Can You Put A Porcelain Bowl In The Oven

The short answer is yes, Porcelain is fired usually at a temperature of 2372 deg F / 1300 deg C, or above. Ceramics come in various types of stoneware and are usually handmade. Pottery is usually fired for durability and to keep the moisture out - however, within the various types of ceramics, one should note that there is one that stands out handles high temperatures and is sought after within a kitchen environment.

Handling oven heat

When considering temperatures, the temperature of a kiln is a lot higher than the temperature of a domestic oven, therefore true porcelain is able to be used as ovenware, but always check the packaging or the bottom of your porcelain that it is oven safe. It is advised that porcelain ovenware is suitable for temperatures between 500-573 deg F / 260-300 deg C, making this ceramic product a versatile kitchen material.

Older glazes

There is a disclaimer besides of temperature, where we discovered that porcelain made in the 1970s and earlier may not be suitable for ovenware, mostly because of the risk of toxins leaching from older glazes. Older, cracked, or chipped ceramic coatings and even some with no visible cracks are at risk, some older glazes contained metals such as copper, cobalt, or lithium, making them not safe for food or drinks because of the leaching risk.

Some ovenware is only coated with porcelain enamel, for example, a cast iron casserole dish, items with only a white porcelain enamel coating are still oven safe, but only up to 400 deg F/ 204 deg C.

On the hob

Oven-proof is not the same as flameproof, most porcelain cookware unless specifically designed for this purpose, cannot be used on the hob, even if the packaging states oven-proof. The reason for this is because hob heat, flame, or induction, is greater than oven heat. The heat from the hob is also directed to one spot, making it hotter in one spot than the rest, causing the heated area to expand more than the cooler parts. Even though the thermal expansion is very low when it comes to ceramics, porcelain has a tendency to crack under these conditions, known as thermal shock. The difference in temperature can put too much stress on the porcelain, not only can it crack but even shatter, some earthenware such as terracotta, can cope with hob use, most porcelain will not.

Temperature variation

As with glass, pouring a boiling liquid into a cold receptacle can shatter it due to thermal shock. While ceramics deal with this issue considerably better, like pouring boiling water into a cup for some tea - there is little to worry about. It is the case when a ceramic piece comes out of the oven, and then pouring cold water into it that's a concern. The temperature variation is much larger than ambient vs. boiling which stresses the material. Never add cold water to a dish that's just come out of the oven.

Durability

Porcelain as ovenware is strong and durable, made out of kaolin clay, which is pure and free from impurities. Porcelain being one of the hardest substances, while looking delicate, is actually a dense, hard, material, making it a good choice for ovenware, the durability of the porcelain means it can survive the inevitable knocks when taking your bowl in and out of the oven.

Form factor

Given that ceramics can be molded, cast, and hand-shaped, all of which are handmade processes, one could say that you can achieve pretty much any shape imaginable. There are size limitations, however, mostly restricted by the kilns' inner volumes. You can achieve various styles, a lot of ceramics are farmhouse decor which is a much more natural shape. There are mass-produced stoneware companies that have molds that put out thousands of ovenware and kitchenware items, varied by color glazes and scaled sizes. The more specialized outfits will perfect their craft and create a niche of amazingly styled items, lifestyle items that makes a home feel special. This can cover receptacles, cookware, kitchen decor, and a variety of types of porcelain goods. Shape, size, and purpose are only limited by the imagination and the process of forming the ceramic.

Maintenance

Another advantage of porcelain ovenware, is the fact that it is non-porous, so porcelain does not need to be glazed to make it watertight, however, most pieces are glazed, and the glaze gives the piece a high shine surface, that repels stains, smells, and bacteria, it is also easy to clean.

Although made of refined clay, if used as ovenware, your porcelain should be of sturdy construction, it should not have spindly handles or delicate knobs on the lid, particularly when it contains the added weight of food.

Conclusion

So when choosing new ovenware, consider Porcelain, or consider this material for your kitchen decor and everyday use in cups, mugs, bowls, dispensers, trays, plates/dishes, and even lighting. There are a lot of applications of porcelain, from floor tiles/backsplashes to ovenware. It is versatile, can be stylish, and will last decades. Cooking with this amazing material makes it an easy choice to make. To have an even temperature throughout the dish and have your meal prepared without the edges burned and the center undercooked is important, and ceramics deliver this. Your dish can have a lid, or if you are making a shepherd's pie it can be open-topped. Whatever your pleasure in cooking, indulge yourself in some porcelain - your lifestyle in the kitchen is going to benefit from it.

Nesting Bowls are handmade from porcelain, the noblest ceramic material, that surpasses both terra-cotta and stoneware clay in quality. 

* Handmade from porcelain