How to Treat Stoneware

Cook with stoneware as you would with most of your glass cookware. Since potters craft the ware at such a high temperature, you can use it in the oven, in the microwave or in the refrigerator. Stove top cooking with gas burners might discolor the bottom of your stoneware, but baking works especially well since the heat is well-distributed. Avoid sharp changes in temperature or extreme temperatures in one spot.

Eat and serve out of your stoneware without worrying about scratching the surface or denting the edges. Stoneware plates are heavier than earthenware or porcelain and highly resistant to chips and breaks. Beautiful stoneware pottery will last for decades if it is not dropped or forcibly hit.

Wash your stoneware with normal dishwashing soap and water, especially if it has a glaze on it. Some of the non-glazed items like pizza stones only need scraping and physical scrubbing under warm water. Glazed stoneware is dishwasher safe just as your glass dishes are. You can even scrub them with steel wool and bleach if necessary.

Store stoneware in a clean dry cupboard. Show off some of your more decorative pieces on sturdy shelves or in glass cases. Use a shelf liner under the stoneware as it may scratch wood or glass surfaces.