Stoneware dishware, renowned for its durability and rustic charm, has graced dining tables for centuries. Its robust and non-porous nature and stylish designs make it a popular choice for everyday use, especially for baking, roasting, and more.
While stoneware dishware adds a unique charm to your everyday meals, you might often wonder if it belongs on the list of items to avoid putting in the dishwasher, aiming to save money on potential repairs or replacements in the future.
In this article, we’ll delve into the burning question: Is stoneware dishwasher safe? and uncover the delicate balance between tradition and technology in the care of stoneware dishware.
But before that, it's important to remember that using a reliable, effective, and trusted dishwasher detergent is crucial for achieving optimal cleaning results.
What is stoneware?
Stoneware is a type of ceramic crafted from non-refractory clay fired at temperatures between 2,200°F and 2,800°F. Renowned for its durability, longevity, heat resistance, and versatility, stoneware is commonly used for cooking, baking, serving, and decorative purposes.
What does stoneware look like?
Stoneware is thicker and more opaque than porcelain or china, giving it a stone-like appearance after high-temperature firing. Before glazing, it often features natural stone-like color patterns and variations.
Stoneware can be finished with a colorful matte or glossy glaze, providing a rustic, earthy look ideal for casual restaurants or those seeking a farm-to-table vibe.
Is stoneware dishwasher safe?
Yes, stoneware is generally considered dishwasher-safe. However, it is advisable to check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning any ceramic items in the dishwasher, especially stoneware.
Dishwasher safe stoneware
Most people rely on dishwashers to save time and effort. However, the cleaning process imposes strict quality demands on stoneware dinnerware.
Here are the essential features that dishwasher-safe stoneware should have:
- Heat resistance: Dishwashers use hot water to clean dishes, so stoneware dinnerware must withstand these high dishwasher temperatures without cracking or warping.
- Enzyme detergent compatibility: Dishwashers usually use enzyme detergents, such as Finish Ultimate All-In-One tablets, to remove food residues and stains. Stoneware dinnerware must be resistant to these chemicals, ensuring it does not react or get damaged when exposed.
- Toughness: Stoneware dinnerware must be tough and durable to endure the mechanical stresses of dishwasher cycles. During cleaning, dishes may come into contact with other items like cutlery or glassware. Stoneware should resist chipping, scratching, and breaking in these situations.
No matter how advanced your dishwasher is or how carefully you select the best detergent, improper loading can lead to poor cleaning results and chipping, scratching, and breaking dishes.
Fortunately, knowing how to load your dishwasher correctly is a simple and effective method to prevent that from happening.