Are Handmade Ceramics Safe to Use?
One of the most common questions we get—whether at markets, online, or in the DMs—is:
“Can I put this in the microwave?”
Closely followed by:
“Do I need to hand wash it?”
The short answer: It depends on how the ceramics are made.
The better answer: Here’s exactly how we make ours—so you can use them with confidence every day.
What Makes Ceramics Microwave and Dishwasher Safe?
Microwave and dishwasher safety isn’t just about the shape of the mug or the finish on a bowl—it comes down to the clay body, the firing temperature, and the glaze.
Here’s what matters most:
High-fire clays like stoneware or porcelain create dense, durable pieces.
Properly formulated glazes ensure a non-porous, food-safe surface.
Thermal shock resistance helps prevent cracking when things heat up quickly (like in a microwave).
Our Process: Speckled Buff at Cone 6
We work almost exclusively with Speckled Buff stoneware (unless specifically noted), fired to Cone 6 in an electric kiln. This process vitrifies the clay, locks in strength, and ensures your pieces are ready for real life—not just the shelf.
Here’s what that means for you:
Microwave Safe
Our ceramics are microwave safe unless otherwise noted. They’re built from dense clay, free of metals or glaze additives that would react to heat, and ready for your busiest days.Dishwasher Safe (Though We Love a Gentle Hand Wash Too)
All of our pieces can handle regular dishwasher cycles without issue. That said, hand washing will always help extend the life of handmade work—especially if your dishwasher runs extra hot or intense.Always Food-Safe
We test and carefully choose all of our glazes to ensure they’re lead-free, non-toxic, and safe for daily use.
Help Your Ceramics Last Even Longer
Even though our pottery is made to be durable, a little extra care goes a long way:
Let your pieces come to room temperature before going from cold to hot (to avoid thermal shock).
If you’re stacking, layer with a soft cloth to protect delicate rims and glaze.
Avoid pouring boiling water directly into a piece that’s just come out of the fridge.
These aren’t strict rules—just thoughtful practices that help keep your pieces looking beautiful over time.
Built for Everyday Beauty
Our ceramics are designed to live with you. To hold your morning coffee, your midnight snacks, and your everything-in-between.
With strong, high-fire materials and intentional design, each piece is meant to be used and loved, not just looked at.
So yes—microwave it. Dishwash it. Use it every day. That’s exactly what we made it for.