Can ceramic and porcelain dishes be used in dishwashers and microwaves? How to use them with home appliances.
To get straight to the point, many earthenware items are not suitable for dishwashers, and it is best to avoid putting tableware with overglaze painting or gold/silver decoration in both dishwashers and microwaves.
On the other hand, many plain porcelain items are relatively resistant to both dishwashers and microwaves.
However, the question "Is it okay to put this particular dish in an appliance?" is something that often comes up when choosing tableware.
At Maison Toji, a tableware store in Musashi-Koyama, we receive many questions daily from customers asking, "Is it okay to put this in the dishwasher?"
Today, we'll summarize some key points for distinguishing how to best use handmade ceramics with your appliances.
What are the differences between earthenware and porcelain, and how can you tell them apart?
While many people may have heard the terms "earthenware" and "porcelain," surprisingly few can actually explain the differences.
Earthenware is a type of pottery fired at approximately 800 to 1300°C using clay (pottery clay). Because it retains the properties of earth, it is absorbent, with a plump thickness and a warm feel to the touch. If you tap it lightly with your finger, it produces a low, dull sound.
On the other hand, porcelain is a type of pottery made primarily from powdered stone (such as feldspar, silica, and kaolin) and fired at high temperatures around 1300°C. Due to its glass-like composition, it is almost non-absorbent, hard even when thin, and appears slightly translucent when held up to the light. If you tap it with your finger, it produces a high, clear sound.
If you're unsure how to tell them apart, check these three points:
- Does it transmit light when held up (Translucent = likely porcelain)?
- The sound when tapped lightly with a finger (High, clear sound = porcelain; Low, dull sound = earthenware).
- The texture of the base (footring) (Rough, earthy texture = earthenware; Smooth, white texture = porcelain).
About the tableware we carry
Most of the tableware we carry is handmade "earthenware" created by artisans. Our selection prioritizes the texture and warmth of earth, so the proportion of earthenware is naturally high.
However, there's no need to be overly cautious. Many of the works we select, including those from Tamba Ware and Bizen Ware, are suitable for daily use and can be put in the microwave and dishwasher. While handmade items are often perceived as difficult to handle, we choose pieces that can be effortlessly incorporated into everyday life.
Please note that compatibility varies depending on the type and series of the tableware, so for final confirmation, please check the descriptions on each product page.
Why earthenware is not suitable for dishwashers
Earthenware has microscopic pores that are not visible to the naked eye, making it highly absorbent. When subjected to the high heat drying of a dishwasher, the moisture absorbed inside the vessel can rapidly expand, potentially causing cracks or damage.
Also, "kannyu" (crazing)—fine, crack-like patterns that appear in the glaze layer on the surface of earthenware—is a point to watch out for. Dishwasher moisture can seep through these cracks, leading to dirt, mold, or damage during long washing cycles.
Of course, not all earthenware is strictly "NG." There are exceptions, such as "semi-porcelain" and "heat-resistant earthenware," which can be used in dishwashers. If you are concerned about your own tableware, it is best to check the explanations provided at the time of purchase or on the product page.
Be careful with gold and silver decorated tableware in the microwave
What you should be especially careful about with microwaves are dishes decorated with metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum. The microwave's electromagnetic waves can react with the metal parts, causing sparks or scorching the decoration. Please avoid using gold or silver decorated dishes in the microwave.
On the other hand, most plain porcelain items without decoration, or items with underglaze painting (where the design is applied under the glaze), can be used in the microwave. However, it is safest to avoid prolonged heating or heating an empty dish, even if it is dishwasher-safe.
3 Checkpoints for Identification
- Check for gold, silver, or platinum decoration on the rim or pattern. → If present, avoid both dishwasher and microwave.
- Check for crazing (crack-like patterns) on the surface of the vessel. → If present, avoid the dishwasher and wash by hand.
- When in doubt, check the instructions at the time of purchase or the product page.
By keeping these three points in mind, you should be able to resolve most of your daily "Is this okay?" dilemmas.
The Right Way to Wash for Long-Lasting Use
For tableware that should avoid the dishwasher, handwashing with the following tips will help preserve its beauty for a long time.
- Use a neutral detergent and a soft sponge or gauze (abrasive sponges can scratch gold leaf and painted designs).
- Gently rub gold or silver areas when washing.
- After washing, dry thoroughly before stacking for storage (stacking while still damp can lead to mold or water stains from crazing).
These small efforts are key to keeping your tableware beautiful for years, even decades.
Tableware that has been cherished and used for a long time can also be passed on to its next owner through "Meguri Ware™" when your lifestyle changes.
▶ Article: Why We Started Meguri Ware™
Conclusion
"Is it dishwasher safe?" is one of the key considerations when choosing tableware. However, we believe that taking a little extra effort to wash them carefully is also a way to connect with the craftsman's work.
At Maison Toji, our staff provides detailed guidance on the characteristics and care instructions for each piece of tableware in-store. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
▶ Click here for a list of mugs and teacups.
▶ Click here for a list of rice bowls and matcha bowls.