Can you use CorningWare on stovetop? Are you wondering?
CorningWare is renowned for its incredibly versatile and durable line of cookware. They have been meticulously designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and retain heat for prolonged periods.
So, can you use CorningWare on your stovetop? The short answer is, yes but with a few caveats and the exception of stoneware.
The CorningWare website advises against using their stoneware on stovetops and oven broilers.
Let’s explore CorningWare’s extensive line of cookware to understand how it can be used.
What Is CorningWare?
CorningWare is a high-quality cookware brand. In the 1950s, it introduced one of the first lines of glass-ceramic cookware that was resistant to thermal shock.
It started with a lab mistake that led to the creation of white glass that didn’t break when it fell. This was later developed into what is known today as pyroceram.
Pyroceram has high heat tolerance and low thermal expansion compared to ordinary glass cookware.
The ceramic formula, however, was modified in the 1990s to incorporate a lighter ceramic material that wasn’t as resistant to heat as the previous one.
This led to many products shattering inside ovens and countertops, after which CorningWare was taken over by Corelle Brands in the 2000s.
So, Can You Use CorningWare on Stovetop?
The first and most important thing is to determine which decade your CorningWare was manufactured in.
As we mentioned earlier, CorningWare released a line of stoneware during the ’90s that was weaker than the original pyroceram cookware because they were made from stone.
Meaning they could not be used on stovetops without incurring an accident.
On the other hand, if you own vintage CorningWare, they are all sturdy and safe for use on all stovetops.
Say you’ve bought second-hand CorningWare, certain indicators can tell you how old it is.
Identifying Your Second-Hand/Old CorningWare
Vintage
If you own the very first line of CorningWare, it includes an embossed black or blue stamp on its base that reads “Pyroceram.”
You’ll also find a stylized fireball on it that was printed to indicate that it is safe for cooktop use.
CorningWare discontinued the flame design and pyroceram label in the 1970s, replacing it with just a black-ink stamp. This continued through to the 1990s.
If you own vintage CorningWare, rest assured it is safe for all types of cooktops and ovens.
1990’s Stoneware
From 1998, the company changed the main ceramic compound they used in their cookware.
They also changed the way they spelled their name — from CorningWare, a single word, to “Corning Ware.”
This continued until the late 2000s after the company was bought out and then the name was set back to its original version.
Because the cookware during this period was made from stone, the base was rather dull and unglazed. If your CorningWare matches this description, it would be best to keep it away from stovetops.
Modern CorningWare Products
CorningWare sells two major brands of cookware today — Visions glass-ceramic cookware and French-white stoneware for baking.
The instructions for use and handling are mentioned on its packaging and in some cases stamped onto the product itself.
Glass-Ceramic (Visions)
Visions cookware is made from an amber-shaded see-through glass-ceramic material.
It can withstand temperatures of up to 1,560 ℉. This makes it safe for use on both electric and gas stovetops.
Owing to the durability of the material, vision cookware can be used for cooking, refrigerating, freezing, and thawing.
Even after years of use, the material doesn’t stain or absorb food odors or flavors.
Nonetheless, CorningWare offers a 10-year limited warranty for all vision products.
Stoneware (French White)
According to the CorningWare website, their stoneware can break when used in extreme heat. It can also shatter if heated or cooled too rapidly.
French White stoneware by CorningWare is not safe for use with stovetops, grilling appliances, air fryers, or any open flame/direct heating source.
Unlike Visions, French White stoneware only comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Probably because they’re more prone to damage from mishandling.
They are, however, safe to use for reheating in convection ovens.
You can also store them in the freezer/refrigerator, provided you don’t immediately transfer them to the refrigerator while they’re still hot.
Glass Lids
The glass lids and covers for both Visions and French White are manufactured by Pyrex.
Pyrex is another brand owned by the same parent company as Corningware and is known for manufacturing high-quality, durable cookware.
While the Visions utensils are safe for use on a stove, make sure you don’t accidentally place the cover or lid directly onto the range-top burner.
And take them off before you put the cookware into convection ovens as well.
This is very important. Failure to follow precautions with the lids can lead to serious personal injury, let alone property damage.
These lids come with a 2-year warranty, according to the CorningWare site.
Can You Put CorningWare in the Microwave?
Both Visions and French White are safe for use in the microwave, just don’t place them if they’re empty, or with little food.
This can lead to the utensil cracking or shattering. Also, avoid overheating butter or oil in the microwave as it could splatter and create a mess.
Tips for Usage and Care
Here are some useful care and handling tips to follow to ensure both your own personal safety and the safety of your cookware.
Visions
1. Try not to bump the cookware against anything or slide it across the surface. Glass, even one as reinforced as pyroceram, is still susceptible to damage.
2. Any cracks or chips in the cookware could potentially cause the entire cookware to break during heating.
3. If you’re cooking pasta or vegetables, boil the water first and then slowly add your veggies/pasta in.
4. Unless you’re boiling water, keep the heat on the stove between low and medium. Any more can cause whatever you’re cooking to stick to the base.
5. Do not use more than 1/4th of the cookware’s capacity for oil if you’re browning or sautéing foods.
6. If you’re trying to brown food on the stove, place it away from the center of the skillet. That’s the coolest part where it would take longer for food to brown.
7. While storing, if you’re stacking the cookware on top of each other, invert the lids and place a soft towel between them.
French White Stoneware
French White stoneware is fragile and is more prone to developing cracks and chips.
You can avoid this with better handling like placing them on mats rather than countertops. And try not to bump them into objects.
Do not use any abrasive cleaning materials such as wired sponges to clean them. This can also cause scratching.
If you end up cracking it, do not attempt to repair it at home. That might make things worse.
Always preheat the oven before you place stoneware in it. Stoneware is dishwasher friendly, or you can wash it by hand with ordinary dish soap.
Store your French White stoneware away from other utensils if possible, to reduce chances of collision and damage.
The Bottom Line
CorningWare is a staple brand in every American household for dutch ovens, skillets, pots, casserole trays, saucepans, and more.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the question, can you use CorningWare on a stovetop? It depends on when it was made and the material it was made of.
But it also depends on the extent of damage the cookware has already taken as that increases the chances of it exploding.
Remember to read the safety and instructions on the packaging before use and handle your CorningWare cookware with care.