Can all stoneware be used in the microwave?
My mother has a set of stoneware dishes. No metallic paint or anything. Can stoneware, by its nature, be used in the microwave? Thank you.
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You can test it. Don’t remember how, I think you put a little water in it and microwave it for like 30 seconds. If it’s really hot, then you shouldn’t microwave it. Maybe someone who knows the actual procedure will chime in.
What makes stoneware “stoneware” is the clay that’s used and the temperature to which it’s fired. Some stoneware clays have specks of metallic oxides added for decorative effect (they appear as dark specks in the fired clay); these will get hot in the microwave, but most of that heat will dissipate into the surrounding clay, so it’s unlikely to be an issue.
The bigger factor will be the glaze. Pretty much any glaze that isn’t clear gets its color from metallic oxides. The more intense the color, the greater the quantity of oxide used. The oxides will generate heat in the microwave, possibly even enough to cause burns. As a general rule, ceramics with dark glazes will get hotter in the microwave than those with less color.
There won’t be arcing, as you might see with metallic lusters (e.g. gold decorations), and there would probably be no damage to either the oven or the dish, but there could be a burn hazard.
Exactly the info I was looking for. Thank you.
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