Are Ikea mugs microwave safe? It’s a question that has likely popped into your head at some point while browsing the Swedish furniture giant’s home goods section.
And with good reason—Ikea is well-known for its low prices, and many people assume that low prices mean low quality, including in terms of how they stand up to extreme heat.
Some people say that they are, while others claim that the plastic coatings on the mugs make them unsafe to microwave.
So which is it? Can you safely zap your morning coffee in an Ikea mug, or are you better off using a different vessel? Read on to find out!
Can You Microwave Ikea Mugs?
According to the official product information on the Ikea website, all Ikea mugs that are made entirely from Feldspar porcelain, tempered glass, or stoneware are microwave safe. In addition, they are also dishwasher safe.
However, this information does not apply to all of the mugs available at Ikea. Though most of them are (and you should check the label to be sure), some are not microwave safe.
For example, their collapsible mug, FRUKOSTMÅL—made from plastic and silicone rubber seal—is only dishwasher safe and not microwave safe.
You should also steer clear of putting any mugs made with stainless steel. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what happens to stainless steel when you heat it in the microwave.
What Are IKEA Mugs Made Of?
Most Ikea mugs are made of three different materials – Feldspar porcelain, stoneware, and tempered glass. These three types of mugs are very durable and can stand up to repeated use, including in the microwave and dishwasher.
Nonetheless, not all Ikea mugs are made with these materials. Some of the mugs available at Ikea can also be made from stainless steel and Polypropylene plastic which can be a disaster when heated in the microwave.
Feldspar Porcelain
Feldspar porcelain is the most common material used in the production of IKEA mugs.
It is a type of porcelain that is very durable and similar to how porcelain was first made in China in the 900’s. The material is fired at a high temperature, and a glaze is applied that creates a glossy surface that protects it from dirt, wear, and tear.
These make Ikea mugs made from feldspar porcelain (such as the Ikea 365+ porcelain mug) is more resistant to knocks besides being lighter and thinner than traditional earthenware or stoneware mugs.
The next time you stop by Ikea, you can easily spot a feldspar porcelain mug from other types of mugs by its distinctive white or blue-white color and lightweight feel.
Stoneware
IKEA mugs made of stoneware are a great option for those looking for a durable mug that can handle some wear and tear. When you compare stoneware and feldspar porcelain, stoneware is thicker and heavier than feldspar.
A stoneware mug is made by firing stoneware clay at a high temperature in a kiln. Once the mug has entered the finishing process, glazed is often added to the mug to serve the double duty of sealing the clay body—making it waterproof and food-safe—while also enhancing its appearance, giving it its understated color.
This combination of subtle color, a matte glaze, and thick dimensions is what gives a rustic feel to mugs made of stoneware.
An example of an IKEA mug made of stoneware is the DINERA mug.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is a type of glass that is more resistant to breaking than regular glass. Tempered glass is often used in windows and windshields because it can withstand blows that would shatter regular glass.
It is also used in mugs and dishes because it is heat resistant and can be safely microwaved and washed in the dishwasher.
An example of an IKEA mug made of tempered glass is the IKEA 365+ glass mug.
Stainless Steel
There are also some IKEA mugs that are made of stainless steel, such as LÅNESPELARE.
Stainless steel is a metal that can be found in many objects around the world, from building structures and cars to sinks and knives. It is affordable, durable, reusable, recyclable, and is resistant to corrosion.
Aside from the five reasons mentioned above, there are specific reasons why manufacturers use stainless steel to make their mugs. One reason is that it does not leach any harmful chemicals such as BPA into the drink, unlike plastic mugs.
Another reason is that it has excellent temperature retention that is great for hot and cold drinks. Even if you compare it with the most beefed-up plastic insulated mug that you can find, a vacuum insulated stainless steel tumbler will still win.
Despite all these positive points, there are two reasons why you can’t put stainless steel mugs in the microwave.
For one, stainless steel has a shielding effect that blocks the microwaves. This means that the food won’t be heated properly if you put it in a stainless steel container.
The second reason is that the stainless steel mug will spark and emit crackles if it comes into contact with microwave walls. These sparks can further start a fire in the microwave oven.
Plastic
The last material that an Ikea mug can be made of is plastic.
Plastic mugs are often used by those who want to have a mug that is lightweight, easy to clean, and cheap. They are also popular because they are manufactured with bright colors that give a person’s kitchen or office an upbeat feeling.
In the Ikea catalog, you’ll find two types of plastic mugs: one is safe to microwave, and the other one isn’t.
An example of an Ikea mug made of durable plastic is the KALAS mug that can safely be heated to up to 100℃ inside the microwave.
How To Tell If My Ikea Mug Is Microwave Safe
If you just bought a brand new Ikea mug and want to make sure it’s microwave safe, the first thing to do is look at the bottom. If there’s a “microwave safe” symbol, it can go in the microwave.
The microwave-safe symbol can vary a lot, but the most common symbol is a microwave with some wavy lines on it.
If you don’t see this symbol on the bottom of your mug, there may be an instruction on the packaging or bottom of the mug. The instruction should say something along the lines of “Do not microwave” or “Microwave safe.”
When all of the above fails, you can look up the specific product on the Ikea website and see if it’s microwave safe.
Conclusion
Ikea mugs are microwave safe as long as they’re made from Feldspar porcelain, tempered glass, or stoneware.
If you have a mug that is not included in this article and want to know if it’s microwave safe, simply look for the Microwave Safe symbol on your product or check out the specific product information on the Ikea website.
Looking to learn more about microwaving other Ikea products? Check out our other articles on microwaving bowls and Ikea stoneware.
