Stoneware is a popular ceramic, which consists of numerous varieties. It’s available as large dishes, plates, and even bowls.
This non-porous ceramic dinnerware is made by firing stoneware clay at a very high temperature. The temperature is usually between 2150 to 2330 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stoneware ceramic build is a bit thicker than porcelain, but more on that shortly.
The main question is, are stoneware dishes oven-safe? Can they help you get that food item baked?
The answer is yes. These ceramics are oven-safe and can withstand the high temperatures ovens produce. These ceramics are produced under high temperatures of over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it would be best to consider the temperature limit of each stoneware brand before putting it in an oven. Not all of them can take high temperatures. Some can only withstand temperatures as low as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything about this can damage the ceramic.
Now that we have answered the question on stoneware and the possibility of using it in an oven let’s go over other details.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in.
Difference Between Earthenware, Stoneware, And Porcelain
It’s not a coincidence to find earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain in the same kitchen. These three are ceramics and do an excellent job expected from ceramics.
One thing is clear; earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain all boast similar-looking material. It’s also easy for someone without knowledge of all three ceramics to confuse them.
So, what is the apparent difference between porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware? That’s the bone of contention here.
Well, two things help separate these three ceramics or pottery. These include the type of clay used and the temperature at which the manufacture fired the clay to create the final result.
Earthenware – The temperature used in making this ceramic is 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit on the low side. On the high spectrum, the temperature doesn’t exceed 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you consider other ceramics, you will discover that earthenware uses lower temperatures among the three. Another difference is the use of glazing.
Earthenware manufacturers use glazing before the second heating. They do so to enable the ceramic to hold liquids, including water, comfortably. Without glazing, this won’t be possible.
Furthermore, earthenware is a more economical dinnerware option than stoneware. The only issue with earthenware is that it tends to chip and break far easier than stoneware.
Stoneware – As the name implies, stoneware ceramics are stone-like. They are strong, durable, and would serve you for quite a long time. Stoneware dishes are made using extremely high temperatures, such as 2150 to 2330 degrees Fahrenheit.
So these ceramics requires high temperature to produce, as compared to earthenware. Even stoneware’s low temperature is higher than the required temperature it takes to fire earthenware ceramics.
Stoneware is also denser than earthenware. These dishes are waterproof. Therefore, they don’t need glazing to hold water or any other liquid.
Porcelain – Porcelain is the third on this list but not the least. It requires a much higher temperature than stoneware itself.
Most manufacturers do fire clay to get porcelain at temperatures ranging from 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit to 2,642 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, porcelain features the durable construction that stoneware has. Porcelain also comes constructed using finer particle clay compared to stoneware.
It’s very crucial to note that porcelain can be dishwasher and oven-safe. It all comes down to the embellishment, glaze, and product process adopted.
Nevertheless, do not place a porcelain dish in an oven or dishwasher without consulting the manufacturer. Check properly to know what you should and shouldn’t do with your ceramic.
How Do You Know That A Dish Is Oven-Safe?
We cannot overemphasize the benefits of knowing if a dish is oven-safe before using it for this purpose. These dishes come in various price points. But the fact that you got them with your hard-earned money should make you take proper care of your dishes.
Here are simple ways to determine if your dish is oven-safe or not to avoid damaging your dish or oven itself.
- Consider brand reputation – This may sound out of place, but it’s true. Many brands have a reputation for producing quality items consistently. If you’re seeking an even-safe dish, Corningware or Pyrex is always a top choice. But these are not the only top brands. There are other brands out there, delivering high-quality dishes. Just read their instructions to know if they state that the dish is oven-safe or not.
- Look up manufacturer instructions – If you don’t see a stamp stating if a dish is oven-safe or not, then don’t try to use it. But dish makers are not that dull. They know almost every household has a microwave oven, and so there’s a possibility that they could place dishes in the oven. That’s why manufacturers state on dishes if they are oven-safe or not.
- Check underneath the dish – Check underneath the dish. There’s always going to be an oven-safe symbol underneath the dish.
- Glazing is a factor – If you find “glazed” on a dish, don’t bother putting it on a microwave oven. The glaze could easily crack under extremely high temperatures.
Can Stoneware Be Microwaved?
Yes, that’s the straightforward answer. Stoneware is safe for use in the microwave. However, this is dependent on few conditions. First, the manufacturer must have used a glaze that they thoroughly formulated.
You can also microwave your stoneware as long as it does not touch the microwave wall or its door during the process, mainly when the turntable is on.
You must pay attention to stoneware made with china material. Some of them contain dangerous chemicals like lead and arsenic, hazardous to human health; if they leach into food when microwaved.
Ceramic brands like Pyrex, Corning ware, and Anchor Hocking have received commendations for being safe, as they do not contain these chemicals.
How Do You Bake With Stoneware?
Baking with stoneware dish is not a new invention; it is an age-long tradition that has stood the test of time.
Let’s consider a few things before we dive into this issue.
If you just received your stoneware and are using it for the first time, you don’t have to season it. It boasts a naturally non-stick surface, so your food won’t stick after cooking.
It would help if you considered preheating your oven before using the stoneware. But make sure you don’t place cold stoneware in a preheated oven or preheat empty stoneware in the oven.
A Handy Tip – Endeavour to preheat your microwave oven with the stoneware inside. Also, it shouldn’t be empty.
Stoneware is a great dish for baking, as it is durable and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in a microwave oven.
So, it can withstand temperatures much better than many oven-safe dishes out there.
Stoneware’s ability to distribute heat evenly and to retain heat makes it a wise choice for baking. The output is an even baked food.
The good thing about stoneware is it can maintain its temperature appropriately, even when removed from an oven. This ability to retain heat makes it bakeware of choice for many.
However, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for sudden temperature changes when using an oven. Keep in mind that such a change can cause your dish to crack.
Benefits Of Baking With Stoneware
Stoneware dish is ideal for baking as it gives you a perfect result. The stoneware gives you an even bake and browning, as heat evenly distributes to every part of the stoneware content. Stoneware also retains heat.
What Temperature Can Stoneware Withstand?
By now, you know already that stoneware can withstand high temperatures. However, it still has limits as to the level of heat that it can take.
Stoneware can safely heat up to a temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius.
If you do not want to have your stoneware destroyed, you should not expose it to a broiler or grilling or over a direct heat source.
Some reviews have it that some customers have used their stoneware at a temperature of up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and that their stoneware is still in good shape.
Is Stoneware More Durable Than Earthenware?
Stoneware is more durable than earthenware. Let’s consider the temperature at which each of these ceramic products heats up.
Stoneware can handle temperatures higher than what earthenware can take. This alone should give you some clue about stoneware’s durability.
Earthenware is porous. And this implies that it can absorb water if submerged in it for long, which would destroy the earthenware. With stoneware, you have no fear of porosity. Stoneware is waterproof. Also, stoneware has a glass material that is added to it to give it strength.
Although we have declared that stoneware is durable, it depends on how one handles it. For instance, if you allow your stoneware to experience thermal shock, i.e., a sudden temperature change, your stoneware may develop cracks, therefore, shortening its durability.
What Is Better: Porcelain Or Stoneware Dinnerware?
Choosing between porcelain or stoneware dinnerware depends on one’s ability to afford either of them. Both dinnerware come produced with good materials.
Furthermore, stoneware is popular and durable. It does boast light color that makes it more opaque than porcelain. Stoneware is a popular choice for most restaurants because of its ability to withstand heavy usage.
Porcelain is non-porous and durable too. This is because of the higher firing temperature that it undergoes. More so, porcelain dinnerware is classier for daily use and more formal dinners.
Stoneware is safe for your oven, microwave, and dishwasher. So it is more versatile than porcelain. It is also quite difficult to crack, chip, or scratch it.
Stoneware is so resilient that you don’t have to be very careful when handling it. Since we use it every day, its resilience has become an essential factor. It is also functional for all kinds of use.
It’s crucial to know that stoneware is thicker and heavier than porcelain. But it doesn’t have the strength porcelain has. So you would need to take extra care when reheating food or when washing your stoneware dish.
Stoneware is also pocket-friendly, which isn’t bad considering its versatility and durability.
Conclusion
This post’s primary purpose is to give you details about stoneware and others, such as earthenware and porcelain, to some degree.
These three dishes are incredible. They are cute. And learning about their manufacturing process will excite you even more.
However, it would help if you considered all the factors when deciding which of them is right for you. Consider durability, versatility, strength, and oven-safe or dishwasher safe ability before making a final decision on which to splash the cash on.
