Is Salmon Falls Stoneware Microwave Safe?
Salmon Falls Stoneware is a popular brand of American-made stoneware pottery that has been handcrafted in New Hampshire since 1972. Founded by Andy Cochran, Salmon Falls Stoneware produces a variety of functional and decorative pieces like crocks, mugs, pie plates, and vases using natural clay and glazes.
While Salmon Falls pottery is sturdy and versatile, a common question from owners is whether it can be safely used in the microwave. Microwaving ceramic material can potentially cause cracks or other damage from rapid heating. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Salmon Falls stoneware specifications and recommendations for microwave usage.
Stoneware Composition
Stoneware is a type of ceramic made from clay and fired at high temperatures between 1200°C and 1300°C. Stoneware clays are primarily composed of ball clay, kaolin, and feldspar 1. Ball clays contribute plasticity and strength, while kaolin provides a white coloration. Feldspar acts as a flux to lower the vitrification temperature. Other materials like silica and grog may also be added. The high firing temperatures result in a dense, non-porous ceramic that is resistant to liquids and durable for functional use.
Advantages of Stoneware
Stoneware offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for baking dishes and dinnerware. Some of its key advantages are:
Durability
Stoneware is extremely durable due to the high firing temperatures. It can withstand repeated use and can last for many years with proper care. According to
Stoneware Is The Perfect Choice for Everyday Use, stoneware is harder and more durable than earthenware.
Thermal Shock Resistance
Stoneware has superior thermal shock resistance and can withstand extreme temperature changes from the oven to the table. It can go from -22°F in the freezer to 500°F in the oven without cracking. This makes stoneware an excellent choice for cooking and baking.
Impermeable
The dense, vitreous structure of stoneware makes it impermeable to moisture. According to Stoneware Care and Use, liquids cannot penetrate the surface, so stains are less likely to set.
Stain Resistant
The non-porous nature of stoneware makes it resistant to stains. Food and drinks are less likely to seep into the clay and cause discoloration. Stoneware’s smooth glazed surface also makes it easier to clean.
Is Stoneware Microwave Safe?
Stoneware is generally considered microwave safe, but there are some factors to consider. According to The Pottery Wheel, commercially made stoneware that has a “microwave safe” label is fine for microwave use. However, stoneware without this label could potentially crack or explode in the microwave due to thermal shock.
Thermal shock occurs when there is a rapid change in temperature in the material, which causes different parts of the stoneware to expand at different rates. If the temperature change is too sudden or severe, it can cause cracks or breakage. Placing stoneware from the fridge or freezer directly into the microwave is one of the most common ways thermal shock can occur with stoneware.
Compared to plastic and glass containers that are specifically designed to be microwave safe, uncertified stoneware is more prone to thermal shock. Glass and plastic heat up more evenly and gradually in the microwave, while areas of stoneware can become extremely hot very quickly. This uneven heating increases the risk of thermal shock.
In general, smooth glazed stoneware from reputable brands labeled as microwave safe will hold up with careful use. But stoneware should be checked for cracks and damage first. Gradual heating and proper placement in the microwave can help avoid thermal shock. Allowing stoneware to sit and cool after microwaving is also advisable before handling to prevent burns.
Salmon Falls Specifications
According to the official Salmon Falls website, all of their stoneware products are safe for use in the microwave [1]. This applies to plates, mugs, bowls, and other tableware items.
Salmon Falls stoneware is made from natural clay and glazes that are free of lead and cadmium [2]. Their manufacturing process vitrifies the clay at 2200°F, making it non-porous and safe for food contact.
The company adheres to FDA standards for lead levels, ensuring all products are food-safe and microwave-safe. The stoneware is designed to withstand heating up to 500°F in the oven.
Recommendations for Microwaving
When microwaving stoneware, it’s important to use care to avoid thermal shock. According to The Pottery Wheel, stoneware should be heated gradually to prevent cracks or breaks. They recommend starting with 30 seconds at 50% power, checking the temperature, and then increasing time and power in 30 second increments.
In general, microwaving stoneware for 1-2 minutes at 50-80% power is considered safe. Avoid microwaving for more than 3-4 minutes to prevent extreme temperatures. Also be sure to allow stoneware to rest for a few minutes after microwaving before handling to prevent burns.
The Spruce Eats advises avoiding sudden temperature changes by not putting hot stoneware straight into cold water or on cold surfaces. Allow stoneware to cool gradually to room temperature before washing.
What to Avoid Microwaving
When using stoneware in the microwave, there are some important things to avoid doing to prevent damage:
Do not microwave stoneware when it is wet or completely empty. The rapid heating can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or breaks in the material according to sources (see https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/what-you-can-cant-microwave.html). Stoneware needs food or liquid inside to absorb some of the microwave energy.
Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not put a very hot stoneware dish straight from the oven or stovetop into the microwave. Allow it to cool down first to prevent thermal shock. Similarly, do not put a very cold stoneware dish directly from the fridge or freezer into a hot microwave.
Do not microwave stoneware with metal trim or decorations. The metal can spark, damage the interior of the microwave, and potentially cause fire. Remove any metal before microwaving.
Alternatives to Microwaving
If you want to heat up your stoneware safely without using the microwave, there are a few effective alternative heating methods:
Oven Heating – One of the best ways to gently heat stoneware is in the oven. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, between 200-250°F. Place your stoneware dish in the oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This allows the stoneware to heat gradually and evenly. Be sure to use oven mitts when removing the hot dish.
Stovetop Heating – You can also heat stoneware effectively on the stovetop. Place the stoneware on a burner over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Use a diffuser if possible to further disperse the heat. Rotate the dish periodically so it heats evenly. Stovetop heating works well for heating soups, stews, and other foods with high moisture content.1
Hot Water Bath – Submerging stoneware in hot water is a simple way to warm up the dish and its contents gradually. Bring a pot of water to a simmer, then turn off heat. Carefully place your stoneware dish in the hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can remove the dish periodically and stir the contents to distribute the warmth. This technique can help reheat foods without drying them out.2
Signs of Damage
There are several signs that stoneware has been damaged by microwaving and is no longer safe to use. According to https://thepotterywheel.com/is-stoneware-microwave-safe/, these include:
Cracks – One of the most obvious signs is cracks or fractures in the glaze or clay body. Cracks allow bacteria to get trapped, so cracked stoneware should not be used.
Crazing – This is a network of hairline cracks in the glaze surface. They allow heat damage to spread deeper into the clay. Severely crazed stoneware is weakened and unsafe for microwaving.
Chipping – Small pieces of the glaze chipping off is a red flag. Chipped areas expose the clay underneath to high heat.
Color changes – If the glaze color changes, usually becoming more white, it indicates the material has been altered by heat damage. This makes it more porous and prone to future cracking.
Conclusion
In summary, Salmon Falls stoneware can generally be considered microwave safe. Stoneware is made from natural clay and glazes that can withstand the high temperatures of microwaving. However, any dish may become damaged over time or with improper usage.
When microwaving Salmon Falls stoneware, use care not to microwave empty or cold dishes for more than 1-2 minutes to prevent thermal shock. Allow plenty of ventilation and do not microwave for excessively long periods. Always check stoneware for hairline cracks, glaze bubbles or crazing before each use.
With proper care and usage, Salmon Falls stoneware should remain microwave safe. But be sure to inspect carefully for any signs of damage, and discontinue microwaving if in doubt.
