CorningWare includes CorningWare baking pieces and Corelle dishes. These items have been used in the American kitchen for more than 50 years, ranging from percolator-style coffeepots to dishware. Coordinated sets were a popular choice, allowing you to match your dishes and CorningWare bakeware. The cookware could be used on the stove, in the oven and in the refrigerator or freezer.
History
Donald Stookey, a scientist working for Corning, discovered a new type of glass that would revolutionize the functionality of the American kitchen. Pyroceram cookware or CorningWare is durable, heat- and cold-tolerant, and can be molded into a variety of useful kitchen shapes.
Classic CorningWare
Classic CorningWare was most often white or white with printed patterns. This vitroceramic material was typically made into casserole and baking dishes. Coffeepots and other kitchen accessories were made to match. The most common CorningWare pattern is a simple blue cornflower design.
Corelle Dishes
Corning also manufactured Corelle dishes. These dishes relied upon a similar glass technology as CorningWare bakeware. Corelle dishes can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and even in the oven. They are break- and chip-resistant. Corelle was introduced in 1970 and remains a popular choice today.
Modern CorningWare
CorningWare today is not made of pyroceram. The break-resistant and heat-tolerant material has been replaced by classic stoneware. Several lines of CorningWare bakeware are available, including a buttery-yellow, French-country style, classic fluted white, and smaller collections of colored pieces. These are not safe for use on the stovetop.
Vitroceramic Pieces Today
Pyroceram cookware and bakeware is still sold by CorningWare in Asia; however, in the United States, buyers will have to look elsewhere for the durability originally offered by CorningWare. Princess House manufactures vitroceramic stove-to-freezer cook- and bakeware today.
Tags: CorningWare bakeware, American kitchen, Classic CorningWare, Corelle dishes, Corelle dishes These
