A Tale of Two Corning Electromatic Skillets

[rp2813]

A while back I found a Corning Electromatic Skillet and subsequently found a Cookmates casserole to fit it.

 

Within a few months I found another skillet that was priced right so I picked it up as a spare or potential gift, and have since found a couple more vintage Corning A-10-B casseroles.

 

Today when I was rearranging things I discovered that none of my A-10-B casseroles or the Cookmates would fit on one of the skillets.  They were all slightly too big at 9.75 x 9.75 inches square.  They all fit perfectly on the other skillet.

 

Both skillets appear identical -- until you flip them over.  The one nothing fits on is a model P-12-ES.  The one that they fit is a model P-12-ES N. 

 

So now I'm wondering what size/model Corningware Casserole is designed for the P-12-ES.  The later (?) A-10-B types that measure 9.5 x 9.5 are too small and can slide off.  Did the P-12-ES have a specific casserole paired with it that measures 9 5/8 x 9 5/8 or something?

 

[danemodsandy]

Ralph:

I don't have an answer for you, but I will be very interested to see if one turns up. There are tons of little mysteries with Corning Ware, stuff that no one has figured out a reason for. Just when you think you know it all, you get faced with something that shouldn't be, but is.

Hopefully this is something that has an answer.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Corning changed the shape of the Electromatic skillet pans when the P series pans changed to the more straight-side profile and wider handle ears of the A series. The older P series skillets had a higher domed Pyrex cover than the A series. I think you will find that the brackets on one base extend slightly further over the platform; that is the one for the older P series skillet. The base for the newer skillet with the slightly shorter brackets was only made for a short time before Corning changed to the newer style heater base with the flat heating area bordered on the right by the 2 inch wide semi woodgrain surfaced area with the metalic knob for the temperature settings. It was sort of a portable counter that cooks. Unfortunately, that one had nothing to keep the pans on the cooking surface from spinning and sliding around. I sold all three versions and had to deal with ordering replacement pans for both platforms with handles and brackets.

 

[rp2813]

. . . something that has an answer

It apparently is.

 

Thanks Tom.  I knew the brackets were the only difference between the bases, but didn't know why. Going forward, I'll know to pass up any A series dishes and keep an eye out for the P series, and/or watch for another P-12-ES N base.  I've seen various kinds of Pyrex lids -- the lower profile type with small knob, the higher profile with larger knob, and higher profile with small knob.  Are these generally interchangeable between older P series and later A series dishes?

 

I have a couple of the newer style heating bases with woodgrain side panel as well.  I've never used any of my Corning heating or skillet bases to cook on.  I bought them to use primarily as warmers.  It's cheaper and easier to cook on my gas stove.

 

[retromania]

Electromatic Skillet

I have one from '73. Mostly use it as a bake dish, but works fine as an electric skillet.