July 14, 2001
I have a set of 3 microwave bowls that I love and would like to replace. They say Anchor Hocking on the bottom but when I called they said to call Nordicware.
Nordicware sent me a catalog but they aren't in it. They are a lightweight, hard white plastic with clear plastic lids. They can be used in microwave or oven to 400ºF and are dishwasher and freezer safe. They are 1-quart square, 1½-quart square and 1½-quart oblong. I haven't found anything like them, they are so lightweight. They also have a design on the side, looks like a blue and pink flower. I have had them for over 10 years and use them almost every day.
Thank you,
Sharlene
Hi Sharlene,
I’m afraid the news isn’t good. I’ve spent the last couple of hours researching, and it looks like Anchor Hocking no longer manufactures the bowls you described. Anchor Hocking seems to only manufacture items made of glass now. They are a subsidiary of a larger company that also owns Rubbermaid. I looked through all of Rubbermaid’s products, and they don’t offer anything like you describe. I even searched eBay to see if anybody might offer your bowls for sale, with no luck.
If it is the fact that the bowls can be used in the microwave as well as your conventional oven, the only such item I’ve found is Tupperware's OvenWorks (Update 01-08-02: Ovenworks has been discontinued).
I wish I could have been of more help. Unfortunately, many companies stop manufacturing items that they don’t see selling well. While microwaves have been available for 30 years now, their use as an alternative method of cooking is only now beginning to become very popular. Items that were readily available ten years ago, are no longer available because people didn’t know how to use them, and therefore didn’t buy them. Now that people are learning how to use them, they are no longer available. Hopefully, one day the really great items will be brought back.