Enamelware is everywhere nowadays from plates and bowls to coffee pots and tin pans. Once out of fashion, enamelware has made a comeback for practical reasons.
If you own any enamelware, you might be wondering if you can microwave enamelware. I looked into it, and here’s what I found!
Can You Microwave Enamelware?
Enamelware is not suitable for microwaves. Since enamelware has metallic properties that are simply coated in porcelain, the enamelware can reflect the heat into the microwave. When this happens, the microwave can get damaged. As such, it’s best to use other types of dinnerware when microwaving like glass, porcelain, and stoneware.
In case you’re interested to learn more about heating enamelware and what alternative dinnerware materials are microwave-safe, keep reading!
What Happens If You Microwave Enamelware?
Enamelware is made up of different metallic materials, and metal can reflect the microwave’s heat into the microwave.
Sometimes, no obvious damage happens when you microwave metal. However, in worst-case scenarios, the metal might cause the microwave to malfunction or explode.
Can You Put Enameled Steel In The Microwave?
Enameled steel should never be microwaved since steel doesn’t absorb heat. Instead, steel reflects heat, which is bad for the microwave.
If you want to heat something in an enamel steel container, the stovetop is your safest option.
Is Falcon Enamelware Microwave Safe?
Falcon enamelware has metallic properties just like other types of enamelware. Additionally, Falcon doesn’t claim that their enamelware products are microwave-safe.
As such, you have to treat Falcon enamelware the same way as other enamelware products.
Is Coleman Enamelware Microwave Safe?
Coleman enamelware is not microwave-safe. Additionally, Coleman doesn’t claim that any of their enamel products are designed to be microwaveable.
Consequently, it is best to keep Coleman enamelware products away from direct heat.
Can You Put Enamelware On The Stove?
Enamelware can safely be used to cook a wide variety of foods on the stove. However, enamelware must not be treated the same way as stainless steel or cast iron cookware.
To cook with enamelware on the stove, preheat the enamelware because enamelware takes a bit of time to reach cooking temperature.
Additionally, enamelware must always contain water, oil, or some food even during the preheating process to prevent the enamel from getting ruined.
Can You Use Enamelware On Fire?
Generally, enamelware must not be used to cook on an open fire because the enamel can be destroyed.
However, there are products like the enamel mug, which can be used on a campfire. To be sure, check the product description or contact the manufacturer first.
Can You Microwave Melamine?
Technically, microwaving melamine dinnerware will not damage the microwave or the food you’re reheating.
However, it is not advisable to use melamine in the microwave regularly and for prolonged periods.
While occasional microwaving of melamine does not pose any risk, regular microwaving of melamine can cause the melamine to dry out, crack, and break.
Can You Microwave Normal Enamal Plates?
Plain glass and ceramic plates are microwave-safe. Melamine plates, too, are microwavable but aren’t recommended for microwaving due to the possibility of breakage in the future.
As for plastic and some paper plates, they must never be heated in the microwave for the risk of contaminating the food or starting a fire.
Can You Microwave Break Plates?
Plates that are chipped, cracked, or have the faintest signs of lines must not be microwaved.
Water can easily lodge in those tiny cracks, and when microwaved, the water will react to the heat and put enough pressure on the material for the plate to break.
Can You Microwave Paper Plates?
Paper plates can be safely microwaved if they are plain. However, if the paper plates have a thin layer of plastic coating, then the paper plate must not be microwaved.
In case you’re not sure whether the plate has a plastic coating, check the bottom of the plate to see if it is microwaveable or not.
Can You Microwave Styrofoam Plates?
Unless the styrofoam plate or container has a microwave-safe label, do not microwave them.
Polystyrene containers have styrene, which is linked to cancer. When heated, the chemical compounds of polystyrene may leak into the food and cause health issues.
Is It Safe To Microwave Porcelain?
Porcelain is generally microwave-safe. However, if the porcelain dinnerware has any metallic ornaments, finishes, or edges, porcelain must not be microwaved.
As a precaution, always check the back of the plate or contact the manufacturer to ensure that the porcelain dinnerware is microwave-safe.
How To Tell If A Bowl Is Microwave-Safe?
There are two ways to know if a bowl is microwave-safe. First, turn the bowl over and look for any label indicating the bowl’s limitations.
If there are no labels at the bottom of the bowl, place the bowl in the microwave alongside a cup full of water. Preferably, the water should be at room temperature.
Heat the bowl and the cup of water for a full minute. Afterward, check if the bowl is hot. If the bowl is hot, that means the bowl is not microwave-safe.
However, if the bowl is cool and the cup of water is hot, then the bowl is microwave-safe.
Are Ceramic Plates Microwave-Safe?
Ceramic plates such as stoneware and porcelain are considered microwave-safe. Nonetheless, it’s always best to check the label or ask the manufacturer.
Generally, all you have to watch out for with all kinds of ceramic dinnerware are metallic rims and embellishments, because metal is bad for the microwave.
Additionally, just because a ceramic dinnerware is microwave-safe doesn’t mean it won’t get too hot. As such, always use mitts when handling porcelain dinnerware.
How Long Can You Microwave Glass?
Glass, regardless if it is labeled as microwave-safe, must only be microwaved for three minutes. Afterward, let the glass container cool down before microwaving the glass again.
Check out our other articles to discover if you can microwave mussels, if you can microwave mugs, and if you can microwave mustard.
Conclusion
Enamelware consists of metals and is therefore not microwave-safe. Generally, metals do not absorb heat. Instead, metals reflect heat, which may damage the microwave.
However, enamel cookware can be used on the stove, but not on open fire like campfires.
For reheating food in the microwave, it is best to use microwave-safe glass and ceramic products that have no gold or metallic embellishments.
I regularly use a small enameled metal bowl in my microwave. I love it because the bowl itself doesn’t get hot. I’ve been doing this for years with the bowl that I use to make sauces with.