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Can I Use CorningWare Instead of a Dutch Oven? (Yes and no)

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Cookers, Bakeware

Dutch ovens are praised for their versatility, durability, and the overall flavor they give meats and stews, going from both stovetop to the oven. But not every kitchen has a Dutch oven leading many to wonder can I use CorningWare instead of a Dutch oven?

CorningWare’s glass-ceramic hybrid called Pyroceram IS designed to go from stovetop to oven and is an excellent substitute for a Dutch oven. However, CorningWare’s clear glass Pyrex is NOT designed for the stovetop and does not make a good Dutch oven substitute. 

But there’s a lot more to know about Dutch ovens, and Pyroceram still doesn’t quite give you the same results.

So let’s dig in a little further.

What is a Dutch oven and do I really need one?

A Dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. Typically made of cast iron, they are safe to use both on the stovetop and in the oven. You can use it for:

  • Braising
  • Making soups and stews
  • Baking bread
  • and even for deep frying since it can withstand high temperatures

It’s a great alternative to a slow cooker since you can achieve the same tender results in your meats while maintaining some of that braised or broiled flavor you can only get from the oven.

However, many homes do not have a Dutch oven.

With other options available, it may not be crucial to own one. After all, they can be somewhat expensive, heavy. And can take up quite a bit of space in your cabinet.

However, there are no true substitutes for a good Dutch oven that can be used on both the stovetop and in the oven.

With its cast-iron body, the Dutch oven heats nice and evenly on the stove and in the oven. You can easily sauté your vegetables before adding meat to the pot and transferring it to the oven.

You can also create great soups and stews right on the stovetop, keeping the moisture in thanks to the heavy, tight-fitting lid.

My pick for best Dutch oven on Amazon?

It’s the AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (click to see it on Amazon). You get a few color choices, and it’s a great price (SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper but looks just like Le Creuset).

Over 6,000 near-perfect reviews can’t be wrong. Free shipping and well under $70 bucks. This is definitely the one to get!

CLICK HERE to see it on Amazon.

Can I use CorningWare as a Dutch oven?

CorningWare makes a few different types of products.

The most versatile ones are their cooking dishes made with a unique glass-ceramic hybrid called Pyroceram. This is not the clear glass CorningWare, but rather the ones your Grandma probably has that are white, or other colors.

You can’t use these dishes in exactly the same way you use a Dutch oven, but you do still have some cooking options that will give you similar results.

However, CorningWare does offer its own Dutch oven products. But honestly, none of their Dutch ovens on Amazon have great reviews and most have a high percentage of 1-star reviews.

They also have other less expensive products that can work as a decent substitute.

Their glass-ceramic dishes can be used on the stovetop as well as in the oven. These products are your best option when trying to substitute for a Dutch oven. You can start your cooking on the stovetop then transfer your pot to the oven to achieve that perfectly tender meal.

On the other hand, their stoneware and clear glass Pyrex should NOT be used on the range top. This takes away part of its function as a Dutch oven, but you can still create a great meal by just cooking in the oven.

One of the biggest differences between a Dutch oven and CorningWare is that CorningWare is typically smaller.

You can roast a whole chicken in most Dutch ovens, but you may be limited to smaller meals or have to resort to multiple dishes if you choose to use CorningWare.

What Should I Use if I do not have a Dutch oven?

The best alternatives for a Dutch oven are a deep skillet that does not have a plastic handle or a large oven-proof stockpot. 

Some recipes call for a Dutch oven, but if you don’t have one handy, you may begin to ask what you can use in place of it. Nothing truly replaces a Dutch oven, especially since its most unique feature is the fact it can be started on the stovetop and go right to the oven.

If you have a deep skillet that doesn’t have a plastic handle, that could be a decent substitute. But really, there aren’t many options available to you that will give you similar results.

One of your best options is to substitute a slow cooker or Crockpot. With these handy machines, you can create that same moist environment that results in some of the most tender meat dishes.

The biggest downside is that it does take a bit longer to heat up than a Dutch oven, which can be started on the stove.

But let’s not forget to mention CorningWare since that’s what we are mostly covering anyways.

The CorningWare Pyroceram baking dishes or Visions cookware is the best substitute for a Dutch oven.  You can start your cooking on the stovetop and transfer to the oven just like a Dutch oven.

Just click those links to see them on Amazon.

What temperature can CorningWare withstand?

Corningware’s Pyroceram and Visions products are designed to handle the heat from both a stovetop and oven broiler up to 550° F. However, Corningware’s Pyrex is not designed for the stovetop and can only withstand oven temperatures up to 350° F. 

Because CorningWare has so many different products, you need to check what type of material your specific product is made of. That way you can ensure you are using it properly and safely.

Also, they don’t actually list a maximum temperature their products can withstand.

However, it’s easy to calculate since some are listed as oven-safe and others safe for the broiler. When using in the oven or broiler, remember to preheat the oven, and never remove from the oven and set on something cold.

When they come with lids, also know those are NOT safe to set directly on a hot burner. And of course, for those that come with a plastic lid, you should not place the lid in the oven either.

Here is what you need to know:

Product OK for Stovetop? Broiler Safe?
Pyroceram Yes Yes – 550°
Pyrex No No
Visions® Yes Yes – 550°

All their products can be used in a preheated oven. But for Pyrex, since it can’t handle broiler temperatures, don’t exceed 350° Fahrenheit.

You also need to keep in mind that you cannot use your slow cooker on the stovetop. This is one of the leading causes of cracking, as explained in this recent article.

Can Pyrex go on the stovetop?

Pyrex cannot be used on the stovetop. It is designed for oven use only up to 350° F. 

It can be easy to think that using Pyrex on a stovetop is okay. That’s because it is known for its heat-resistant materials.

Once upon a time, this would have been fine. Pyrex glass products have changed a bit over the years. They were once able to be used on top of stoves.

But with the newer borosilicate glass, the stovetop should be avoided.

Even if you are not cooking over an open flame, and using a ceramic cooktop instead of a gas burner, you should never place your Pyrex cookware or lids on the stovetop.

Heating Pyrex on a stove burner can cause it to heat unevenly, resulting in cracks and even breakage, which can be very dangerous and lead to injury. You should only heat your Pyrex in a preheated oven.

But, as we’ve established, CorningWare’s Vision & Pyroceram products CAN go on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we took a look at both CorningWare and the Dutch oven. We compared the two in detail to determine their necessity and point out the benefits of each.

There is no true substitute for a Dutch oven. They are highly versatile and durable. On the other hand, they can be a bit expensive and not used as frequently as CorningWare would be.

It’s all up to your preference. Just be sure to closely follow the usage directions for your product. That way, you don’t damage it or injure yourself.

My pick for best Dutch oven on Amazon?

It’s the AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (click to see it on Amazon). You get a few color choices, and it’s a great price (SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper but looks just like Le Creuset).

Over 6,000 near-perfect reviews can’t be wrong. Free shipping and well under $70 bucks. This is definitely the one to get!

CLICK HERE to see it on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click to Amazon from my site and choose to make a purchase. You can read my complete affiliate disclosure for more details.

Jeff Campbell
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