I need a few new pieces of stovetop to oven cookware, and after looking at a lot of amazon cookware offers, decided that instead of buying a couple of ultra-expensive LeCreuset pieces, I would buy American. After reading amazon's various Corningware offers that kept mentioning "stoneware" instead of pyroceram, I just called Worldkitchen company that now markets (and perhaps manufactures} Corningware. They said that Corning no longer manufactures any of the extremely strong, durable pyroceram that Corningware used to be made of.
Anybody who has used the real thing knows that "chip-resistant stoneware" is definitely not the same. Pyroceram doesn't "resist" chips, it just doesn't ever *get* chips. This is sad because I wanted to buy a set of American made cookware and bakeware for myself and one for my sister. Unless I can find a source for real Corningware, I won't be buying anything from this source. We can get cheap "stoneware" anywhere.

I would edit my stars and give the set 4 stars, because it was not the same as the set I had received at my wedding shower 11 years ago...I was not able to edit the stars...

12-4-2005 I have had this set for over 10 years (white set)... Nothing is stained. I use it in my oven, microwave, and refrigerator with no problem. I cook A LOT of Italian food in them (all marinara sauce and no staining and no sticking). I would be lost without them and caught my sister trying to walk out with one! I guess I have just found the perfect gift for her.

12-30-2005 This set was delivered on Christmas Eve (for my sister)... when I went to her house and we unloaded the set, I was surprised at the difference. It still looks nice, but it does not have the same glossy, smooth bottom like my set. It does appear to be more of a stoneware on the bottom. (read review further down/up by Luminosa)... We are still happy with it though... You cannot go wrong with Corning products. My sister is COMPLETELY thrilled and VERY happy with the set. (That is all I care about... and keeping my pans at home!)

I give this product "4" stars instead of "5" only after reading others reviews and realizing that I do not use this product for some of the things they do (i.e. stove top cooking) so it's possible that it may not be suitable for everyone. What I do know is that I have owned this set for over 3 years. In addition, I have owned individual pieces for over 6 years, which is why I asked for a full set on my wedding registry! I think this is an incredible product. I recommend it to everyone. I use these to bake all sorts of things and have never had a problem. Not one piece that I own is chipped. And you know, if they don't work well on the stove top....isn't that why you buy a set of pots and pans? The only complaint that I have is one of the glass covers got a little stained after 5 years and I can't seem to get it off, but even that is minimal! As far as the pieces themselves, I can't say enough. I cook everything from casseroles, meatloaf, lasagna, you name it....and my absolute favorite feature is that no matter what I throw at it....NOTHING sticks to these dishes! After 6 years, I'm still amazed....so amazed that as I washed off last night's baked on manicotti gunk I thought, "I'm going to write my first ever review on Amazon so other's know about this stuff!"....even though I bought it eons ago! In my opinion, you could not spend a better $50 for an all around versatile cooking set. And....they are nice enough that they can go right from cooking to serving on the table and look good! Buy it...you won't regret it!

I have depended on my French White - the "old" style - for many years. I went to buy a few new pieces for myself, but discovered that Corning has changed the design. "French White" is now nothing more than cheap-cheesy-heavy-porous-breakable stoneware. I saw many chips and even a crack in the display models. STUPID Corning! They seem to have forgotten that Corningware was designed to be the smart alternative to that cheap-cheesy-heavy-porous-breakable stoneware! PLEASE SAVE YOUR $$$.

I read other reviews and was puzzled.. my "classic" white Corningware is absolutely awesome cookware and I was about to buy more... and I am a serious cook and was going to buy an 18 piece set for myself and another for a wedding gift...Luckily I found out about how Corningware undermined their once fabulous product line before I put my money on the line.

The "classic" Corningware looks great, is just about indestructable and can go from fridge to oven to broiler to rangetop to table to microwave and back again. The "new" French White Corningware line (I do have a couple pieces so I know 1st hand...) is a mediocre stoneware clone of the original classic and mediocre really says it!!! Chips fairly easily where the "real" orig. Corningware is unbelievably tough; cannot go under the broiler, so forget any gratins, onion soup, or other dishes that need a last moment flash browning; can't go on the range top, so forget a bunch of great ways the orig. Corningware stuff does it's A+++ kitchen duty. The new stuff is just average, mediocre cookware...there is better quality and better value (in stoneware too, if that's what we are stuck with) out there than what Corningware is now passing off as it's product line. Too bad, and very disappointing. I am REALLY glad I still have my orig. pieces and wish they would bring THAT product line back. So, buyers beware!!!

As a new apartment dweller I would rank this right up there....its so great, classic looks, cleans easily and you can use it to make all sorts of recipes....goes with all decor and it looks great when taking just a casserole dish to a party or gathering....great purchase and I'm so satisfied!