Can Your Ceramic Mug Go In The Microwave?

Sometimes you’re just too lazy to remove your cake or coffee out of the ceramic mug you’re drinking and place it in something that can withstand the oven. Or maybe you just have a lovely porcelain casserole cup that you want to use for cooking, but you don’t know if it is really risk-free? Or are you taking the chance that this move will result in the total destruction of your home? That is the question that we want to have answered here today.

1. Is ceramic mug microwave-safe ?

1.1. Stoneware

Stoneware can endure 2382 F (1306 C)

Due to its high heat resistance, stoneware is suitable for oven use. They are thick and opaque when it comes to stoneware mugs. In addition, they are available in two separate textures: rough and shiny-baked.

stoneware-ceramic-mug

1.2. Porcelain

Porcelain can handle more than 2300 F (1260 C)

Although porcelain is an oven-safe material, not all porcelain mugs can be used in the oven. Porcelain tends to be susceptible to thermal shock. This is because of the delicate nature of porcelain, which is often damaged by sudden temperature changes.

porcelain-ceramic-mug

1.3. Earthenware

Earthenware can withstand 1945 F (1063 C)

Earthenware, like stoneware, is thick and heavy ceramic, except for the fact that it cannot be used in an oven. Most cooking utensils are made of earthenware, which can be printed on. Even though earthenware is a hefty material, it is prone to chipping and cracking.

earthenware-mug

2. How to know if your mugs is microwave-safe

It’s difficult to tell exactly how something will react inside a microwave. So a good rule of thumb is to only use containers that have been tested and proven to be microwave-safe. Some ceramic mugs can go in the microwave, but not all of them are risk-free. On the other hand, coffee mugs made of properly glazed porcelain, especially stoneware, are safe in the microwave. There is little risk of your mug breaking in the microwave because there is no preheating involved. Fortunately, there is a simple test you can perform to see if the ceramic is safe to microwave.

  • Take a cup or glass that you know is microwave safe.
  • Then, fill the cup 3/4 full with water and microwave it. After that, place the ceramic mug beside the cup.
  • Set your microwave to high and timer for one minute to see how well the mug can endure the heat. Allow everything to play out before removing the cup of water using an oven mitt or kitchen towel.
  • Check the temperature of the water and the dish with your fingers. If the water is cold but the ceramic cup is heated, it signifies it isn’t microwave-safe. However, if the situation is reversed, i.e. the water is hot but the ceramic mug is cold, it is safe.

3. How to know if your mugs can go in the oven?

If you’re unsure whether a dish or plate is oven-safe, there are two ways to find out. Of course, we’re not talking about putting it in the oven and praying for the best.

  • First, look for any labels on the ceramic. On the bottom, if it can withstand high temperatures, it will be marked with a transparent label. It’s theoretically possible to take these ceramic dishes out of the fridge and into a hot oven without any worries. However, we would not advise doing so because not all ceramic is created equal. 
  • If you can’t locate the words “oven-safe” on the bottom of your dish, look for a small symbol. For example, wavy lines indicate that it can be placed in an oven or microwave. At the bottom, there should be some numbers indicating the maximum temperature that the dish can withstand.

4. How to avoid thermal shock for your ceramic mug

Thermal shock can damage or reduce the quality of your favorite mug. But you can take the following precautions to safeguard your coffee mugs from thermal shock :

  • Know the maximum temperature that your mug can handle : Be aware of your mug’s maximum temperature. While porcelain is susceptible to thermal shock, some varieties won’t respond negatively to rapid temperature changes. However, heat will fracture even the most delicate ceramics.
  • Wait some time before taking your mug out: Regardless of the temperature, let your coffee mug sit on the counter for at least 20 minutes before moving it to a new environment. This will allow your mug to adjust to the room’s temperature and prevent it from cracking
  • Don’t run your hot mug under cold water: Again, refrain from subjecting your coffee mugs to rapid temperature changes by not running your heated mug under cold water. After removing it from the oven, allow it to cool completely before running cold water through it.
  • Don’t expose standard mugs to direct heat: Because an enclosed setting such as an oven ensures that the contents are heated evenly. As a result, when you place an oven-safe mug on the stovetop, only a single part of it will heat. This will eventually cause a crack to appear because of the temperature difference.

thermal-shock-ceramic-mug

Ceramic mugs are generally safe to use in the microwave, but it is important to read the label to be sure. Because ceramic is a good conductor of heat, a ceramic cup will be quite hot to the touch after only a few minutes in the oven. The more you heat low-fired ceramic mugs, the more likely they are to break.

Hopefully, we’ve answered all of your questions regarding the use of heat on ceramics. Before you begin any testing, turn the dish over and check the bottom for any symbols or numbers. But if you can’t locate anything, the microwave test is your safest method.

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