The Real Dope on Safety: Corning, Corelle & Other Glassware

When considering brands like Corelle and Corning, it is natural for them to hold sentimental value, as you may associate them with your childhood meals with your family. These are two major household names best known for their cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and iconic brands.

If you’re curious about the connection between these two renowned glassware brands, you’re not the only one. 

In this article, we have discussed Corning, Corelle, and other glassware products. Not to mention, we will deep-dive into the brands’ histories, manufacturing processes, and safety features.

Corning and Corelle: What Is Their Connection?

Here is everything you need to know about the rich history of Corning and its affiliation with Corelle.

Is Corelle Owned by Corning

People often inquire about the correlation between Corning and Corelle. A fascinating fact about Corelle Dinnerware is that its story began with Corning. In the 1960s, Corning pioneered the use of glass ceramics.

Later, Corning created Corelle, which turned out to be a revolutionary line of dinnerware. However, in 1998, Corelle Brands, LLC, became an independent company. Although Corelle and Corning are no longer correlated, their shared history is undeniable.

Corelle Brands– Portfolio & Merger

Corelle Brands is an industry giant for glassware products. Renowned for its cutting-edge worldwide manufacturing, it is a staple in American households. Other than Corelle dinnerware, the brand’s portfolio also includes various other iconic glassware brands. These include the following:

• Pyrex
• CorningWare
• Snapware
• Chicago Cutlery

Later in March 2019, Instant Brands, the owner of Instant Pot, acquired Corelle Brands for an undisclosed amount. Correspondingly, Corelle’s range of innovative kitchen products has expanded.

Iconic Glassware Brands

Some of the common glassware brands that you should know about are as follows:

• Corelle Dinnerware: Corelle dinnerware is best known for its durability. These glassware products feature a lightweight design and attractive patterns. Not to mention, these dinnerware products are made from a patented glass-laminate material called Vitrelle. Correspondingly, Corelle products boast superior resistance to chipping, cracking, and breaking compared to traditional ceramics.
• Vintage Corelle: Vintage Corelle pieces are sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. However, some of the older patterns’ may contain trace amounts of lead. On the contrary, the company has ensured its newer products comply with modern safety standards.
• Chicago Cutlery: Chicago Cutlery, another brand under the Corelle Brands umbrella, is famous for its high-quality knives and cutlery sets. Known for their precision and durability, these products have become staples in many kitchens worldwide.
• Pyrex: Corning Glassworks introduced the first Pyrex line in 1915. This was made of borosilicate glass cut out to withstand high temperatures without cracking. Pyrex cookware revolutionized the glassware industry, so collectors still scour for its vintage editions.

Inside the Corning and Corelle Facilities

If you’re wondering what the inside of a Corning and Corelle facility looks like, you’re not the only one. Here is a look at the operations and manufacturing of the world-renowned glassware products: 

Operations at Corning Plant

Corning, which once was the parent company of Corelle, operates state-of-the-art facilities where they produce high-quality glass and ceramic products.

Among other products, they produce Gorilla Glass for smartphones, which makes it easy for clumsy people to securely handle their phones without damaging them. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has led it to become a leader in the industry.

Distribution Operations in the Southern Tier Region

Corelle Brands is a leading glassware company operating a major distribution center in the Southern Tier region of New York. As a consequence, it has cemented its connections with the area and also contributed to the local economy.

Role of York State Electric in Manufacturing

York State Electric is crucial in manufacturing Corning’s glassware products, as it is the company’s reliable energy source to run the plant. Furthermore, it ensures a seamless production process and top-quality products.

Safety Features You Should Know

When choosing glassware, the safety of the product is of great importance. Here are some of the safety features of Corning and Corelle’s products:

Composition of the Materials

Corelle dinnerware is made using a patented glass-laminate material called Vitrelle. This material consists of multiple layers of glass that are fused together.

As a result of their unique composition, Corelle products are exceptionally strong and durable.

Breakage Resistance

Corelle makes sturdy dinnerware resistant to breaking, chipping, and cracking. Hence, these products are a safe choice for everyday use. Not to mention, their resistance to breakage makes them an eco-friendly option as they require fewer replacements.

Microwavable and Safe for Dishwashing

Corelle’s dinnerware range is safe for use in both microwaves and dishwashers. Nevertheless, you must be wary of microwaving vintage Corelle pieces with metallic accents in the microwave. Doing so might damage both the dish and the appliance.

Contribution to Economic Development and Local Workforce

Brands like Corelle and Corning are industry giants and have significantly contributed to economic development. Here is a brief overview of their contributions:

Support of the Empire State Development

Corning and Corelle have the support of Empire State Development, which is the chief economic development agency in New York. Consequently, these brands have been able to expand their businesses and create jobs in the region.

Another positive impact of this collaboration is the rise in investments within the area to improve local infrastructure and the development of the workforce.

Creating Jobs Within the Community

Corning and Corelle have played a significant role in providing employment opportunities to the locals. Furthermore, the manufacturing and distribution operations also contribute to creating more jobs within the local community.

Consequently, these brands have helped develop the region’s economy.

Supports Department Stores

The iconic brands that come under the umbrella of Corelle Brands also play their part in supporting the retail industry, which ultimately helps in the growth of the economy. 

This is possible because Corelle pieces are available in department stores nationwide, and their massive popularity drives more sales.

Lead Content in CorningWare’s Cornflower Blue Pattern

CorningWare’s most historically iconic design is its Cornflower Blue pattern. Recently, many people have expressed concerns about the blue flower design potentially containing trace amounts of lead.

Although CorningWare’s case material is safe, the paint or glaze of the older pieces of the Cornflower Blue products may contain lead. Therefore, it is safer for you to opt for newer Corningware products, as they are manufactured using updated safety standards.

In particular, if you are concerned about the lead content, vintage pieces of cornflower blue hold value for enthusiasts and collectors.

Other Iconic Glassware Brands – Visions Cookware

Another relatively popular glassware product is Visions cookware. This product line is best known for its amber, or cranberry-colored, transparent design. In addition, these glassware products are made using a glass ceramic material called Calexium.

There are various benefits to using this cookware, some of which include the following:

• High resistance to heat – Apart from the stovetop, you can use Visions cookware in the oven or microwave as it can withstand high temperatures.
• Smooth, non-porous surface – This cookware range is easy to clean and does not absorb the odors and flavors of food because of its non-porous surface.
• Versatile – You can use Visions cookware for cooking and serving purposes because of its presentable design and high heat resistance.

Questions Asked Frequently

1. Where to buy Corelle and other iconic brands’ products?

Corelle dinnerware is easily available throughout the US. You can find the products in department stores, specialty retailers, and online platforms like Amazon. If you prefer buying from first-party vendors, you may visit the company’s official website

2. How can I clean my burnt Visions cookware?

Occasionally, you may have to deal with burned food stuck to your Visions cookware. It can be challenging to remove it without damaging the cookware. Following these steps can help you overcome this challenge:

• Fill warm, soapy water in your cookware and let it soak
• Using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, scrub the burnt areas
• To remove stubborn stains, apply a mixture of baking soda and water
• After letting it sit for some time, scrub and rinse it with water

Final Verdict

Corning and Corelle are leading glassware brands committed to playing their due part in safety, innovation, and economic development. Their durability, along with their attractive designs, has made them popular worldwide.

These iconic brands also contribute to the region’s economy, creating employment opportunities for the local workforce. Not to mention, these brands produce premium-quality glassware products according to the latest safety protocols. 

The cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and modern operations facilities ensure that the brand maintains its quality, durability, and innovation.