Centura Dinnerware Set: Elevating The Everyday Dining Experience

Centura is a type of dinnerware set produced by Corning from 1966 to 1977. It is made of Pyroceram, a space-age glass-ceramic material, and is similar to Corningware, except it is glazed. The glazing on Centura acts as a compression layer, giving it strength. This compression concept was later used for Vitrelle (Corelle). Centura was available in around 30 patterns, including Cornflower, April Tulips, Lynwood, Summerhill, Evening Song, Shangri La, and White Coupe. The set includes plates, bowls, mugs, saucers, serving bowls, casserole dishes, and more. While Centura is dishwasher-safe, it is not compatible with microwave ovens.

Corning Centura history

Corning Centura, also known as Pyroceram Tableware by Corning, was introduced in 1962 as an extension of Corning Ware cookware. However, Centura was not made of the same material as Corning Ware. By the 1960s, Pyroceram had become a generic term for a group of glass-ceramic materials, and Centura was formulated from one such material.

Although Centura was more break-resistant than Corning Ware, it could not be used on stovetops or in microwaves. This limitation, coupled with the increasing popularity of microwave ovens in the 1970s, led to Centura's discontinuation in 1977.

Despite this, Centura was known for its remarkable features, crack resistance, and unique appearance. It was produced in various patterns and designs, including Blue Cornflower, and was available in both white and other colours. The Centura formula remained in use until 1986 for restaurant ware and manufacturing closed-handle cups, sugars, and creamers for the Corelle product line.

The glazing on Centura acted as a compression layer, giving it unparalleled strength. This concept of compression was later used for Vitrelle (Corelle). However, unlike Vitrelle, Centura was heavier than Bone China and Fine Porcelain.

Although Centura is no longer in production, it remains a sought-after vintage piece, with collectors scouring thrift stores and estate sales to complete their sets.

Corning Centura patterns

Corning's Centura line was available in a variety of patterns and designs, including Blue Cornflower. However, its popularity declined as microwave ovens became more common in households during the 1970s, as Centura dinnerware was incompatible with microwaves. Here is a list of some of the patterns and designs available in the Centura line:

• White Narrow Rim: This pattern features an all-white colour scheme with a narrow rim design.
• Sculptured Rim: The Sculptured Rim pattern has a tulip design embossed on the rim, with some pieces featuring gold trim.
• Summerhill: The Summerhill pattern features a vibrant orange and yellow floral design.
• White Tulip: This pattern features a white base with an embossed tulip design on the rim.
• Platinum Edge: This pattern features a white base with a platinum rim.
• Cornflower: This pattern features a white base with a blue cornflower design.
• Shangri La: This pattern features a white base with a floral rim design.
• Country Festival: This pattern is specifically mentioned in relation to a Centura mug.

Corning Centura care

Centura, a type of Pyroceram, was manufactured by Corning from 1966 to 1977. Although Corningware is self-glazing, Centura is glazed, which gives it unparalleled strength.

Care Instructions

• Centura is not microwave-safe. It absorbs microwave energy, causing it to get very hot, while the food inside stays cold.
• Centura is dishwasher-safe. However, care should be taken with the round Cook n' Serve saucepans, as their outer enamel paint coating can be damaged by some of the more caustic automatic dishwashing detergents.
• Centura is oven-safe.

Corning Centura collectability

Centura, a type of Pyroceram, was introduced by Corning in 1962 and discontinued in 1977. Its popularity waned with the increasing household dependence on microwave ovens throughout the 1970s as it was incompatible with microwave use.

Although Centura was similar to Corningware, it was glazed, whereas Corningware is self-glazing. The glazing on Centura acted as a compression layer and gave it unparalleled strength.

There were about 30 different patterns of Centura produced, including Blue Cornflower, April Tulips, Lynwood, and Summerhill.

Today, Centura is a collectible item, with some people searching tirelessly for it.

Corning Centura vs Corning Ware

Corning Centura and Corning Ware are two different types of dinnerware. Corning Ware, also written as CorningWare, was originally a brand name for a unique glass-ceramic (Pyroceram) cookware resistant to thermal shock. It was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works (later Corning Inc.) in the United States. The brand was later spun off with the sale of the Corning Consumer Products Company subsidiary, now known as Corelle Brands.

Corning Centura, on the other hand, was introduced in 1962 and is labelled as "Pyroceram Tableware by Corning". Centura is more break-resistant than Corning Ware but cannot be used on the stovetop or in the microwave. Centura was available in a number of patterns and designs, including Blue Cornflower. The Centura line was discontinued in 1977, but its Pyroceram material remained in use until 1986 for both restaurant ware and for the manufacture of closed-handle cups, sugars, and creamers for the Corelle product line.

In terms of appearance, Corning Ware is sold in various patterns and designs, with the first widely distributed pattern being the 'Blue Cornflower' pattern. Corning Ware cookware's distinctive designs have made them sought-after collectibles.

Corning Centura is also available in a variety of patterns and designs, including Cornflower, Lynwood, April Tulip, Evening Song, Shangri-La, and Laurel. Centura pieces are often white with embossed or sculpted tulips and gold trim.

Both Corning Ware and Corning Centura are popular among collectors, with Corning Ware being known for its durability and versatility, while Corning Centura is valued for its unique designs and break-resistance.

Frequently asked questions