Grab-it

For the computer program, see GrabIt.

An original grabit.

A closeup of the underside of an original grabit tab, showing its uses and place of origin.

Glass grabit lid, 5 1/2" in diameter (not counting handle).

Close up of marking on glass grabit lid, 5 1/2 diameter (not counting handle), which reads "PYREX® P–150–C".

Grabits are microwave-safe cookware easily identifiable by their tab handle. They were introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1977, and are now sold in a slightly different form by World Kitchen. Grabits are notable in that they were some of the first cookware specifically designed for microwave use - their design was recognized by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.[1] Grabits strongly resemble porringers. They can be covered with a plastic lid, P-150-C, or a Pyrex clear glass lid, P-240-C. (Note: P-150-C can also refer to a glass lid, as shown in the photo.)

History

Grabits were originally produced and sold by Corning Glass Works, and made from Corning's unique pyroceram material. When the Corning Visions line was introduced, Grabits made from Pyrex Visions glass were added to the product line. After World Kitchen bought Corning Glass in the early 1990s, Grabits began to be made of ceramic, and production was moved from the US to China.[2]