Corningware
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article is being improved by the Cleanup Taskforce to conform with a higher standard of article quality. It is likely to change frequently until completed. Please see its Cleanup Taskforce page for more details. |
Originally Corningware was a brand name for a unique thermal shock resistant pyroceramic glass cookware first introduced in 1957. [the Corning website says 1958] Corningware is notable for the fact that it can be used directly on the stovetop.
The invention of the heat treatment procedure for converting glass into ceramic is attributed a research chemist at Corning. The chemist's name is S. Donald Stookey.
Corelle is the brand name for the highly break resistant glass dishware possibly made from the same pyroceramic glass. Both of these products appear to have originated from the Corning Glass Works in Corning, NY, USA.
Originally manufactured by Corning Glass Works, the Corningware and Corelle brand names now appear to be owned by World Kitchens Incorporated of Reston, Virginia.
It appears that the original pyroceramic glass version of Corningware is no longer sold in the US market. World Kitchens is selling similar looking products under the Corningware brand name that appear to be common white glazed stoneware. The packaging for these newer Corningware branded cookware products say specifically that they are not for stovetop use.
Corningware is sold worldwide, and it is popular in Canada and the United States.
According to a 12-year-old posting from someone who appeared to be associated with Corning "Corningware is a glass before ceraming (a controlled firing cycle which allows crystals to grow in the glass)..." The key property of original pyroceramic Corningware was its low coefficient of thermal expansion. Lithium Oxides may be a component of the glass that contributes its low thermal expansion properties.
There have been unsubstantiated reports of problems with Corningware products shattering when overheated and in the case of Visions line, the product shattered unexpectedly in a variety of scenarios. All Corningware products listed operating guidelines to prevent energetic failures on the bottom or the cardboard inserts. Visions cookware was frequently tested on consumer advocate programs, such as "Fight Back" with David Horowitz. Visions abilities to live up to Corning's claims of durability always passed the test.
[edit] Unconventional Applications
Buyers of used Corningware take note. The pyroceramic glass type of Corningware appears to have some appeal as a readily available no questions asked labware for operators of illicit pharmaceutical laboratories. See Methamphetamine
