I figured that it was about time that I do a post specifically on the Heat n' Eat line. They are the saviors of left-overs and a boon to the lunch eaters. So here are all the lunch time companions.
First, and probably the best known of all the Heat n' Eat line... The 15 oz Grab-it bowl (P-150-B) with it's Glass lid (P-150-C) released in 1977. (these also had several styles of plastic lids available) At first, these were offered as a porringer to accompany Centura dinnerware, it wasn't long before they hit the Microwave Heat n' Eat line as the ever popular "Grab-It" bowl... These are the Chili bowls that I grew up with as a child.
The Sidekicks (P-140-B) weren't released until the next year in 1978. They measure 6 1/2 x 4 1/2,
which is just the right size for a
couple sticks of Cornbread. (After all, you can't eat chili without a couple of corn sticks on the side now can you?) Though not really available to the public until '78, these little devils had been "flyin' the friendly skies" for years as airline plates with a model number of PL003.
The Casser-ette (P-14-B) with a glass lid (P-14-C) entered the area in 1979. It
holds 14 oz of your favorite ready made meal. I personally love these
when I make things like Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini. I'll make up
several and store them in the freezer. The only downfall of the P-14 is
that no plastic covers were made; or at least none that I have ever seen, so once you have placed the lid on
top, you have to wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap if it will be in
the freezer for any length of time.
Suddenly there was a disturbing trend sweeping across the United States... People were eating Tomato soup out of their Grab-It bowls, instead of chili. It was utter chaos and pandemonium for the poor Sidekick just wasn't large enough to support a Toasted Cheese sandwich. Luckily, Corningware Research and Development were on the job and by 1981, the Snack-It plate (P-185-B) appeared. This 6 inches square and just the right size shoulder the cheese laden burden and peace and harmony were restored to the Western world.
Then the super-size craze began. Thus in 1982, Corning released the 24 oz Grab-a-Meal bowl (P-240-B), for those who wanted a REALLY big bowl o' chili. These were only available with glass lids (P-240-C).
As you can see, the Grab-A-Meal bowl is significantly bigger than the original Grab-It.
There were a couple of other pieces that were available here and there. The Platter/Main Plate (P-811) which was original considered a platter for the Centura Dinnerware line, was also available as of 1977, but I am not sure how long.
There was also the larger Casserole.. as opposed to the Casser-ette. This 1 1/4 quart round dish (P-270-B) with a glass lid (P-270-C, which also fits the M-225-B) showed up on the scene sometime in the mid 80s, but I have no idea how long it was available either. This is an excellent Crisp/Crumble pan, if I do say so myself. It is also an excellent "Casserole for two" dish. (I do not know if this dish has it's "own" plastic lid but the M-225-PC plastic lid fits the P-270-B casserole)
Where is your Corningware??
~~
First, and probably the best known of all the Heat n' Eat line... The 15 oz Grab-it bowl (P-150-B) with it's Glass lid (P-150-C) released in 1977. (these also had several styles of plastic lids available) At first, these were offered as a porringer to accompany Centura dinnerware, it wasn't long before they hit the Microwave Heat n' Eat line as the ever popular "Grab-It" bowl... These are the Chili bowls that I grew up with as a child.
There was also the larger Casserole.. as opposed to the Casser-ette. This 1 1/4 quart round dish (P-270-B) with a glass lid (P-270-C, which also fits the M-225-B) showed up on the scene sometime in the mid 80s, but I have no idea how long it was available either. This is an excellent Crisp/Crumble pan, if I do say so myself. It is also an excellent "Casserole for two" dish. (I do not know if this dish has it's "own" plastic lid but the M-225-PC plastic lid fits the P-270-B casserole)
Where is your Corningware??
~~
