Hey there, foodies and cooking enthusiasts! Are you a fan of stoneware dishes like I am? Whether you love baking bread or cooking casseroles, stoneware has a way of adding a rustic charm to every dish. But what happens when you’re short on time and need to quickly heat up your stoneware dish? Can you safely microwave it?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of stoneware and microwaving, and explore the safety aspects of using stoneware in the microwave. From identifying safe stoneware brands to performing simple tests to check if your dish is microwave-safe, we’ll cover all the bases to help you make the best decision.
So, get ready to learn some cooking tips and tricks, and let’s discover if you can safely microwave your stoneware dishes. Let’s get started!
Can You Microwave Stoneware?
Stoneware is a type of earthenware that is fired at a high temperature, making it more durable. It is also resistant to chipping and can hold heat beautifully. These features make it a popular choice for dinnerware and decorative items.
In general, you can microwave stoneware. However, be aware that some stoneware may contain high amounts of lead and arsenic that can leach into your food when microwaved. Also, keep in mind that some stoneware may retain a lot of heat and cause burns.
Lead and arsenic are both toxic metals that can have serious side effects when ingested.
Arsenic is a known carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer. It has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems in children. It can damage the brain and nervous system and cause all sorts of behavioral problems and reduced physical growth.
To avoid microwaving food in stoneware containing lead or arsenic, you want to pay close attention to where it is made.
Although stoneware cookware and bakeware from all over the world can be contaminated, you want to be especially careful with stoneware made in China as the country does not have adequate regulations in place for the ceramics industry.
One way to recognize stoneware dishes with lead glaze is by looking at the glaze. If the dishware is highly decorative and shiny, it’s more likely to contain lead.
Another equally important issue is the material that is used by some stoneware. They contain trace amounts of metals that absorb microwave energy. This can be problematic because it can cause the dish to get too hot and potentially burn your hand.
There were many people who had written about their experiences with stoneware that became too hot. Many of them cautioned others against using this dish in a microwave oven.
One of the threads that highlighted this issue featured these comments:
“I have 4 bowls that I am sure are stoneware (safe in micro?). But they get extremely hot in the micro. They are colored red. Would that have any effect? Someone said that the paint might have lead. Would lead being in the paint affect me? And how can I find out if there is lead in the paint?”
“I have found that most all stoneware gets hot in the microwave – that is, the stoneware itself gets hotter than the contents if left in the microwave long enough. I have also found that some stoneware repeatedly microwaved will show crazing in the glaze.”
This is why you should always stick to stoneware marked with a microwave symbol.
If the manufacturer has tested and designed the dish with microwaves in mind, it will probably say so on the bottom. If not, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and pick a different dish.
How To Tell If Your Stoneware is Microwave Safe
Stoneware is a type of ceramic pottery that undergoes high-temperature firing, providing it with strength and durability. However, not all stoneware is suitable for use in the microwave (also read: Is Microwaving Handmade Ceramic Tableware Recommended?).
Here are a few tips to help you determine if your stoneware is microwave safe.
First, check for a “microwave safe” label on the bottom of the dish. If it has this label, you can confidently use it in the microwave. In case there is no such label, try to find information about the product’s microwave safety on the manufacturer’s website.
If you’re still unsure whether your stoneware is microwave safe, try a simple test. Put the stoneware dish or cup in the microwave and heat it for one minute. After heating, cautiously take out the stoneware from the microwave and feel the bottom. If it doesn’t feel hot to the touch, you can assume it’s safe to use in the microwave. On the other hand, if it feels warm or hot, avoid using it in the microwave.
Please note that commercially made stoneware with a “microwave safe” label on the base is typically safe to use in the microwave. Nevertheless, be careful when using homemade or handcrafted stoneware in the microwave, as it may not be tested for microwave safety.
Are Stoneware Dishes from Recognized Names Microwave Safe?
There are several well-recognized cookware and dinnerware brands on the market. All of these brands have dishes that are designed explicitly for microwaving. Here are some of the most common brands and whether or not they are safe to use in the microwave.
Pampered Chef Stoneware
According to the company’s website, Pampered Chef stoneware is microwave safe as long as it does not touch the sides or the door of the microwave when the microwave is turned on.
Ikea Stoneware
Ikea has a wide variety of products. As long as the product is made of ceramic, tempered glass, stoneware, or BPA-free plastic, it should be safe to microwave.
Le Creuset Stoneware
The manufacturer has stated that Le Creuset Stoneware is safe to put in the microwave. Not only can you put it in the microwave, but Le Creuset Stoneware is also dishwasher, oven, and broiler safe.
Corelle Stoneware
Corelle stoneware dishes are another great option for people who want a durable dish that can go in the microwave.
You can put Corelle dishes in the microwave for up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit without any problems. Just make sure you use the minimum amount of time possible to avoid damaging the dish.
Pfaltzgraff Stoneware
Most Pfaltzgraff stoneware is microwave-safe, but there are a few exceptions. The Pfaltzgraff website explicitly explains that most of its products are microwave-safe unless they have metal detailing or metal trim.
The company does give a warning for its stoneware. They explicitly warn that their stoneware can become extremely hot when used in the microwave.
So you want to use a potholder or some other protective device when microwaving Pfaltzgraff stoneware.
Denby Stoneware
Denby is a world-renowned brand with headquarters in England. Their stoneware, which can be used safely in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher for its durability and quality of construction, has been produced for nearly 200 years.
Mikasa Stoneware
Mikasa dinnerware is microwave safe. However, please use caution when handling hot items as they may become too hot to hold. Also, do not put frozen items directly on your dinnerware to heat in the microwave, as this may cause the item to crack.
Does Your Stoneware Dish Come With a Lid?
Some stoneware dishes come with lids, while others do not.
Lids offer a few key advantages: they can help keep food fresh, make transportation easier, and prevent food from browning too quickly.
If you’re cooking with stoneware that doesn’t have a lid, don’t worry – foil makes a great makeshift lid!
When you’re cooking with a dish that has cheese or other gooey ingredients for most of its baking time, you may want to grease the foil, so they don’t stick. This will make removing the food from the dish much easier once it’s finished cooking.
To grease the foil, you can either use cooking spray or butter. If you’re using cooking spray, make sure to coat the foil evenly. If you’re using butter, just lightly grease it; otherwise, you’ll risk burning the butter.
My Favorite Stoneware Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious chicken dish that can be made in just thirty minutes, you’ll love this thirty-minute chicken recipe from the Pampered Chef. This dish is simple to make and perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
To make this recipe, we will use a Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker. This deep-dish stoneware baking dish is perfect for chicken recipes like this one, as it ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and come out perfectly moist and juicy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3 1/2-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Seasoning Mixture
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Directions
There are three simple steps to follow in order to make this dish.
1. Prepare The Chicken
To prepare the chicken, you will need to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, rinse it with cold water, and pat it dries with paper towels. You can then trim any excess fat using Professional Shears, if necessary.
Finally, tie the ends of the legs together with cotton string and lift the wing tips up toward the neck before tucking them under the back of the chicken.
Next, brush some oil onto the chicken using a Chef’s Silicone Basting Brush. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly and comes out nice and crispy (also read: Tips for Making Microwave-Heated Food Crispy).
2. Prepare The Seasoning Mixture
The seasoning mixture is easy to prepare. Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Once the chicken is coated with the mixture, it can be placed in the Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker.
3. Microwave The Chicken
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cook it on high for 25 to 30 minutes or until the digital pocket thermometer registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.
Once it’s done, remove it from the microwave and cover it with a lid. Let it stand for 10 more minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the question of whether stoneware is microwave-safe or not, there are a few things to keep in mind. While stoneware is generally safe for microwaving, it’s important to note that some stoneware may contain lead and arsenic that can leach into your food, especially with stoneware made in China.
Always look for the microwave-safe label, and if it’s not present, perform a quick test before microwaving. Recognized brands like Le Creuset and Corelle are generally safe for microwaving.
And don’t worry if your stoneware dish doesn’t come with a lid – just use foil! With these tips in mind, you can confidently cook your favorite dishes with your beloved stoneware dishes.
Looking for more information on microwaving stoneware products? Check out our other posts on microwaving Ikea stoneware and microwaving Pampered Chef stoneware.
