In our everyday lives, we like to cook or serve food in many different-looking, attractive glazed ceramic bowls. Nonetheless, most people using glazed ceramic bowls have a lot of confusion: Can I microwave glazed ceramic bowls? Are they safe/non-toxic? Can I use them to cook food, right? This article will evaluate how safe and acceptable an option utilizing a glazed ceramic bowl will be in a microwave with respect to the variables of materials, safety, suitability, and usability.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat are Ceramic Bowls Made of?
Ceramic bowls are typically crafted from natural clay, feldspar, quartz, and kaolin, all of which are fired at high temperatures. Depending on the temperature and process through which ceramic bowls are fired, the bowls can be porcelains (fired at high temperatures of about 1300°C to yield a denser, smoother, more translucent final product) or stoneware (fired at low temperatures of about 1200°C to yield a dense, more sturdy product).
Most glazes for ceramic bowls render the tableware more heat- and water-resistant, in addition to enhancing their loveliness. Some glazed ceramic bowls are also re-fired at high temperature (typically 1180°C -1300°C) to give a final hard stable glaze that does not release any toxins when heated.
Conclusion: Good quality ceramic bowls are produced from natural, inorganic and stable raw materials, thus safe for serving food after being fired in a kiln.
Are Ceramic Bowls Safe to Use?
A lot of individuals are interested in heavy metals in the glaze. Well, the good manufacturers of glazed ceramic bowls will make sure the food contact safety standard is achieved in the case of heavy metals.
The global standards set strict restrictions on the migration of lead and cadmium, among others, but not limited to, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the German Food Safety Testing Standard (LFGB). Once the product is found to have passed this test, it is safe for daily use.
- Lead-free and cadmium-free pressed into a valuable glazed ceramic bowl: Modern ceramics often use environmentally friendly, lead-free and cadmium-free glazes so that they meet the international standard for food contact safety.
- Firing temperature: Glazes that have been fired at a temperature above 1200°C are chemically stable and will not react with food.
- Testing: High-quality ceramic manufacturers are required to assess their products, which includes quality inspection, AQL sampling testing, heavy metal migration testing, and obtain third-party certification based on the country and type of product.
Recommended choice: get brands that provide a testing certification, such as, but not limited to, Yongjian Ceramics. If the ceramic glazed product has passed the international standard, it is a non-toxic use in ceramic bowls and food in any food contact setting.
Is It Safe to Microwave Glazed Ceramic Bowls?
Yes—typically, but with certain extremely important exceptions:
- No metallic decoration: The rim or the glaze of a ceramic plate should not have any bits of metal, such as gold or silver trim, since sparks can occur on microwave-safe plates.
- Use bowls with hot heat fire: Glazed ceramic bowls and plates made of stoneware or porcelain are generally protected from heat since the high heat of the glaze; the more heat it has been subjected to, the safer or more secure it likely is.
- Do not expose them to sudden temperature change: Never place ceramic bowls straight from the fridge into the microwave. Pre-warming them will prevent thermal expansion and contraction cracks.
- Check for bottom labels: Certain bowls are marked “Microwave Safe” on their bottom and thus may be safely microwaved.
For example, Yongjian Ceramics‘ repeat glaze thermal shock test bowls have a temperature tolerance of more than 200°C to ensure that they do not leak or crack while heating in a microwave.
Summary: As long as the bowl is not metal-decorated, hasn’t cracked, and is a high-fire glaze, glazed ceramic bowls are microwave-safe.
Can Ceramic Bowls Be Used for Cooking?
The heat resistance of ceramic bowls makes them ideal to be used in any manner in the kitchen.
- Microwaveable: No problem to reheat rice, soups, and porridge.
- Oven-Safe: Some highly glazed ceramic bowls (i.e., baking dishes) can safely go into the oven.
- Steamer-Safe: Ceramic’s even heat conduction makes it ideal to steam food, i.e., poached eggs and stews.
Note, however:
- Do not use over an open flame or an induction cooktop directly;
- Do not suddenly change the temperature while cooking.
- Do not continue to use the bowl when cracks are already seen on its surface to prevent leakage.
There are restaurants and baking businesses that utilize glazed ceramic bowls with decorative and functional design. They can go directly from the oven to the table, which makes them not only lovely but also convenient.
Tip: When doing regular high-heat baking, it is best to utilize “oven safe” ceramic products.
Care and Use of Glazed Ceramic Bowls
- Before Use: Wash in warm water first to avoid sudden heating and cooling.
- Use: Do not heat too much when filling the bowl; some space should be left so that it will not overflow.
- After Washing: Never use steel wool; clean the glaze with a soft sponge.
- Storage: Place a soft cloth between bowls to prevent scratching.
Well-cared-for glazed ceramic bowls not only will last longer, but the glaze gloss will remain good after decades.
Conclusion: Glazed Ceramic Bowls are practical and elegant.
In general, glazed ceramic bowls are produced from nontoxic natural raw materials, very high firing temperatures, and are stable and safe, thus you can use them for microwave purposes and they are edible. If you avoid using metal ornaments and the bowls undergo sudden temperature change, they are safe and easy to utilize in a modern kitchen. You can count on them as the best option for a restaurant or family members who are looking for a healthy and aesthetic quality, too.
About Yongjian Ceramics
Yongjian Ceramics was established in 1990 and is a leading ceramic tableware producer and wholesaler in China. Our main products are daily use tableware such as plates, bowls, cups, baking trays, and spoons. We have rich OEM/ODM experience and fully support whole customizations of color, design, logo, and package.
With sophisticated production equipment and strict quality control system, every Yongjian glazed ceramic bowl is fired at high temperature and safety inspected, and complies with FDA, LFGB, and EU food-grade standards. Being applied by hotels, restaurant chains, and branded brands worldwide.
For wholesale or custom solution, please contact Yongjian Ceramics for quote and samples.
FAQ
Q1: Can all glazed ceramic bowls be used in the microwave?
Not always. You’ll want to ensure that it has no metal trim, cracks, and the bottom is labeled “Microwave Safe.”
Q2: Will the glaze come off?
Glazes that were fired at high temperatures are durable and wear resistant; just don’t slam it down with a hard impact.
Q3: Are ceramic bowls safer than glass bowls?
Generally, high-quality ceramic bowls are more stable in terms of heat resistance and toxicity, and they have no plasticizers.
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