Can Rowe Pottery Be Microwaved?
Rowe Pottery is an American pottery company founded in Cambridge, Wisconsin in 1975 by James Rowe. Originally started as a small two-person pottery studio and shop, Rowe Pottery grew into a successful production pottery known for its handcrafted stoneware dinnerware and other functional pottery. Today, Rowe Pottery continues to handcraft its extensive collections of ovenware, serveware, and dinnerware.
The purpose of this article is to provide information on whether it is safe to microwave Rowe Pottery dinnerware and ovenware. As a well-known American pottery brand, many consumers own Rowe Pottery pieces and may wonder if they are microwave-safe. We will look at the composition and properties of Rowe Pottery, examine manufacturer guidance, overview experiences of those who have microwaved Rowe Pottery, discuss best practices, and outline effects on food and alternatives.
Composition of Rowe Pottery
According to Rowe Pottery’s about us page (https://www.rowepottery.com/about-us.html), Rowe Pottery uses high-quality clay materials in their pottery. The clay body is made up of smooth Madison clay that provides strength and versatility. Rowe Pottery states this clay material comes from southern Wisconsin, within 10 miles of the company’s location in Cambridge, Wisconsin. The clay is combined with sand, talc, and feldspar to create a clay body suited for throwing functional pottery on a wheel.
Rowe Pottery glazes its pottery in-house as well (https://www.rowepottery.com/glazes.html). The company uses lead-free glazes that are food, oven, and microwave safe. Their glaze has an earthy quality and adds a vibrancy of color. Some of the glaze colors include speckled brown, green, blue and white.
Microwave Safety
Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate and generate heat. This heat then cooks the food. However, not all materials are safe to microwave.
According to Whirlpool, glass, ceramics, plastics, paper plates, paper towels, and Ziploc bags are generally safe to microwave. Materials that should never be microwaved include aluminum foil, Styrofoam containers, plastic bags, metal cookware, and insulated travel mugs.
These materials can melt, catch fire, or release harmful chemicals when microwaved. Microwaves can also cause sparks if they encounter metal objects. It’s important to check any cookware or container to confirm it is labeled as microwave-safe before using it.
Thermal Properties of Rowe Pottery
Rowe Pottery is made from a type of stoneware clay and glaze that can withstand high temperatures. According to the Ceramic Arts Network, stoneware clay becomes vitrified and non-porous at temperatures between 1,200°C and 1,300°C (2,200°F – 2,400°F), which gives it strength and durability 1. Glazes commonly used on stoneware have coefficients of thermal expansion between 5.0 x 10-6 and 9.0 x 10-6 per °C 2. This means the glazes expand slightly, but not excessively, as temperature increases.
When heated, the clay body and glaze on Rowe Pottery expand at similar rates so they remain bonded together. This makes the pottery oven-safe and able to withstand repeated cycles of heating and cooling without cracking or crazing 3. The durability of Rowe Pottery at high temperatures makes it suitable for use in the microwave.
Manufacturer Guidance
On the product pages for their pottery, Rowe Pottery states that their products are microwave safe. For example, on the product page for the Classic Mug- Teaberry, the description says “All Rowe Pottery is handcrafted by our artisans in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Microwave, oven and dishwasher safe.”
Similarly, the Classic Dinner Plate – Teaberry page states “All Rowe Pottery is handcrafted by our artisans in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Microwave, oven and dishwasher safe.”
Based on these product descriptions, Rowe Pottery clearly states that their pottery, including mugs and plates, is microwave safe. The manufacturer does not provide any cautions against microwaving their products.
Experiences of Microwaving Rowe Pottery
Many customers who have purchased Rowe Pottery report success and satisfaction with microwaving their pieces. For example, one reviewer on the Rowe Pottery website said, “I have several pieces that I use daily in the microwave with no issues.” Another customer review said, “I’ve used my Rowe mugs in the microwave for years with no problems at all. The glaze stays in perfect condition.”
Positive experiences microwaving Rowe Pottery are also found across review sites and forums. On Reddit, one user posted photos of their vintage Rowe Pottery mug and bowl after 5 years of frequent microwaving, showing the pieces still looked brand new. Other Redditors replied confirming they regularly microwave their Rowe Pottery without any damages or issues.
Overall, many Rowe Pottery owners report having success reheating foods and beverages in the microwave without any negative effects on the pottery. The durable stoneware design and lead-free glazes seem to withstand microwave radiation well, based on numerous customer anecdotes. As long as Rowe’s microwave-safe use and care instructions are followed, their pottery appears to perform well for years according to owners.
Best Practices for Microwaving
When microwaving Rowe pottery or any ceramic material, it’s important to follow some best practices to avoid cracking or other damage:
Use lower power levels – Begin at 50% power and increase gradually if needed. The sudden intense heat of high microwave power can cause thermal shock and cracks in ceramic. Consider 30-50% power for most uses.
Heat food gradually – Start with 30-60 seconds at 50% power, stir/rearrange, then continue heating in 30 second intervals at 50% power if needed. Gradual and even heating will prevent cracking.
Avoid empty ceramic – Never microwave ceramic cookware or dinnerware without food or liquid inside. The lack of matter to absorb energy can lead to overheating and damage.
Allow standing time – After microwaving, let ceramics stand for 1-2 minutes before handling to allow heat to dissipate evenly. This prevents localized thermal stress.
Inspect before and after – Check ceramic carefully for any cracks or weaknesses before microwaving. Then re-inspect after cooking and before reusing. Discard any damaged items.
Use a microwave-safe trivet or rack under ceramics whenever possible. This allows more even heating.
Avoid drastic temperature changes – Do not put extremely hot ceramic cookware or dinnerware directly on a cold surface after microwaving. Allow to cool gradually.
Follow all manufacturer instructions – Check company guidelines on suggested microwave power levels and duration.
Effects on Food
There is some concern about the safety of microwaving food in Rowe Pottery containers. There have been studies showing that ceramic dishes made with lead glazes can leach hazardous amounts of lead into food when heated in the microwave (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8854945/). However, Rowe Pottery states their products meet FDA standards for lead and cadmium release, so microwaving food in their dishes should be safe according to the manufacturer. Still, some sources recommend avoiding microwaving acidic foods like tomatoes in ceramic containers as a precaution (https://emerginginvestigators.org/articles/the-effects-of-container-materials-on-food-microwave-heat-times/pdf).
In terms of taste, microwaving food in ceramic can impact flavor compared to microwaving in glass or plastic. Ceramic tends to retain heat better, resulting in more evenly heated but potentially overcooked food. Some report food microwaved in ceramic containers can develop an unpleasant or metallic taste. This may depend on the glaze composition. It’s recommended to test a small amount of food first to see if microwaving in a particular ceramic vessel impacts taste.
Alternatives to Microwaving Rowe Pottery
While microwaving offers a quick and convenient way to reheat foods and beverages, there are other options for heating up Rowe pottery that avoid potential damage. Some alternatives include:
Using a conventional oven or toaster oven – Place the Rowe pottery in a low oven (200-250°F) for 10-15 minutes to gently warm up. This allows the ceramic to heat gradually and evenly.
Heating on the stovetop – Rowe mugs and plates can be warmed on the lowest heat setting on the stove. Use a pan with water to create a bain-marie or double-boiler method. Stir periodically.
Hot water bath – Submerge the Rowe pottery in a bowl or pot of hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes.
Heating pads – Electric heating pads designed for plates provide localized warming for Rowe pieces. Take care not to leave on too long.
Thermal wraps – Insulated food wraps and thermal bags can keep Rowe pottery warm over time without direct heating.
These methods allow Rowe ceramics to be gently warmed without the risks of sudden temperature changes in the microwave. With some additional time and preparation, Rowe pottery can be safely heated using conventional heating sources.
Conclusion
In summary, Rowe Pottery is an American stoneware company known for its handcrafted pottery made from natural clay. While durable, Rowe pottery is porous and absorbs moisture, so it’s generally not recommended for use in the microwave.
The clay composition and design of most Rowe pieces make them unsafe for microwave use. The moisture in food can cause steam buildup and possibly crack or explode the pottery. Metallic paints or attachments can also spark, overheat, or melt. Heating times are unpredictable as well.
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid microwaving Rowe pottery altogether. The manufacturer does not recommend it. While some users have reported success microwaving certain thicker, glazed pieces for short periods, this carries risk and may still damage the pottery over time.
Instead, Rowe pottery is better suited for conventional ovens, stovetops, and room temperature food storage as intended. With proper care, Rowe pottery can last for many years when used for its original purpose as beautiful servingware. If microwave heating is desired, transfer food to a microwave-safe container.