A range of 'space dishes', made from the same material used by Nasa on its spacecraft, is being launched to allow food to be taken straight from the freezer and placed directly on to the hob or in the oven.

The vitro-ceramic material used to make the Pyroflam range, which includes casserole and roasting pots, can withstand temperatures fluctuating from -40c to 800c, according to Pyrex, the cookware specialist behind the innovation.

The range is being rolled out to independent specialist stores now, priced from £15 per item.