USAGE TIPS FOR YOUR CORNING VISIONS AND ARC VITROCERAMIC COOKWARE

Visions and ARC vitroceramic (glass-ceramic) cookware can be used on the rangetop (gas and electric), in the oven (conventional, convection, and microwave), and under a broiler. It can even be used on a grill or over a campfire! Since vitroceramic cookware is highly resistant to thermal shock it can easily go from freezer to stove to table, then into the sink to soak without worry.

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Vitroceramic cookware, like Visions, performs differently than conventional cookware and it may be necessary to make some adjustments in the way you are used to cooking. Since all Vitroceramic cookware is made from the same material this allows for incredibly flexible usage. Pieces intended for rangetop, such as saucepans and skillets, can also be used in the oven. Likewise, casseroles and pots marketed for the oven are still stovetop safe. All Vitroceramic cookware can be used in the microwave (Be sure to remove any detachable handles). This advantage means that Vitroceramic cookware is great at “combination cooking” - start meals on the rangetop or in the microwave and move them to the oven or broiler to finish cooking or browning. One piece does the work of many!

Once sufficiently heated, Vitroceramic cookware will retain that heat and cool slowly. This enables you to cook at lower temperatures, often allowing the heat source to be turned off several minutes before the food is finished, saving energy. Since it cools slowly, Vitroceramic cookware can go from the stove to the table and it will stay warm during the meal.

Integrated handles, lids, and knobs tend to stay cool when cooking on low temperatures. However, they will heat up if exposed to strong or direct heat. When removing heated lids made of ordinary glass always place them on dry potholders or towels to avoid thermal shock.

Cooking spray, such as Pam, works well with Vitroceramic cookware and can make clean up easier. When using a piece from the “Non-Stick Visions” line, lightly wipe the SilverStone coating with a thin layer of oil before cooking.

Do NOT use metal utensils, they may scratch or mark the surface. Utensils made of silicone, nylon, or bamboo will provide best results. Silicone is preferred for use with the “Non-Stick Visions” line to avoid damaging the SilverStone coating.

Do NOT use Vitroceramic cookware that is damaged in any way. If you have a piece with chips, cracks, or deep scratches then it is unsafe and should be retired from service. Not only might it cut you but the glass-ceramic material could continue to chip from the broken surface and enter your food. Damage to Vitroceramic cookware is a detriment to its ability to withstand temperature extremes. You are playing Russian roulette using a damaged piece - it may not break tomorrow but the chances increase substantially.


 

ON THE RANGETOP (GAS AND ELECTRIC)

 
Visions and ARC vitroceramic cookware can be used on a wide variety of rangetops, gas and electric (both coil and ceramic "glass tops"). Note for induction rangetops: The majority of vitroceramic cookware will require an "Induction Adapter Plate" to heat on an induction burner. Select pieces of Visions and ARC cookware have been produced specifically for induction, with a magnetic layer bonded to the base of the cookware.

Saucepans, Cook Pots, and Casseroles

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*Use a LOWER heat setting than with conventional cookware. Bring the cookware to temperature using medium or medium-high heat. Use high temperatures for boiling water only.

*For browning meat, add oil/spray and preheat the cookware 3-5 minutes on medium or lower before adding food.

*Once the contents have started to cook or boil, turn the heat DOWN for a gentle simmer.

*Since contents will continue to cook for several minutes after being removed from the heat, turn the burner off early for delicate foods or those with a tendency to burn quickly.

*With foods that require a short cooking or heating time, turn the burner off as soon as it has reached cooking temperature.

*Do NOT allow food to cook dry or burn. Your Visions and ARC Vitroceramic cookware will be fine but it may ruin your food or make cleaning of the cookware more difficult.

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For boiling pasta: Because of the lack of nucleation sites, water will be superheated by the time it bubbles in Visions or ARC Vitroceramic cookware. This may cause some pasta to stick. If you run into this issue:

-HARD PASTA: For a 12 to 16 ounce package of hard pasta; Bring recommended amount of water to a boil. Carefully pour in pasta and slowly stir for 3 minutes. Cover with a glass lid and remove from heat (transfer from burner if using an electric rangetop, otherwise just shut off the gas). Let pasta stand for the shorter time given on the package. Test a piece and if it's not done to your liking, cover once more and wait until the longer time. Note: subtract 2 minutes from the shorter time for pasta that will be baked.

-SOFT PASTA: For soft fresh or refrigerated pasta, boil until it floats (around 3 minutes typically), then taste test.

VISIONS Double-Boiler Instructions:

Pour one cup (8 ounces) of water into the 1.5L saucepan. The water level should be about 1/4 inch below the bottom of the boiler when it is placed in the saucepan. Do NOT allow water to contact the bottom of the boiler.

Position the boiler within the saucepan so the lug-handles are in line with the long saucepan handle.

Bring the water in the saucepan to boil and then adjust the heat so the water maintains a slow, gentle simmer. Avoid boil-overs. It is only necessary to have the water steaming for best performance of the double-boiler. If water evaporates during cooking, the heat is too high. However, additional water may be added as necessary.

Note: Prevent mineral build-up in the saucepan by adding 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tarter to the water during cooking.


 

Skillets and Sauté Pans (Chicken Fryer)

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*Preheat the skillet 3-5 minutes on medium or lower and use a proper amount** of oil or cooking spray. High temperatures are not recommended with a Visions or ARC Vitroceramic skillet.

*Once cooking temperature is reached; add food and, if necessary, lower heat for gentle frying, simmering, or sautéing.

*Since contents will continue to cook for several minutes after being removed from the heat, turn the burner off early for delicate foods or those with a tendency to burn quickly such as beaten eggs as necessary. If you have a hot running stove, turn the heat off and continue cooking with the retained heat in the skillet.

*When frying or browning, place food off center in the skillet. Larger skillets will be cooler toward the center.

*Vitroceramic skillets are great for recipes which can be stirred or have liquid as a cooking medium, such as braised meats or rangetop casseroles.

**NOTE: Most Visions skillets have a “waffle” texture on the inside bottom. The “valleys” in this waffle-bottom act as reservoirs and help to distribute melted butter or oil evenly across the skillet while cooking. You should use slightly more oil or cooking spray to make sure these reservoirs are filled prior to the introduction of food. Do not use more than 1/4” of oil for frying.

 

IN THE OVEN AND BROILER (GRILLER)

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**Visions and ARC Vitroceramic cookware may be placed in a cold OR pre-heated oven prior to cooking. However, always PRE-HEAT the oven if your Vitroceramic cookware is covered with a glass lid. Many stoves use broiler elements and self-cleaning modes to quickly reach the desired temperature and this will temporarily create an unevenly heated environment, risking breakage of the lid. Ordinary glass lids should not be used under a broiler or in a toaster oven.

*While Vitroceramic cookware can safely handle any desired temperature in a kitchen environment, it should be remembered that this cookware absorbs and retains heat differently than metal bakeware. It may be beneficial to lower the recommended temperature by 25F degrees for some recipes.

*When removing Vitroceramic cookware from the oven sitting it on a cloth potholder, dry folded towel, silicone mat, cradle, or similar is suggested or the surface you are placing it on may be damaged.

*For Vitroceramic saucepans and skillets with detachable handles, make sure to remove the handles prior to closing the oven door. The handles can be re-attached to easily remove the cookware from the oven when it's finished cooking.

 

WITH THE MICROWAVE

*Integrated handles on Vitroceramic cookware, such as Visions or ARC Blooming saucepans, may become hot during microwave cooking. Use pot holders, as needed, when removing from the microwave.

*For Vitroceramic saucepans and skillets with detachable handles, make sure to remove the handles prior to turning on the microwave. The handles can be re-attached to easily remove the cookware from the microwave when it's finished cooking.

 

THE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER

*Visions and ARC Vitroceramic cookware can go directly from refrigerator or freezer to any heat source. It can also be returned to cold storage while still warm, if using a plastic lid. When using a glass lid, allow extra time for cooling so as not to risk thermal shock of the glass cover.

*To prevent scorching when thawing foods on rangetop, use very low heat until food can be stirred.

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