Corningware

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Originally CorningWare was a brand name for a unique thermalshock resistant pyroceramic glass cookware first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass. Corningware is notable for the fact that it can be used directly on the stovetop.

Contents

[edit] History of CorningWare

In 1953, Pyroceram, a white pyrex-ceramic-like material capable of withstanding enormous variations in temperature, was invented and developed by Dr. S. Donald Stookey of the Corning research and development division. First developed for America's space program, the glass-ceramic material in Corningware can withstand drastic temperature changes. It evolved from materials originally developed for a U.S. ballistic missile program, and Stookey's research involved heat resistant material for nose cones.[1]

CorningWare, the oven-to-table service, first featured the little blue Cornflower decoration, designed by Corning staff, which became the trademark of Corning consumer products for three decades. More than 750 million pieces of CorningWare have been manufactured since its inception.

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, New York, USA.

[edit] Discontinuation

Originally manufactured by Corning Glass Works, the CorningWare and Corelle brand names are now owned by World Kitchens Incorporated of Reston, Virginia, which relaunched the brand name in 2001.[2] CorningWare is sold worldwide, and it is popular in Canada and the United States.

The original pyroceramic glass version of CorningWare is no longer sold in the US market. World Kitchens sells similar looking products under the CorningWare brand name that are common white glazed stoneware. The packaging for these newer CorningWare branded cookware products say specifically that they are not for stovetop use.

There are various rumors as to why the popular stovetop product was discontinued. The company's official word is that the product died out due to a lack of customer interest. As the prices for "vintage" and "collector" CorningWare rises, however, many on the Internet suspect there may be other reasons.

These rumors appear unfounded, as the company's 2001 annual report shows that the stovetop and dinnerware product lines were halted at the end of the centrury "as part of a program designed to reduce costs through the elimination of under-utilized capacity, unprofitable product lines, and increased utilization of the remaining facilities."[3] Facilities in Charleroi, Pennsylvania and Clinton, Illinois were closed.

Princess House, a "party plan" merchandiser like Tupperware or Pampered Chef, currently offers similar cookware products that their website describes as vitroceramic. Their cookware can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, in the microwave, and even in the freezer.

[edit] Safety concerns

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

The pyroceramic glass type of CorningWare and Pyrex appears to have some appeal as a readily available, no questions asked, labware for operators of illicit pharmaceutical laboratories.[4] Apparently, recreational-drug makers of metaphetamines, acids, etc., used to concoct and cook their drugs (made with a wide variety of corrosive chemicals) in these pots because they are corrosion-resistant, unlike metal pots, and they are more resistant to abuse than the fragile chemistry sets normally used in laboratories.

[edit] To contact Corningware

CorningWare(World Kitchens), Attention: Customer Service, PO BOX 7369, Endicott, NY 13760 1-800-999-3436

[edit] External links

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ [http://sec.edgar-online.com/2001/04/13/0000912057-01-508691/Section2.asp UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC. Annual Report]. Retrieved on 26 March 2007.
  2. ^ [http://www.secinfo.com/dRqWm.4FxDy.htm UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC. Quarterly Report]. Retrieved on 26 March 2007.
  3. ^ [http://sec.edgar-online.com/2001/04/13/0000912057-01-508691/Section2.asp UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC. Annual Report]. Retrieved on 26 March 2007.
  4. ^ Common chemicals and equipment found at meth labs include: Glass containers (all cook ware such as Pyrex or CorningWare). Retrieved on 26 March 2007.
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