Visions cookware is a brand of transparent stove-top cookware created by Corning France and introduced to Europe in the late 1970s. It was introduced in the United States in 1983 and became the number-one selling cookware set for several years. The cookware is made of a transparent material belonging to the Pyroceram family of glass-ceramics. It is one of the few cookware lines that can be used on a gas or electric range, in the oven (conventional, convection, or microwave), and under a broiler.
Visions cookware is made of a glass-ceramic material that does not include lead or other harmful chemicals or metals. The FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in kitchenware in 1971, over a decade before Visions was officially released in the USA. Additionally, the California law known as Proposition 65, dedicated to eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products, was passed in 1986. Visions has been produced under strict guidelines since its introduction.
While some sources claim that the cookware is lead-free, others have found varying results when testing for lead content. One source recommends carrying out an XRF test to check for lead and other toxicants.
What You'll Learn
- Visions cookware is made of a glass-ceramic material that doesn't include lead or other harmful chemicals or metals
- The FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in kitchenware in 1971
- Visions cookware is safe for use on a gas or electric stovetop range as well as in the oven, under the broiler, and with a microwave
- Visions cookware is also dishwasher and freezer safe
- Visions cookware is available from Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and the Visions cookware website
Visions cookware is made of a glass-ceramic material that doesn't include lead or other harmful chemicals or metals
Visions cookware is made of a transparent, beta-quartz material belonging to the Pyroceram family of glass-ceramics. It is one of the few cookware lines that can be used on a gas or electric stovetop, in the oven (conventional, convection, or microwave), and under a broiler. It can withstand heat up to 850°C (1,560°F) and has improved resistance to staining and the detrimental effects of acids and detergents compared to other cookware.
Visions cookware is also dishwasher and freezer-safe and won't leach odors or retain chemicals in your food. It is made from a natural, non-porous, and non-reactive material, so it won't contaminate your food no matter how long you boil, steam, or simmer. The glass-ceramic material is also break-resistant and can withstand sudden temperature changes of up to 450°C without shattering.
While some bloggers recommend Corning Visionware, Tamara Rubin, a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, does not recommend it. She has consistently found widely varying results across similar and even seemingly identical Visionware pieces she has tested using a state-of-the-art XRF instrument. She has been unable to draw distinct conclusions about whether certain pieces from certain countries of origin or manufacturing years are lead-free. Visionware pieces without manufacturing dates marked on them make it very difficult for consumers to know which pieces might be lead-free.
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The FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in kitchenware in 1971
In 1971, the FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in kitchenware. This was due to the dangers of lead poisoning, which can cause permanent brain damage and even death. Leachable lead is when lead is released from products into food or drink. Lead is often used in the glaze of dishware to create a smooth, durable, glass-like finish and intensify bright colours. However, if the glaze is damaged or degraded, it can release lead into food or drink.
The FDA's regulations on lead in kitchenware have been strengthened multiple times since 1971, most recently in 1992. Despite this, some dishware may still contain unsafe levels of lead, including:
- Traditional glazed terracotta from Latin America
- Highly decorated fine china or porcelain
- Antique dishes made before 1971
- Homemade and handcrafted tableware
- Dishes with bright colours or decorations on inside surfaces
- Dishes with decorations on top of the glaze instead of beneath it
- Glaze or decorations that have begun to wear away or corrode
- Glaze with dusty or chalky grey residue after washing
To protect yourself from lead exposure, the FDA recommends:
- Not using leaded dishware for cooking or storing food
- Not using the dishwasher, as this can damage the glaze
- Not using leaded dishware for acidic foods, as these will suck lead from dishes faster
- Not buying or using dishware that has any of the following labels: "For Decorative Purposes Only", "Not for Food Use", "May Poison Food", "Glaze Contains Lead", "Food Use May Result in Lead Poisoning", or "Not for Food Use – Food Consumed from this Vessel May be Harmful"
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Visions cookware is safe for use on a gas or electric stovetop range as well as in the oven, under the broiler, and with a microwave
Visions cookware is also dishwasher and freezer-safe and, unlike other brands, won't leach odors or retain chemicals in your food. The glass-ceramic material is non-porous and won't absorb food odors or flavours or react with acid-based foods. It can withstand heat up to 850°C (1,560°F) and has excellent heat retention, making it ideal for liquid-based cooking. It is also economical as medium heat is recommended for optimal cooking results.
Visions cookware is a healthy, non-toxic, and safe choice for your kitchen.
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Visions cookware is also dishwasher and freezer safe
Visions cookware is also non-porous, meaning it won't absorb food particles, detergent, or odors. It is also non-reactive, so it won't pit or release chemicals into your food, no matter how acidic the ingredients are. This makes it a healthy and hygienic choice for cooking.
To clean your Visions cookware, you can put it in the dishwasher or wash it by hand with a plastic scrubby, warm water, and dish soap. To remove baked-on food, you can soak the cookware in warm water and vinegar, or make a baking soda paste to scrub it off. Just be sure to avoid using abrasive detergents or metal scouring pads, as these can cause the cookware to become cloudy or scratched.
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Visions cookware is available from Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and the Visions cookware website
Visions cookware is available from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and the Visions cookware website.
Amazon offers a variety of Visions cookware sets, including a 4-piece glass cookware set, a 5-piece Dutch oven set, and individual pots and pans.
EBay features a range of vintage and new Visions cookware, such as saucepans, stockpots, and frying pans, as well as replacement lids.
Etsy also offers a selection of vintage and new Visions cookware, including pots, pans, and complete sets.
The Visions cookware website provides a range of cookware options, including saucepans, stockpots, and casserole dishes, as well as replacement lids.
In addition to these online retailers, Visions cookware may also be available at traditional kitchen and home stores.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Visions cookware is made of a glass-ceramic material that doesn't include lead or other harmful chemicals or metals.
No, the glass-ceramic material used to create Visions does not include lead or similar harmful metals as an ingredient.
Yes, Visions cookware is a healthy, non-toxic, and safe choice. It is also non-porous and will never stain, harbor odors, or leach anything into your meals.
Visions cookware can be purchased from online marketplaces or traditional kitchen and home stores. It is available on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and the Visions cookware website.