Corningware: Roasting Pan Alternative?

CorningWare is a brand name for a unique glass-ceramic (Pyroceram) cookware that was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works. It is resistant to thermal shock and can go directly from the refrigerator or freezer to the stovetop, oven, or microwave. CorningWare is sold worldwide and is especially popular in North America, Asia, and Australia.

CorningWare offers a range of products, including roasting pans of various sizes and patterns. These roasting pans, also known as Corning Ware roasters, are available in different models such as the P-series and A-series, with measurements that differ slightly from standard baking dish sizes.

While CorningWare has a wide range of products, it is important to distinguish their cookware from tableware marketed under similar brand names like Corelle and Pyrex, as the thermal properties of these products vary significantly.

CorningWare's glass-ceramic material, Pyroceram, is resistant to thermal shock

CorningWare is a brand name for a unique glass-ceramic material called Pyroceram. It was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works, but the material was accidentally discovered a few years earlier in 1953 by S. Donald Stookey. Pyroceram has properties similar to both glass and ceramic.

Pyroceram is capable of withstanding thermal shocks of up to 450 °C (840 °F). This means it can be taken from the refrigerator or freezer and used directly on a stovetop, in an oven, microwave, or under a broiler without the risk of cracking or explosion. Its high resistance to thermal shock is due to its glass-ceramic composition, which is far superior to most other types of ceramics.

The thermal properties of Pyroceram make CorningWare extremely versatile and resilient to temperature changes. This makes it ideal for cooking, as it can be transferred directly from the fridge to the stovetop or oven, saving time and effort. Additionally, its non-porous surface does not absorb food odours or flavours and is easy to clean, making it a practical and convenient choice for cooks.

The discovery of Pyroceram's ability to withstand extreme temperature changes was a serendipitous event. Stookey was working with photosensitive glass and accidentally heated a piece to 900 °F instead of the usual 600 °F. The glass turned milky white, and when Stookey dropped the sample, it bounced instead of shattering. This unique material was initially used in the ballistic missile program as a heat-resistant material for nose cones.

CorningWare has since become a popular cookware brand worldwide, particularly in North America, Asia, and Australia. The classic design is often a white ceramic casserole dish with the iconic blue cornflower logo. Over the years, CorningWare has expanded its product line to include various patterns and styles, such as 'Floral Bouquet', 'Spice O' Life', and 'French White'.

In summary, CorningWare's glass-ceramic material, Pyroceram, is highly resistant to thermal shock due to its unique composition. This property makes it a versatile, durable, and safe choice for cooks, as it can withstand sudden temperature changes without cracking or exploding. Its discovery revolutionised cookware, and CorningWare continues to be a trusted and recognised brand globally.

Pyroceram was discovered by accident in 1953

CorningWare is a brand of cookware made from a glass-ceramic material called Pyroceram. Pyroceram was discovered by accident in 1953 by S. Donald Stookey, a research director at Corning Glass. Stookey was working with photosensitive glass, and placed a piece of it into a furnace, intending to heat it to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the furnace thermometer malfunctioned, and the temperature rose to 900 degrees Celsius (around 1650 degrees Fahrenheit). Stookey found that the glass had turned milky white, but when he attempted to remove it from the furnace with tongs, it slipped and fell to the floor without breaking. This discovery led to the development of Pyroceram, which has high heat tolerance and low thermal expansion, making it ideal for use in kitchenware, glass stove tops, and wood stove doors. CorningWare cookware made with Pyroceram was introduced in 1958, with the first pattern being cornflower blue.

CorningWare offers a range of baking and roasting pans in various sizes and patterns. While specific measurements may vary, the overall area of the dishes is often similar to standard baking dish sizes. For example, a standard 13x9 (Pyrex) baking dish has an area of 117 square inches, while a Corning Ware A-21-B dish measures 122 square inches. Corning Ware roasting pans come in both P-series and A-series, with the A-series introduced in the 1970s. Some models, such as the P-21, include features like a broiling platter that can be placed inside the pan to increase humidity during roasting.

In summary, CorningWare is a brand of cookware that utilizes the glass-ceramic material Pyroceram, discovered by accident in the 1950s. CorningWare offers a range of baking and roasting pans with different measurements and designs, providing a unique and functional addition to any kitchen.

CorningWare is sold worldwide and is especially popular in North America, Asia, and Australia

CorningWare is a unique glass-ceramic (Pyroceram) cookware that was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works. It is sold worldwide and is especially popular in North America, Asia, and Australia.

CorningWare was originally manufactured primarily in the USA, but production of Pyroceram-based Corning Ware ceased in the US with the closure of the Martinsburg, West Virginia plant. While production continued in France, the product was temporarily unavailable in the USA and the brand was relaunched as a line of stoneware-based bakeware in 2001.

In 2008, the Pyroceram-based line of CorningWare was reintroduced in the USA as CorningWare StoveTop. It is currently only manufactured in France at one of the few factories in the world that still produces vitroceramic cookware.

CorningWare offers a variety of baking and roasting dishes, including the popular P-21 Open Roaster Cornflower Roasting Pan. The brand also has a range of stoneware-based bakeware that is not suitable for stovetop use.

CorningWare has become a well-known name in kitchens around the world, especially in North America, Asia, and Australia, where it is widely used and trusted for its durability and versatility.

CorningWare's first widely distributed pattern was the 'Blue Cornflower' design

CorningWare is a range of kitchenware products made from Pyroceram, a composite material that can withstand extreme temperatures. CorningWare was introduced in the late 1950s and was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The first widely distributed pattern was the Blue Cornflower design, which featured a simple wildflower design on a white background. The Blue Cornflower pattern was produced over many years and is still available today.

The original Blue Cornflower collection included a wide range of products for baking, cooking, and serving food, such as casserole dishes, ramekins, pie plates, petite pans, roasters, sauce-makers, knife sets, mixing bowls, and glassware. Percolators and teapots were also available in the Blue Cornflower pattern for beverage service.

CorningWare was innovative when it was introduced, as it could be used in the oven or broiler, on the stovetop, and in the microwave (if it didn't have metal components). It was also chip and crack-resistant and could be stored in the fridge or freezer. Additionally, it was dishwasher-safe and attractive, making it suitable for serving food at the table.

Today, vintage CorningWare Blue Cornflower pieces are highly desirable collectibles, especially among baby boomers who grew up with this functional and beautiful cookware. The value of vintage Blue Cornflower pieces varies widely, with some pieces priced between $0.50 and $10 at yard sales and thrift shops, while others may be listed for thousands of dollars on online auction sites. The rarity of the pattern seems to be a factor in the value, with less common patterns fetching higher prices.

In addition to the original Blue Cornflower pattern, CorningWare was also produced in other patterns, such as Spice of Life, French White, and Wildflower. The company rebranded in 2001 and switched to stoneware-themed bakeware, discontinuing the production of Pyroceram-based CorningWare in 2000. However, in 2009, CorningWare reintroduced the Blue Cornflower line to meet the increasing demand for 1950s and 1960s-style products.

CorningWare products include roasters, casserole dishes, and Dutch ovens

CorningWare is a brand name for a unique glass-ceramic (Pyroceram) range of cookware that is resistant to thermal shock. It was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works and has since become a popular brand in North America, Asia, and Australia.

The roasters, casserole dishes, and Dutch ovens offered by CorningWare come in a variety of patterns and sizes. The roasters, for example, have different measurements, with the overall area of the dish being similar to the standard 13x9 (Pyrex) baking dish. The P-series and A-series roasters have different square-inch capacities, with the A-series roasters introduced in 1976.

CorningWare's casserole dishes are available in various patterns, including Blue Cornflower, Floral Bouquet, and Spice of Life. The Blue Cornflower pattern, designed by Joseph Baum, was the first widely distributed pattern and became the trademark of Corning consumer products for three decades.

The Dutch ovens offered by CorningWare are also available in different patterns, such as Wildflower and French White. The Visions brand, created by Corning France, offers a transparent version of Pyroceram with improved resistance to staining and the detrimental effects of acids and detergents.

CorningWare provides a wide range of cookware that enhances the cooking and baking experience, offering both functionality and elegance to kitchens worldwide.

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