Why Your Microwave-Safe Dishes Still Crack and How to Stop It
You are not alone if you have ever put a dish that is supposed to be microwave safe in the microwave, and then found a crack in it. This is a confusion many people face: How can something that is called safe still break? Microwave-safe merely indicates that the product has undergone standard tests in regard to daily microwave heating. However, even everyday kitchen routines, temperature fluctuations, and wear and tear can cause unforeseen harm.
This guide is written to explain why some dishes that are microwave safe crack, how to avoid it, and what to do in case it occurs. These tips are applicable to all whether you are using stoneware dinnerware, ceramic vs porcelain dishes, or oven safe plates. And because this article is aimed at MALACASA customers, we will also subtly mention that in case of any problem, our customer care department is always available to assist you, without pushing any superiority claims. The idea is simply to help you understand how to keep your dishes safe and have a more comfortable time in the kitchen.
What Does Microwave-Safe Mean?
The term microwave safe can be misleading since it can be interpreted as a promise that nothing can go wrong. In practice, it implies that the dish has passed the minimum, accepted safety standards to be used in a microwave. These standards ensure that:
- The substance does not melt at standard microwave temperatures.
- It does not emit toxic substances or finishes.
- It doesn't cause sparks or fires.
But microwave-safe doesn't mean the dish is unbreakable the dish is unbreakable. It does not guarantee that the dish will withstand all conditions- particularly extreme temperature variations. Even the strongest dinnerware may break when used outside normal conditions.
Think of microwave-safe as a guarantee of normal operation, not a warranty against sudden shocks. This applies to ceramic vs porcelain, stoneware dinnerware, and even oven safe dishes. Every material has its boundaries and the way it is utilized is as important as the way it is produced.
Why Do Microwave-Safe Dishes Crack?
The most common cause is known as thermal shock.
What Is Thermal Shock?
Thermal shock occurs when a dish experiences a rapid change in temperature. For example::
- Remove a cold plate from the fridge and place it in the microwave.
- Placing a hot bowl from the microwave onto a cold counter.
- Warming up leftovers in an uneven manner such that a section of the dish gets significantly hotter than the rest.
All ceramics, porcelain, and stoneware materials expand during heating and contract during cooling. When this expansion occurs too rapidly or too disproportionately, the material becomes stressed. When the internal stress is too great, a crack may form: sometimes instantly, sometimes gradually over time.
So, Is It My Microwave?
Not typically. It is more often a combination of the temperature of the dish, the temperature of the food, and the duration of heating. Even oven safe dishes are meant to be heated gradually,not drastically.
Remember:
A label that states that the dish is microwave safe implies that the dish can withstand heat, but not extreme, sudden, or uneven heat.
A Quick Note on Materials
When people shop for dishes, they tend to wonder: Is porcelain superior to ceramic? Is stoneware more durable? All materials have strengths, and no material is totally resistant to thermal shock.
Porcelain
Porcelain is fine-grained and dense, and retains heat well, but it may crack when the temperature variations occur too rapidly. It is graceful and refined, yet not indestructible.
Ceramic
It is a broad group that encompasses numerous daily meals. Ceramic is usually durable, though its thickness and structure can vary, which implies that performance can be different as well.
Stoneware Dinnerware
Stoneware is frequently valued for its durability. However, even stoneware may crack when exposed to sudden temperature changes—whether from cold to hot or hot to cold.
Oven Safe Dishes and Oven Safe Plates
Oven safe only means that they can withstand higher temperatures, not abrupt ones. Fridge to hot oven or microwave can stress even the toughest oven-safe dishes.
In general, it is not the material that matters the most, but the way the dish is used in everyday life.
Exploring Easy Ways to Avoid Cracking
Here are simple habits to help ensure that microwave-safe, oven safe, ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware dishes are not subjected to stress and damage:
Let Cold Dishes Warm Before Microwaving
When your plate or bowl has been in the fridge, freezer or a cool cabinet, allow it some time to cool down to room temperature. A few minutes can help minimize the risk of thermal shock.
The most typical cracking case is:
Cold dish + abrupt microwave heat = internal stress - crack.
In the case of leftovers, cold food should be transferred to a room-temperature dish whenever feasible.
Avoid Sudden Temperature Shocks Following Heating
Your dish will be warm or hot after microwaving. Placing it on:
- Cold stone countertops
- Metal surfaces
- Stainless steel racks
- Running it under cold water
Doing so can produce an immediate drop in temperature.
Instead:
- Put the dish on a trivet, kitchen towel, or a wooden board.
- Let it cool naturally.
Rapid cooling, rather than heating, is the usual cause of microwave stress.
Handle with Care to Prevent Chips and Cracks
Even small chips can create weak points in a dish. These weak points are more susceptible to heat and can crack down eventually even when using the microwave normally.
Ways to reduce damage:
- Do not overload dishes.
- Do not bang bowls together during washing.
- Check edges and rims sometimes.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.
A plate with a chip is far more likely to crack. Not because it is unsafe, but the structure is weakened.
Dinnerware You Can Count On: With Support When Needed
At MALACASA, all dishes marked as microwave safe or oven safe plates are tested to be used in normal household microwave and oven. These include porcelain, ceramic, and stoneware. Nevertheless, similar to any kitchenware, even the most robust dinnerware can occasionally have problems when subjected to extreme or unintended circumstances.
This guide aims to reassure you:
A crack does not imply that you did anything wrong or that the dish was not safe.
It typically means that the dish had a sudden change in temperature or had an undetected chip or weak spot.
If you experience unexpected cracking of your MALACASA products, our customer care department is always willing to help. While we don't claim that our products are unbreakable, we are committed to making things right to our customers whenever a problem occurs.
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