Corning Ware Pyroceram Warming Tray and Other Questions

[sarah]

Hi Y'all,

I've decided that I must have some corning ware while it's still plentiful in thrift shops and on eBay. I'm especially interested in the warming tray pictured below. I have seen several on eBay--some that are described as having the pyroceram part attached to the metal warming part with a removable cord and some described as being in three parts--the pyroceram tray, the metal warming part and the cord. The one pictured below has an additonal metal stand with wooden handles.

Does anyone know if these were manufactured both ways--with the pyroceram tray removing completely from the metal warming element and with the tray permanently attached to the warming element. If they were only manufactured attached, do you know if they can be unglued and still function? It seems like the fully disassemblable model would be the most versatile because one could use the pyroceram tray as the bake-broil tray or place it on the warming unit and use it as the warming tray. The pyroceram part seems to be identical to the bake-broil tray.

Also, these warming trays don't appear to have any kind of temperature control. How hot should they get? If I bid on one on eBay, how should I question my seller about it's function? I have learned that eBay buyers and sellers do not always have the same understanding of the phrase "it works," so I try to be very specific in my questions before I place a bid.

Thanks for all information. And if you corning ware collectors want to jump in and add more info on other corning ware "must haves" please do. Right now, I have one petit pan, but I think I must have more--at least a few frying pans, pots, casseroles, a 2 quart saucemaker with lid and handle, a bread pan... Is there a particular pan that is great for making lasagna? I like the cornflower blue the best which is easy I suppose since it's the most common. Tell me all you think a beginner should know. Show me pictures. Wax eloquent.

After all, it was you all who taught me the difference between pyrex and pyroceram, told me that pyroceram was no more and new Corningware was merely stoneware... I feel that I missed something very important and I must catch up.

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[tomturbomatic]

The trays came electrified and non-electrified. The heating element is sealed to the tray so that it can be immersed for cleaning, is not removable and consists of ribbon-like wires in an all over pattern to give even heat since Pyroceram does not spread heat. The cord that goes with the tray has three pins to fit the receptacle on the tray. There is a note in the use and care manual and maybe some raised lettering on the plug pointing out that when the side with the orange dot, I think, is up, it gives high heat to be used if you have serving dishes on the tray and when the side of the plug without the orange circle is up, it gives low heat for use when food is placed directly on the tray. Happy hunting.

 

[gansky1]

GASP!

I've never seen this piece before! I have a tray like this, but it has no cord, rack or heating base... I feel so incomplete now.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Greg, It does not need the cradle. In fact, it was sold without a cradle while the plain one often came with a cradle to prevent heat damage. It has its own cute short rubber feet to prevent it from damaging anything. I store mine in its original box because it is thin and vulnerable to breaking if there were one of those accidents we do not like to discuss. This is another piece of Corning Ware that you have not found and another reason to go on living and shopping.