Kitchen Tools: When to Save, When to Splurge

Pie Plates

There's a reason Pyrex—the tempered glass that can withstand temperatures up to at least 500 degrees—has been around for more than 90 years. It conducts heat evenly for consistent results, and its clear surface means you can make sure your crust isn't burning on the bottom. It's hard to beat the $5 price tag too, especially when colored ceramic dishes with fluted edges, though lovely to look at, can cost about seven times that. The other alternative, a 99-cent flimsy aluminum pie pan, won't cook evenly.