Nowadays, dinnerware can be made from a wide variety of materials. Nevertheless, some of the oldest materials used in history remain the most reliable to date and one of those is ceramic.
If you use ceramic, you may wonder if ceramic can withstand being microwaved. I checked out the facts, and here is what I found!
Can You Microwave Ceramic?
Most ceramic dinnerware is microwave-safe. However, you should always look for a microwave-safe label in store-bought ceramic dinnerware. As for homemade ceramics, use toxin-free and high-temperature glaze to make the ceramic microwave-safe. In case the ceramic has any metal gilding or designs, do not microwave at all costs, as metal can cause sparks and damage your microwave.
If you are interested to learn more about how to microwave ceramic and the different types of ceramic dinnerware you can microwave, keep reading!
Can You Microwave Ceramic Plates?
Ceramic plates are generally safe to microwave. However, always be on the lookout for microwave-safe labels and any microwaving instructions.
Additionally, if the ceramic plate has metallic embellishments or decorations, the ceramic plate is automatically not suitable for microwaving, since metals can spark in the microwave.
Can You Microwave Ceramic Mugs?
Ceramic mugs are typically microwave-safe, regardless if the ceramic mugs are store-bought or homemade.
Nevertheless, certain factors can make ceramic mugs unsuitable for microwaving. Some of these include terracotta and earthenware constituents and metallic embellishments.
Can You Microwave Ceramic Bowls?
You can microwave ceramic bowls as long as the ceramic bowls are made of stoneware and porcelain, not terracotta and earthenware. Additionally, the ceramic bowl should have a microwave-safe label at the bottom.
Still, even if the ceramic bowl is microwave-safe, ceramic bowls can get hot after microwaving. As such, you should always use kitchen mitts and employ other necessary precautions when handling microwaved ceramic bowls.
Can You Microwave Ceramic Cups?
If the ceramic cups have a microwave-safe label and do not contain metallic rims and decorations, the ceramic cup should be safe to use in the microwave.
However, just like other ceramic dinnerware, ceramic cups can get hot pretty fast. Always handle microwaved ceramic cups with kitchen mitts to avoid injuries like burns.
Can You Microwave Ceramic Coffee Mugs?
Some ceramic coffee mugs are microwave-safe, and some are not. Check the ceramic coffee mug for a microwave-safe label and consult the manufacturer for instructions.
It is best to remember that just because a ceramic coffee mug is microwave-safe does not mean that the ceramic coffee mug can be microwaved however you want to.
Typically, certain store-bought ceramic coffee mugs come with special microwaving instructions from the manufacturer.
Can You Microwave Ceramic Pottery?
Whether or not ceramic pottery can be microwaved depends on how the ceramic pottery was made. If the ceramic pottery is store-bought, simply look for a microwave-safe label.
Meanwhile, handmade ceramic pottery must always be fired to be microwave-safe. Unfired ceramic pottery can melt, crack, and contaminate your food in the microwave.
Can You Microwave Ceramic Teapot?
You can microwave ceramic teapots that are made from stoneware, bone china, and porcelain, among others.
However, these ceramic teapots must have microwave-safe labels. There should also be no metallic rims, paints, and other forms of embellishments on the ceramic teapot.
Can You Microwave Heath Ceramics?
Heath Ceramics dinnerware is all microwave-safe. Nevertheless, Heath Ceramics must always be microwaved with care.
Similar to other ceramics, Heath Ceramics can get extremely hot when microwaved for prolonged periods. Therefore, Heath Ceramics should be used only in reheating in short bursts, not in defrosting or cooking food in the microwave.
Can You Microwave Starbucks Ceramic Mug?
Starbucks ceramic mugs come in various designs. As long as the Starbucks ceramic mugs do not have metal designs and gildings, the Starbucks ceramic mug should be microwavable.
If you are unsure, you can test the Starbucks ceramic mug by microwaving the mug with water for thirty seconds. If the water is hotter than the mug, the mug is microwave-safe.
Can you Microwave Starbucks Ceramic Tumbler?
Whether or not Starbucks ceramic tumblers are microwave-safe depends on the design of each tumbler. Moreover, you should check the tumbler for a microwave-safe label.
If the Starbucks ceramic tumbler has no metal gildings and embellishments, the Starbucks ceramic tumbler should be safe to microwave.
Can You Microwave Painted Ceramic?
Painted ceramic is microwave safe if the painted ceramic comes with a microwave-safe label. In case the painted ceramic is homemade, make sure to use the appropriate glaze.
When glazing homemade painted ceramic, choose a glaze that is non-toxic and is suitable for the dishwasher too. This would make painted ceramic safe for microwaving and regular use.
Can You Microwave Cold Ceramic?
You must never microwave cold ceramic. When ceramic that has been stored in the fridge or the freezer is microwaved straight away, the ceramic is likely to crack or shatter.
Before microwaving cold ceramic, leave the cold ceramic at room temperature. When warm to the touch, the ceramic can be microwaved safely.
Can You Microwave A Cold Ceramic Bowl?
Cold ceramic bowls must never be microwaved straight from the fridge or the freezer. Always let the cold ceramic bowl warm a little before microwaving.
Otherwise, the sudden temperature change can damage the ceramic bowl. Similarly, you should not microwave frozen foods in a ceramic bowl.
Can You Microwave A Ceramic Neti Pot?
Ceramic neti pots can be microwaved as long as the ceramic neti pots come with microwave-safe labels. Plus, you should check the packaging or the manufacturer for special care instructions to prevent damaging the ceramic neti pot in the microwave.
Does Ceramic Explode In The Microwave?
Microwave-safe ceramic will not explode in the microwave. However, some circumstances might cause ceramic to burst when microwaved.
While rare, exploding can happen when cold ceramic is microwaved, or large amounts of steam are built-up inside a ceramic container without any means of escape.
To learn if you can microwave crystal, if you can microwave cream cheese, and if you can microwave crab legs, check out our related articles.
Conclusion
Ceramic comes in different shapes and sizes. On account of the nuances in ceramic dinnerware, there are some ceramics that are microwave-safe, and some that are not.
Generally, store-bought ceramics that have microwave-safe labels can be used to reheat food in the microwave. However, cooking using ceramic dinnerware is not advised.
Moreover, homemade ceramic plates, bowls, and mugs that are coated with the appropriate glaze can be microwaved too.