Can You Put Corningware in the Microwave? (Answered)

Categorized as Microwave Safety
microwave corningware

Who doesn’t love a good casserole? They’re warm, filling, and usually pretty easy to make. One of the most popular brands of casserole dishes is CorningWare. These dishes have been a staple in kitchens for decades, known for their durability and versatility. One of the most common questions people have about CorningWare is whether or not they can put it in the microwave.

If you are wondering if CorningWare can be used in the microwave, the answer is yes – most of it can. However, there are a few brands that should not be microwaved.

These include the Centura line, which has a sculpted rim and a plain edge. If you’re not sure whether or not a specific piece of CorningWare is microwave-safe, check for a microwave-safe symbol on the bottom of the dish or on the packaging.

If you can’t find a microwave-safe symbol, the next best thing to do is to visit the manufacturer’s website and look for their microwave safety policy. CorningWare’s website should have a list of their microwave-safe products.

If you still can’t find the information you’re looking for, err on the side of caution and assume that the dish is not microwave-safe.

One last thing to do after you’ve found a microwave-safe symbol or safety policy is to do a thorough check of your piece for any metal. Metal, even in small amounts, can cause sparks and fires in the microwave.

How to Tell If a Container Is Microwave Safe

Aside from checking for a microwave-safe symbol and visiting the manufacturer’s website, there is one other way to tell if a dish is microwave-safe. You can use this method for any dish, not just CorningWare.

First, fill a glass or mug with water. Place both the glass and the Corningware dish you’re testing in the microwave. Set the timer for one minute and start the microwave.

If the dish gets hot, but the water stays cool, the dish is not microwave-safe. On the other hand, if the dish is cool and the water is hot, you can safely put the dish in the microwave.

As a reminder, before you do this test make sure to check the dish for any metal to avoid any accidents.

Brief History of Corningware

CorningWare is a brand of glass-ceramic cookware first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works. The original CorningWare material was developed in 1953 by chemist Donald Stookey. The material was created by accident when Stookey was experimenting with combining glass ingredients at high temperatures.

He placed a sample of his creation in a furnace by heating it to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it cooled, he found that the glass had transformed into a white, opaque substance that didn’t break when he dropped it.

The launch of CorningWare in 1958 marked the first time that Pyrex was used for cookware purposes. The initial line of CorningWare included just four items: a casserole dish, a cake pan, a pie plate, and a coffee mug.

Corningware became very popular in the 1960s due to its durability and versatility. It could be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Additionally, it was dishwasher safe, which made cleanup a breeze.

Over the years, the design of CorningWare has changed somewhat, but the basic principle behind it remains the same. All CorningWare products are made from oven-safe glass-ceramic material that can withstand sudden changes in temperature without breaking or shattering.

CorningWare is available in both standard and designer editions. Standard edition products are typically white with either a matte or glossy finish. The designer editions feature more contemporary designs and colours.

Today, CorningWare continues to be popular for all of these reasons. Additionally, many people have fond memories of cooking with or eating from CorningWare dishes, which makes it a sought-after product for both experienced cooks and those just starting out.

Safety Tips for Using Corningware

CorningWare is a sturdy and versatile cookware option, but there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind when using it.

1. Do Not Overheat Corningware Dishes

CorningWare is designed to withstand sudden temperature changes, but it should not be used to heat foods that require an extremely high cooking temperature.

For example, do not use a CorningWare dish to microwave frozen foods that come with wrappers or at least remove the wrapper before microwaving. These wrappers can generate heat that is too high for the dish, causing it to break.

2. Never Put Corningware in a Convection Oven

Browning feature is common in a convection oven and it is designed to crisp food. However, they operate at extremely high temperatures, which can cause CorningWare to break. So if your microwave has a browning feature, don’t turn it on when using CorningWare.

3. Avoid Microwaving an Empty or Partially Empty Corningware Dish

Although it is less likely to happen, microwaving an empty or partially empty CorningWare dish can cause it to break. This is because the microwave energy will have nothing to dissipate and will build up inside the dish, causing it to shatter.

My Favorite Corningware Recipes

Here are five of my favorite recipes that can be made using CorningWare dishes.

  1. Strawberry Banana Bread: This delicious and easy-to-make bread is a perfect breakfast or snack. And the best part is that it can all be made in one Corningware dish!
  2. Green Bean Casserole: This classic holiday dish is always a hit, and thanks to Corningware, it’s easier than ever to make.
  3. Mac and Cheese Casserole: This easy casserole is a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
  4. Ravioli Lasagna: This dish is a fun twist on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, it’ll make your nonna proud!
  5. Waffle, Maple & Sausage Stuffing: This stuffing is perfect for any holiday meal, and it’s so good that you’ll want to make it all year round. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Conclusion

So, what have we learned? We’ve learned that CorningWare is a sturdy and versatile cookware option, but there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind when using it. We’ve also learned about the history of this iconic brand and some of its most popular products. Lastly, we’ve seen how to test if a dish is microwave-safe. Thanks for reading!

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!