Can I Use Corningware Instead of a Dutch Oven

Corningwares come in various patterns and designs. Corningwares have old (vintage) versions and new versions. Most of the new versions and designs of corningwares have ridges on them.

Corningwares have been around for over a century and they offer solutions to make cooking easier.

Since corningwares can be used for baking and cooking, people often ask; “can I use Corningware instead of a Dutch oven”? A Corningware and a Dutch oven have some similarities as they both can withstand high temperatures and very good products for baking various food recipes.

Presently, Corningware has new brands made up of colors and styles. Speaking directly to the way people cook today.

Let’s dive in more to find out if you can use Corningware instead of a Dutch oven for baking?

CAN I USE CORNINGWARE INSTEAD OF A DUTCH OVEN?

can I use Corningware instead of a Dutch Oven

Just before I answer the question about the best substituent for Dutch oven using the corningware brand, I want to first point out that both the cornigware and Dutch ovens are versatile and durable.

Dutch ovens are made up of cast iron and are perfect for cooking on stovetops and in the ovens. While corningware are mostly advisable to be used for low heat cooking like simmering because it is a made up of glass ceramic pyroceram.

A corningware can be used instead of a Dutch oven because a corningware can be taken out from the freezer and put directly on the stovetop or in the oven because of its material.

Secondly, why you should consider the use of a corningware for a Dutch oven is because a corningware is non-stick, safe for use in convention and conventional ovens, oven-proof, doesn’t absorb food odors just like the Dutch oven casserole dish.

This will give you an informed decision on the best way to go about it. Your recipe and cooking technique also plays a major role in determining if you should go for Corningware or use a Dutch oven instead.

CORNINGWARE VS DUTCH OVEN

Dutch ovens are quite heavy, made up of cast iron and can retain heat very well while Corningware is made up of glass ceramic which is light.

Dutch ovens are more expensive than the Corningware cookware brand. Dutch ovens are perfect for campfire cooking given their weight and wire hanger settings.

Dutch ovens mostly come in large sizes than the Corningware cookware. It is also advisable to preheat the Corningware before using it to get the best from your baking or cooking recipe.

WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF A DUTCH OVEN FOR BREAD?

This is from an expert bread bakers, most times since the Dutch oven is quite expensive, most bakers have been experimenting on an affordable way to bake bread instead of using the Dutch oven.

If you are on a slim budget, I would suggest using a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet with a roasting pan as a good Dutch oven improvise explained in the article, bake bread without a Dutch oven by Emma Barker; a home baker of 5 years.

She explained that as you simply shape your bread dough as usual, then plop it onto a parchment rimmed baking sheet, cover it with an overturned roasting pan while it completes its final rise.

Shortly after you allow the dough rise and preheat the oven to about 485 degrees, lift up the cover of the roasting pan and slash the loaf.

Then you place the roasting pan back over the loaf to create the steam chamber. When the dough is fully proofed, carefully transfer it to the parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, made my slashes, and immediately covered it with the foil roasting pan and popped it in the hot oven.

She further pointed out that, if you’re working with a high-hydration dough that rose in a basket, it’s important to slash the dough and get it in the oven right away—otherwise it will tend to spread outward too much.)

Halfway using her improvised steam chamber for the first time, she removed the roasting pan cover for the second half of the baking time and the loaf of bread came out of the oven with a freckled golden-brown crust that crackled softly as the loaf cooled. The crumb was airier, and the crust more flavorful, than any other loaf I’d made.

CAN I USE CORNINGWARE TO BAKE BREAD?     

Yes, you can use the corningware to bake bread but you should note that the corningware dishes are of less volume than the Dutch ovens. That means you can only bake smaller loafs with the corningware dish.

Secondly, your cooking method and bread recipe will affect the outcome of your bread when you decide to use a corningware dish.

It is also advisable to check for the maximum amount of temperature the corningware dish can handle for your bread and various methods of preheating.

The average family can now have fresh-from-the-oven bakery-quality artisan bread in the convenience of their own home with little or no-kneading using the Corningware dish.

CORNINGWARE DUTCH OVEN STOVETOP

Corningware dishes comes in various vintage designs patterns and all can be used for different and specific purposes. Examples of the various types of corningware dishes are;

1 ) Cornflower Blue

2)      Starburst Pattern

3)      Floral Bouquet

4)      Blue Heather

5)      Nature’s Bounty

6)      Country Festival

7)      Spice O’ Life

8)      French White

9)      Wild Flower

10)  English Meadow

It is also goof you note here that it is not all corning ware dishes that are compatible with stovetops, an example is the glass Pyrex corningware dish that is NOT designed for the stovetop and does not make a good Dutch oven substitute. 

For more than half a century, cooks have sworn by Corning Ware. Made from a high-performance fusion of glass and ceramic, this versatile casserole dish can be used on gas or electric stovetops and in the oven or microwave.

It resists stains and does not absorb food odors or flavors. Casserole and covers are dishwasher, freezer, oven and microwave safe. Simmer, bake, serve and store with style.

Below are examples of Corningware dishes that are compatible with your stovetop;

CORNINGWARE STOVETOP PYROCERAM SHADOW IRIS 1.5L CASSEROLE BY CORNINGWARE.

Corningware stovetop Pyroceram dish

The Corningware Pyroceram is a 1.5L Casserole dish perfect for making flan. It is a Limited Edition.

The Corningware Pyroceram is a Limited Edition that is Microwave safe, Dishwasher safe and Broiler safe.

This Limited Edition of the Corningware dish can go from the stovetop where the sugar is caramelized to make the coating, to oven, where the custard is baked, to the fridge, where it is stored before presentation.

The smooth surface of the Limited Edition of the Corningware stovetop Pyroceram has a smooth surface for perfect, easy unmolding. It also makes a great casserole pan. Because it’s pretty as well as functional, you can serve at the table right in this baking dish.

Apart from stovetop, this Corningware dish is also electric and Gas compatible.

CORNINGWARE PYROCERAM BLUE CORNFLOWER GLASS CERAMIC COOKWARE SET

Limited Edition of the Blue Cornflower Corningware Pyroceram cookware set for stovetop

The Corningware Pyroceram cornflower cookware set is a 3L casserole dish with Glass Lid. This Corningware is made of the Original Pyroceram white-based material.

The Corningware Pyroceram cornflower cookware set is electric, gas stovetop safe, dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe (preheated oven), and Broiler safe.

The non-porous surface does not absorb food odors, flavors or stains.

CORNINGWARE STOVETOP PYROCERAM JUST WHITE CASSEROLE SETS

White corningware Pyroceram casserole dish for Electric and Stovetop

The Corningware white casserole pyroceram dish features a unique glass ceramic heated material. Safe for both electric and gas stovetops. They are also Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven (Preheated) & Broiler Safe.

Non-porous Surface does not Absorb Food Odors, Flavors, or Stains. Included are (1) 2 Quart Casserole Dish w/ Glass Lid and (1) 3 Quart Casserole Dish w/ Glass Lid.

LUMINARC VITRO BLOOMING HEAT-RESISTANT GLASS COOKING POT

Luminarc heat resistant corningware cooking dish for gas, electric and all cooktops

The Vitro Luminarc material is heat-resistant and durable, can resist rapid temperature variations up to 450’C. Vitro Luminarc Corningware dish is smooth, non-porous surface is odor-free, stain-free, and nickel-free, thus 100% food safe and hygienic.

Vitro Luminarc Corningware is resistant means it does not chip, warp, or scratch easily, retaining its shape after years. Vitro’s heat resistance allows it to go from freezer to hob, from oven to table, and from fridge to microwave.

To cook, we recommend to pre-heat the vitroceraminc cookware at a low temperature for 2 minutes before each use. You may then cook at a low temperature for an even heat distribution.

The vitroceramic material retains heat for a long period of time. You can therefore let your water – based recipes stew at a very low temperature. You may even turn off the heat prior to finishing the cooking process, this will help you save energy and your vitroceramic cookware will do the rest.

Before the first use, clean your product in soapy hot water and without any abrasive scourer. After each use, after a short cooling period set your product aside to cool for a short period, then let it soak in hot soapy water before cleaning.

This Luminarc corningware pot is intended to be used on many types of stovetop including electrical stove. Luminarc has stated this and is on the packaging of the pot.

Excellent quality. Easy use as a saucepot on a gas stovetop. So far there are no cracks or chips on the bottom. It is also perfect for warming soups (from fridge to stove) and as a serving dish.
Luminarc Vitro products are non-toxic and chemical-free. It is made from Vitro ceramic and glass materials.

CORNINGWARE DUTCH OVEN P 34 B

Vintage Corningware Dutch oven p-34-b

The Corningware Dutch oven p-34-b is a vintage large corningware cornflower blue glass 4 quart Dutch oven with Lid and it is made in the USA.

It is made up of a Ceramic Material, the weight is 6.5 pounds. The brand of Corningware is Corningware-Pyrex.

CORNINGWARE OVEN SAFE TEMPERATURE

Corningware has different products that are made up of different materials hence they all have different temperatures that they can withstand.

Corningware Products can be used in the Preheat Oven. But the Pyrex material of the Corningware dish can’t handle broiler temperatures it is advisable you don’t exceed 350° Fahrenheit.

According to history, In 1953 S. Donald Stookey  of the Corning Research and Development Division discovered Pyroceram, a white glass-ceramic  material capable of withstanding a thermal shock (sudden temperature change) of up to 450 K (840 °F), by accident.

 Most people prefer to preheat to 425 with corningware vs. 450-475 for the Dutch oven. Most Vintage corningwares and lid old style can tolerate 450 – 500 and higher degrees F.

Generally, Pyroceram is suitable for stovetops and is Broiler safe up to 550 degrees. Corningware vision brand is suitable for stovetop and Broiler safe up to 550 degrees.

While the Pyrex brand of Corningware dish isn’t suitable for stovetop and isn’t Broiler safe.

CORNINGWARE OVEN SAFE 500 DEGREES

Corning produced many different products over the years and each has its own unique advantages and limitations. You really need to contact Corning and find out exactly what piece you own, then get an answer from the manufacturer as to what is or is not safe for the particular piece(s) you have.

For example, the Corningware French white oval casserole baking dish is completely safe at 425 degrees according to the Corningware representative and Conventional home ovens don’t get hot enough to break the material down.

Even if corningware can handle temperatures well over 500 degrees, it is recommended that you don’t put any hot Corningware products directly into cold water. Corningware handles thermal shock better than most glass or ceramic products, but don’t go too far, you simply have to be careful.

Finally, from the 1950s-1970s mentions it can go straight from a freezer or refrigerator to a preheated oven and it won’t break; withstand an 840 degrees difference in temperature; boil dry without breaking; and more.

DUTCH OVEN IMPROVISE

I have stated above in this article that since most Dutch ovens are expensive, people often look out for a way to improvise and use a less expensive kitchen appliance to achieve their aim.

However, the problem here is how you decide which Kitchen appliance to use instead of a Dutch oven? It is recommended you look out for the following features;

  1. The Kitchen appliance should have a tight-fitting Lid
  2. The Kitchen appliance should be used on direct heat
  3. The Kitchen appliance should have a heavy base
  4. The Kitchen appliance should also be able to be placed in a conventional oven.

Apart from the features listed above, keep in mind that selecting a kitchen appliance to improvise with a Dutch oven, you need to understand how a Dutch oven works. Once you understand the principles, you are now fully informed, you can pick up the kitchen appliance that falls in line with the same principle as a Dutch oven.

A kitchen appliance that can sear, sauté, fry, boil, bake, roast, stew, slow-cook, fast-cook will be a good example to improvise or substitute with a Dutch oven.

You can also use a soup pot or stockpot for simmering soups and stews, creating homemade sauces, or making applesauce. Depending on the pot’s material, you may (or may not) be able to use it in the oven, but you might not need to.

Examples of other kitchen appliances that will be a good substitute for a Dutch oven are; casserole dishes, clay pot, Braiser, Skillet, roasting pan and Pyrex glass casserole.

Finally, kindly read all the manufacturer’s instructions before going ahead to use that appliance as a substitute in place of a Dutch oven.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CORNINGWARE

See below the questions asked by Corningware users; 

IS VINTAGE CORNINGWARE VALUABLE?

Vintage corning wares designs are still very affordable. They are valuable as they can be used in preparing various food recipes.


They are also oven safe, microwave safe, can easily go from freezer to oven. They are a classic in any kitchen and bring elegance to your home and style.

HOW TO TELL IF CORNINGWARE IS PYROCERAM?

As I stated above, Corningware was invented by S. Donald Stookey in the early 1950s. The material used in designing Corningware is made of pyroceram which is a ceramic-glass material.

This material could withstand very high temperatures, making it a good choice for kitchenware and other uses. If you look at your Corningware dish bottom and it says “not for stovetop” then it is not Pyroceram.

The new and classic Corningware dishes today are made from both Pyroceram and ceramic stoneware, therefore, it is important you know the material your Corningware brand is made of before using it to avoid any issue.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR VINTAGE CORNINGWARE?

Keep your vintage Corningware in good condition by following these cleaning tips:

Using baking soda mixed with water is a good cleaning option. Simply rub gently and rinse thoroughly for sparkling Corningware.

Denture cleaner may also work for cleaning. Simply cover the dish with warm water and drop in two or three denture cleaning tablets.

We recommend do not wash in the dishwasher or use dish soap with lemon. It will fade the design and ruin the finish.

If the piece has gray streaks, it means that the finish is wearing off. There is nothing that can be done for that.

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