exploded with such force that glass (sharp and small pieces) shattered ten feet or so. Luckily, it did not cut my hand except in one small place. The glass had no cracks or chips and had been purchased at the store about 5 years prior. After cleaning up the glass, I proceeded to put the remainder of the glassware set in a box where it will go to the city recycling center. We do not want to use this glassware and have this happen again! Too dangerous! I will never buy this glassware again.
One of my picardie tumblers just exploded in my hand as I was taking out of the dishwasher. There is glass all over my kitchen!!! Why does this happen??? Scary!
Well, it's interesting that some would say "this is normal" "happens infinitesimally" "pyrex is worse" but only "small shards". I guess those of us who have broken glass all over our kitchens – something which has never happened to me in 54 years of using glass are just the crazy ones – well OK when my Duralex glass spontaneously exploded all over my kitchen – large shards and small pieces – I guess I'm just dreaming but I'll be dreaming without any Duralex glass in my cupboards from now on!
For those with the more recent explosion issues, were your glasses purchased recently and where did you get them? I'm wondering/concerned if there is a manufacturing issue, or if the quality we are getting here in the US via Duralex USA is worse than that in France. I really like these glasses and want to purchase, but I have a toddler and an infant and it would be horrible for one to explode in their presence.
Does anyone know if there has been a manufacturing or formula change to the glass making? With the company ownership changes my concern is that manufacturing process and quality control has been compromised. Seems that people who purchased their glasses many many years ago haven't (or rarely) experienced this shattering / exploding issue, as opposed to the many reviewers who purchased their glasses more recently and have had random exploding glasses. I love the glasses and would like to purchase a set, but I have two kids under 4. Even if they don't use them I'm concerned one could shatter in their presence. Thoughts anyone?
I doubt if the manufacturing process is any different today to what it always was, and as far as I know, Duralex glassware is all made in France. Breakages are very very rare. I've handled thousands of Duralex glasses and never seen one explode (except once or twice in the 1960s at school, when a pile of them would be dropped on a stone floor). They are made of toughened glass and thus have the characteristics of toughened glass – they're tough, compared to a normal glass.
When we lived in Iceland, Duralex glasses were very common. I like the ones with the diamond shapes, but don't know the name of that model. They used to show up in thrift stores in Canada, but I have only seen one Duralex that I recognized in the thrift store where I work now in the U.S.— a Picardie, the other common model used in Iceland.
Does anyone know the name of the glassware with the diamond shapes? I have looked quite a few places online.
I can't think which model you mean.
How can I post a picture of my Palaks glasses and how can I find out how old they are and how many glasses in a complete set?
I figured out how to post a picture and yes, they are microwave safe. Andres, I figured out how to get more at a discount. email me at sd_bolt@verizon.net and I can explaine the process. I am also interested in locating some Duralex glasses but I wanted to find some before the company was sold.
One of my Duralex cups exploded this morning out of no where.* It contained a bit of room temperature water and was just sitting on the table. Then, poof! Glass and little bits of water all over the room.
For the record, the one that exploded was produced after 2000. Perhaps there was a change in the way the glassware is produced? I had planned to purchase more prior to this morning. No more. 'Once bitten, twice shy.'
* This site is #1 for a "exploding duralex glass" search.
I like the idea of a simple glass discussed in such a thorough way on a website. I myself love these glasses, and am thinking of replacing all everyday glassware with Duralex (or the like). Including tea and coffee cups, wine glasses and mugs (I'm not a fan of mugs anyhow).
I've bought several different sizes in second-hand shops. One of them are a Palaks, like someone has mentioned above. And just yesterday I've found two sizes Bormioli (Italian made): one is a set of 6 shot glasses for $3.99, the other is also a set of 6 for $7.99 in a T.J. Max. They were cheap and serve their purpose all the same.
There's another type by Ikea called Pokal which I've just discovered online, they say it's dirt cheap like $2.99 for six (don't know which size).
So go ahead and experiment. I think everyone will be amazed and amused by these glasses just like me. Ejnoy!
I agree, especially as the piece in question is essentially a mass produced canteen glass designed many decades ago.
Yes, I have a question. I just purchased two Duralex (Made in France) # 17, glass coffee or teacups, with a metal cup holder. I can not find these glasses anywhere to see what they are called, or what province they are from … Any ideas? They are about 7oz cups? Any leads would help… Thank you.
I've used my Duralex glasses for 20 years and loved them. Today I was putting one in the dishwasher and it just exploded into small pieces and some large pieces in the dishwasher and kitchen area. I had to use tweezers to get all the pieces out of cracks in the dishwasher. I guess it doesn't matter if they're old or new they can explode. And that is an accurate description of what happens. I'm afraid to touch the rest so since they're so old they're going to be retired into the trash can. Tonight we used plastic ones!!
Hello,
I hope someone can help me. I recently had some tea at a resturant called Chocolate Budda in Melbourne. The tea was served in a Durlalex France glass cup and saucer with rims around the glass. I haven been searching endlessly to buy a set but can't seem to find any.
Martinne
it's not pasabache, the correct spelling is 'pa?abahçe'. i wish it'll help you
hello,
I bought my Palacks 7, 15, from our supermarket over a period of years as my partner likes them for wine glasses and likes the traditional style. We as a family use these glasses every day. I had one explode in my hand last month and one in the dishwasher today. I have three children and fear one may explode in their face so I think I will be replacing them as soon as possible. I do believe there is a flaw in the manufacture and I think they are dangerous after reading these posts even though mine are not Duralex.
These explosion stories are scary. I was going to get my mom a set for Christmas, but kind of doubt it now. Who would ever think glass would just self explode? It has to be how they make the "unbreakable" glass. I would be worrying about that every time I took a drink out of it.
I had two of my picardie glasses explode as I was unloading the dishwasher a while back. I foolishly decided to keep my set (I have the full 24 pieces) because I loved them so much. I had the same thing happen again yesterday. I was covered in glass shards when I barely touched two together as I was putting them away. The pieces flew all over my kitchen and throughout my dishwasher. I can't stop thinking about my children. They could have been blinded if they had been nearby. DON'T BUY THESE!
I was at Costco maybe a week ago and saw a set of 18 Picardie, 6 each of three sizes. I can't remember which sizes right now because I threw out the box, sorry…pretty much a large one, regular one, and decent sized small one–not the smallest available. And all for under $30…made me very happy since I had been eying the set available at WS
I can't understand why on earth anyone would purchase these! Are you all just ignoring the posts about exploding glass? My large duralex glass exploded in my hand sending bits of glass everywhere …… including my face, eyes and arms! It was painful, bloody and nearly blinding. I looked like I was beaten! I had bruising from the impact and had to have bits if glass removed from every exposed part of me! There should be a lawsuit!
We've handled tens of thousands of Duralex glasses without a single spontaneous breakage or any complaint whatsoever, and that includes a number of restaurants throughout the UK and USA. The previous discussion explains why they very occasionally break (or shatter). People purchase them because they are a design classic dating back to the 1930s and because they are safer and more durable than normal glassware.
I have been looking for Duralex Prisme glasses in the US. You can buy them from websites in the UK and Australia, but the shipping costs are very prohibitive. Has anyone seen any for sale in the US?
just retrives set of 6 palaks on the rock glasses #20.at goodwill for 59cents ea. ? was it a good buy.
I just had a duralex coffee cup exploded after making tea in a gazillion times. It was bought from William Sonomas as a boxed set. I never knew. What the heck? I poured, turned, explosion! Glass shards everywhere! Maybe I will stick with my Longaberger Mugs. They atleast retain heat because of the heft and they never explode. In fact I dropped one on my Mother in laws bricks on her porch and it chipped one corner.
just purchased 8 Palakas with an irridescent yellow coloring. about 6" tall, 3" across, heavy beautiful. Now I read about exlpoding…interesting. Is this color unusual? They are gorgeous glasses.
should have mentioned these were in second hand store. not purchased new.
I want to repurchase the Duralex Picardie's even with their explosive history since i have used them as everyday glasses for over 20 years without any problems BUT I noticed that their size has changed and I don't hear/read about anyone else with this issue. My 8.25 oz tumbler holds 11.75oz and the 12 oz glass holds 13.75oz. It is quite apparent that there was a major design change but I am not finding any info about it. I just went to order it from the Williams Sonoma website and the customer service rep agreed that there was a change and that these are a new size with a similar look. Anyone with any insight? I need to replenish my stock and would like to keep them all the same.
No. There's been no design change at Duralex (don't know about Williams Sonoma). The tumblers hold what is marked on the box. Imperial fluid oz though, not US, and measured to the brim. If you'd like to post the measurements of your tumblers (height, and width at brim) I can let you know what they hold.
I have been a Duralex picardie glass owner for twenty- five years and just recently bought my third set from William Sonoma. The color of the glass has changed. My old glasses, of which very few have broken over the years, were clear glass and the new ones look slightly thicker and with a definite slight green cast. I replaced these glasses primarily because of severe etching caused by extremely hard water. And yes, we have a water softener but the cold water line in the kitchen is hard. The hot water to the DW is soft.
Much to my dismay, I have seen two glasses explode just as explained by several posters, although not spontaneously. I dropped one glass about two inches onto a corning dish and it literally exploded into a thousand pieces, some sharp and tiny but most with dull edges. I have also experienced chipping from brushing one glass against another when putting them away. In all I have lost about 5 glasses in two months with no change in my dish washing habits other than the DW detergent used.
In 25 years of owning these glasses, I have never experienced such violent breakage or as much damage in such a short period of time. The color of the glass has definitely changed along with the thickness. I'm a designer so I notice small details. I am calling Williams Sonoma to report it and hopefully return them for a refund. It's pretty obvious to me that something about the manufacturing has changed.
Le Tom (my son's website but previously mine) has been selling Duralex glasses since 2007. I have some 'vintage' Duralex glasses of different sizes from 40 years ago and they are exactly the same as the brand new ones, of which we have sold thousands with not a single complaint about colour, thickness, breakages etc. They are precisely the same thickness, the same clear glass, the same everything as they have always been. Identical, in other words (I do not believe Duralex would alter their moulds).
So Liz, what you have found with your Williams Sonoma glasses is hard to understand although I have no reason to doubt your observations.
Just inherited 4 Duralex single serving coffee brewers. Anyone have information about these. They have a handled metal base that holds the glass, a 3-piece metal brewer, a small metal creamer, and hold 6 oz. rather than 8 oz. Thanks.
Just wanted to alert people that I was using an old medium sized Duralex bowl to mix some dressing when it suddenly exploded in my hand. There was no thermal shock or other possible explanation. It exploded with a loud bang and shattered into thousands of pieces, with tiny slithers covering my clothes and a shard cutting one of my toes as I was wearing open sandals. I threw my sandals away because they were covered in glass. It was a really shocking experience and I am just so grateful my two young children had left the kitchen a few seconds before this incidence.
I am also very lucky I was not looking into the bowl as I could have been blinded. Until this happened to me last week on the 14th February 2013 I had never heard of such a thing. Since this happened, I have thrown away all my Duralex bowls and Pyrex. I can't believe such products are allowed to be sold that are potentially so incredibly dangerous without any warnings.
I have been using Williams Sonoma Picardie Tumblers for nearly 20 years. I never experienced unusual breaking problems, they were always wonderfully durable and chip resistant. A year or so ago I was in Costco and they were selling sets of my beloved Picardie Tumblers and I bought 5 of them ( 3 given as gifts). Since then we have had several glasses chip and have had at least 3 totally random explosions. Just 30 minutes ago a glass was sitting on our counter, empty and undisturbed, and it exploded all over our kitchen. My children were there. This also happened on Thanksgiving after we set our beautiful feast we bright water glasses over and one exploded in my son's hand and all over our food and kitchen. Today these leave my kitchen. There is something very different about the new Picardie Tumblers. They cost half of what they used to and there is probably something to that. I'm 100% fine with these glasses, which is sad because I have loved them and faithfully used them all of my adult life.
Lesser of two evils here. A potential fluke exploding glass piece…or eat lead every day at every meal on ceramic-ware. I'll take the very remote chance of an 'exploding' piece. Lead ingestion, on the other hand, is a 100% chance of occurrence.