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Showing posts with label Corningware. Show all posts

Friday, April 16, 2021

CorningWare 20-ounce Pop-in Mug with Vented Plastic Cover Reviewed

There is nothing better for lunch than a cup of hot soup, especially on a cold or rainy day! These Corningware Pop-In Mugs make heating soup in the microwave fast, easy, and without any mess.

We received a set of the Pop-in Mugs several years ago as a gift. At the time, I had no idea how much I would end up enjoying these Corningware microwavable mugs. Not only are they microwavable, but they are dishwasher safe. Therefore, the entire meal from beginning to end is easier.

If I make a pot of soup or stew, I can fill and store the mugs in the refrigerator or freezer. When I am ready to reheat the soup, I simply pop the vent on the lid, stick it in the microwave, and heat. That plastic vented lid is the only cover needed to keep my microwave clean and clear of splatters or overflows.

At 20 ounces, it is also the perfect size for a can of soup. I enjoy Campbell's Tomato Soup. The mug would be large enough for the entire can contents as well as water. However, I don't add water to my tomato soup. I heat the soup in the microwave for 3 minutes and I'm ready to go. Because the mug handle is not hot, I can "drink" my tomato soup while continuing to work at my computer. I know it is best to take a real lunch break, but that is not always possible. It is nice to have a good hot lunch that I can easily eat/drink while working.

If I still worked outside of the home, it would be a very easy and practical way to carry soup, stew, chili, etc to work for lunch, ready for the microwave. The lid is tight enough that liquid will not spill, although I wouldn't test it by turning it upside down for a prolonged period of time.

CorningWare Colours Pop-Ins
20-oz Soup Mug with Lid - 2 Pack (Tomato)Check PriceFeatures of the Corningware Pop-in Mug

Comes with a vented lid for easy microwaving
20 Ounce size
Stoneware - Available in a variety of colors
Freezer Safe
Oven Safe
Dishwasher Safe

The only downside that I have found to these mugs is that my tomato soup has stained the inside of one of our lids. No big deal for me. I know it is clean, but I suspect that would bother some people. I have tried baking soda, vinegar, soaking, and several stain removal suggestions, but none have removed the tomato soup stain on the lid.

CorningWare Colours Pop-Ins 20-oz Soup Mug with Lid - 2 Pack (French White)Check Price Tomato Red Pop-Ins 20 oz. Mug with Vented Plastic CoverCheck Price CorningWare Microwaveable Soup/Meal/Beverage Mug w/Vented Plastic LidCheck Price Corningware Pop-Ins 20-OzMug w/ Blue Vented Plastic Cover, Blueberry (Pack of 2)Check Price

Old Versus New Corningware Designs

I am a huge fan of CorningWare!

The current day line of products are not always the same as the Corningware of 30 years ago. However, the items I have replaced with the newer version have been fine. I understand the new Pop-in Mugs have smaller handles than mine. Also, it seems manufacturing has moved to China. Mine were made in Thailand.
If you prefer the older versions, I recommend searching eBay for the older versions of CorningWare.

Friday, November 9, 2018

New CorningWare French White Oval Casserole with Glass Lid Review

New CorningWare Bakeware Compared to Vintage CorningWare

I have used CorningWare cookware in my kitchen for decades. It is truly one of my favorite brands since it can be used to store and cook. I always store leftovers in our CorningWare dishes simple because it can literally go from the refrigerator to the microwave or oven, lid and all.

When I recently visited our daughter, we had to go to a department store to pick up another curtain panel. As we were walking through the store, I spied the new CorningWare bakeware and immediately fell in love with their looks. The new style is cuter than the vintage CorningWare that I own and use weekly. I just love the oval shape with the ribbed sides and the cute little handles.

I thoroughly inspected them in the store, turning them upside down, considering their weight and questioning the new lid style. I also noted they were made in China. I set the little baking dish back down and moved on to the curtains so we could get what we came for and get done.

Overnight, I kept thinking about the new CorningWare. You could almost say I was haunted by it. Needless to say, on our way out of town the next day, I asked my husband to stop at the store so I could get the new dish. When he saw it, after hearing about it several times the day before, he suggested I buy two. It didn't require much encouragement for me to pick up two instead of one.

CorningWare French White 1.5 Quart Oval Casserole with Glass Lid

Click to Check Current Price - CorningWare Oval Casserole

Vintage Style vs New Style CorningWare Comparison

My vintage CorningWare is heavier. I think that is mostly due to the changes in the lid instead of the actual casserole dish. The lid is a completely different design. It is much thinner and much lighter weight. Instead of being part of the glass, the lid handle is ceramic. It is pretty, but I fear it won't last decades the way the thick glass lids for my vintage CorningWare has endured. One more note about the lid before I move on, it cannot go from the freezer to the oven.

As I noted earlier, I love the ribbed design. That ribbing style has been around for a while, but the rounded handles are new. At least they are new to me. I had never seen them before. As you can see in the photo, all of my vintage CorningWare has smooth sides and squared handles.

Not only does the ribbing look pretty, but it actually helps me get a better grip on the dish. That does not mean I will be discarding my vintage CorningWare. It is simply an observation for comparison.

I worried the light lid would not "seal" leftovers in the refrigerator. I have used them multiple times now and find that was an unnecessary concern. They seem to seal just fine.

Corningware French White III
Oval Casserole with Glass Cover, 1.5-QuartCheck PriceOne awesome surprise, the oval shape seems to take up less room on the refrigerator shelf. I have a side by side refrigerator which is nice for the freezer, but makes the shelves a lot smaller on the fridge side. I can easily fit two of the oval shaped dishes on the same shelf.

Additional CorningWare Features

Cleans up easily
Refrigerator, Microwave, Oven Safe, Dishwasher
Dish is Freezer Safe
Non-porous Stoneware won't absorb odors or stains
Bake, Store & Serve in One Dish

My Conclusion

As I said in the opening, I love the looks of the new CorningWare. Plus, it is great for storing and reheating leftovers. Overall, it will be great for us. However, I do not expect it to be as durable and long-lasting as my vintage sets. I fully expect the pretty lid handle to become an issue at some point.

For us, these dishes are exactly what we needed because we almost always have leftovers from dinner. The lighter weight allows me to effortlessly transfer them from the refrigerator to the microwave.

Since I purchased the 1.5 quart size, I limited myself on what dinners and sides I could cook in them. Most of my recipes call for a larger size. But, one of the things I want to be able to do is to half recipes when I am cooking for two instead of four or more.