Stoneware is a non-porous ceramic dinnerware having a thicker build as compared to porcelain and china. It is made from stoneware clay which is fired at a high temperature between 2150 and 2330 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, stoneware is microwave safe, While using it in the microwave, it must be ensured that the stoneware dish does not touch the sides or door of the microwave.
Microwaves are not capable of destroying the ceramic from the outside but the interior properties of the stoneware can get changed.
Most of the stoneware can be used in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer but you must check with the manufacturer and do a microwave-safe home test to be assured of using it in the microwave.
Test to Confirm Whether to Use Stoneware in Microwave or not
First, examine the stoneware dish and look for the microwave-safe label at the bottom of the dish. In case you do not find the label, do check with the manufacturer about the same.
If still unsure, keep the dish with water in the microwave and wait for 3-4 minutes. If the dish becomes hot to touch or heated up, it is not microwave-safe.
Some stoneware has a gold or silver rim and these are not microwave-safe as when such a dish is kept in the microwave, metals absorb and reflect the waves.
This energy along with the electrons present on the surface of the metal pulls other electrons from the air causing sparks.
Tips for cleaning stoneware dishes after using in the microwave:
- Allow the stoneware dish to cool down at room temperature before cleaning.
- Soak it in the hot clean water to loosen the food stuck to it.
- Use a pan scraper to scrape off the excess food.
- If grease or tough stain is still stuck on the dish, make a baking soda paste by mixing ½ cup of baking soda with some water. Apply this paste on the stoneware and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. Scrape off the paste and use warm water to rinse the dish. Dry out before storing them.
Does stoneware get hot in the microwave?
Yes, stoneware gets slightly hot in the microwave as it is made up of ceramic which tends to become hot when heated even though most of the stoneware dishes are microwave-safe.
If the stoneware is microwaved for more than a few minutes, it will be hot to touch. Any dish when put in the microwave gets hot mainly because it contains water molecules that get agitated with the microwaves and heat is produced due to the atomic movement.
While using stoneware in the microwave, always use oven gloves or mittens to remove food and plates out of the appliance.
Stoneware dish when used in the microwave can be hot to touch and how hot the plate will be depends on the wattage of the microwave and the length of time for which it is heated.
There is high retention of air and water in the stoneware even when they are dried well and this causes direct heat to the plates.
Does stoneware chip easily?
No, stoneware does not chip easily as it is ceramic dinnerware that is fired at high temperatures. Due to this, it becomes non-porous and non-glazed.
It is scratch proof as well as chip resistant and is extremely durable. It is not like earthenware which is fragile and chips easily.
Even though stoneware does not chip easily, it is not fragile proof. It can break fairly easily when it is dropped on a hard surface like floor tiles. You can use it for a long time even, the generations can use the same piece of dishware only if it is protected from sudden impacts.
This chip-resistant dinnerware comes in many stylish options. As compared to bone china and porcelain, it is slightly heavier but the level of strength in stoneware is less. Therefore, while washing or reheating food in it, extra care is required.
Can you freeze stoneware?
Yes, you can freeze stoneware but avoid putting water in it as when water freezes, it expands which can break the stoneware.
However, it is advised not to transfer any stoneware piece directly from the freezer to the oven or microwave. This can break the dish due to thermal stock that is a sudden severe change in the temperature.
To prevent your stoneware from breaking, place it in the refrigerator for some time till the food gets thawed completely, and then transfer it to the oven.
Does stoneware scratch?
No, stoneware does not scratch as it is scratch resistant due to being less porous, and is harder in strength due to the presence of vitreous material in it.
It is opaque and has a dense body due to which it does not scratch easily. However, when stoneware comes in contact with aluminum or silverware utensils in the sink or dishwasher, it may get scratches due to rubbing against each other.
In case stoneware at your house gets such scratches, you can remove them by the following method –
- Take baking soda and water and mix them to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on the scratches with a damp sponge.
- Rub it nicely and let it stand for a few minutes.
- Wash the utensil as normal.
- There are commercial stoneware cleaners available in the market that can also be used to clean them.
Does stoneware contain lead?
Stoneware does not contain lead as it is not used in its manufacturing but can contain small traces of lead since stoneware is made from natural clay. Also, there can be some lead in the glaze.
Various steps are taken by FDA to assure consumers are at minimum risk but it is not possible to remove lead entirely from all the dinnerware.
Even though stoneware is referred to as lead-free, there may be some lead present in it. There has been a ban on lead by the FDA but since it is found in the environment, it cannot be avoided completely.
Despite this, many potters have switched to non-lead glazes in the stoneware. But due to use of old kilns that were used early for firing lead-containing glazes may cause contamination of the lead-free pottery with lead residues.
Stoneware contains lead in the following kinds of dishes:
- When the stoneware is highly decorated.
- Handcrafted
- Antique stoneware is used for display and not for dinner.
- Orange, red, or yellow-colored stoneware.
Conclusion
Stoneware is commonly used for serving dinner in front of the guest due to its beauty. Most of the stonewares are microwave-safe and the food can be conveniently heated in the microwave using stoneware dish.
However, it is advised to check with the manufacturer before using stoneware in the microwave.