I got a Corningware stewpot as a gift . . . General rules to follow Don't heat any cookware with nothing in it. All kinds can be overheated though the damage will vary. This means, put in the oil etc. Avoid using metal utensils on all kinds of pans.
Scratches cause problems.
Get out of the habit of banging the utensils on the rim to shake off the liquid. You can get away with it with wood, but metal will hack up aluminum and chip enamel. The only time you should ever have to scour is if you have burned something. Crusted on things will come off some other way. If you have to scour, try first scouring with an all-plastic pad.