Oven-Safe Fiesta Dinnerware: Fact or Fiction?

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Can You Put Fiesta Dinnerware in the Oven?

Fiestaware is a favorite for people looking for durable dinnerware that brightens up the kitchen…. In addition to this, vintage fiesta ware is a collector’s item, and depending on the color (and year) can cost a pretty penny! But can this dinnerware go in the oven safely?

You can put Fiesta dinnerware in the oven…. Modern Fiestaware can go in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer…. Fiesta dinnerware can withstand a temperature of up to 350°F (176.67°C), and Fiestaware bakeware can withstand up to 500°F (260°C).

In this article, I’ll discuss how safe modern and vintage Fiestaware is to put in the oven and microwave, whether or not you can put Fiestware under a broiler, and whether or not Fiestaware contains lead…. Keep reading…

Is Fiestaware Safe for Me To Put in the Oven?

Fiestaware is a product designed for home use and in the restaurant and hospitality industries…. Because of this, Fiestaware is significantly more durable than many other dinnerware offerings on the market, as evidenced by the amount of vintage Fiestaware still available today.

It’s safe for you to put Fiestaware in the oven, both vintage and modern…. That’s because all Fiestaware is designed to withstand up to 500°F (260°C) of heat…. But bear in mind that placing any Fiestaware directly beneath or over an open flame isn’t recommended; thus, you shouldn’t do that.

Is Vintage Fiestaware Microwave Safe?

While modern Fiestaware is perfectly safe to use in both the oven and the microwave, this information is of little use to you if you own vintage Fiestaware…. The truth is, the information on this particular topic gets a little bit vague.

The vintage Fiestaware should be microwave-safe, as there’s no information explicitly stating that it’s unsafe…. However, the FDA advises that people avoid using the vintage Fiestaware in the microwave to avoid compromising the glaze, which could lead to lead poisoning.

Of course, it’s up to you whether or not you feel comfortable microwaving your vintage Fiestaware…. While there’s nothing explicitly stating that microwaving vintage Fiestaware is unsafe, you run the risk of heightening your potential exposure to lead poisoning if you don’t treat your vintage dishes carefully.

If you choose to use the microwave with your vintage dinnerware, keep an eye out for cracks or other compromises of the glaze.

Can You Put Fiesta Ware Under the Broiler?

Now that you’re aware that Fiestaware is oven-safe and can withstand heat up to 500°F (260°C), you may still wonder if it can withstand the heat of a broiler.

You can put Fiestaware under the broiler as long as it’s not directly underneath or above an open flame and doesn’t exceed a temperature of 500°F (260°C).

Broilers typically work by quickly heating food at extremely high temperatures…. You may use it to crisp up a topping or cook something that can withstand the heat more quickly.

Furthermore, many recipes will instruct you to place your bakeware on the highest or lowest rack, to be as close to the heat source in your oven as possible.

If you wish to use the broil setting on your oven when cooking with your Fiestaware, you need to be careful of two things: first, don’t under any circumstances place your Fiestaware directly next to an open flame.

Secondly, you should check the broil setting on your oven…. Many ovens have a button that says “broil,” and this setting is generally between 500°F and 550°F (260–287.78°C).

If your oven’s broil setting has a default temperature that exceeds 500°F (260°C), then you’d be better off manually preheating your oven to avoid it getting too hot for your Fiestaware.

Does Fiesta Dinnerware Get Hot in the Microwave?

While your Fiesta dinnerware may be designed to go in the microwave, there’s nothing worse than going to take a dish out of the microwave, only to get burned.

The Fiesta dinnerware gets hot in the microwave, but it won’t get as hot as other dishes in the microwave…. You’ll notice that it’s hot in areas of the dish that come in direct contact with your food.

The reason for this is that although the dinnerware itself is resistant to adjustments in temperature from the microwave, it’ll still absorb heat from the food as it gets hot.

When removing your Fiesta dinnerware from the microwave, try to hold areas not directly touching the heated food.

Does Fiesta Dinnerware Contain Lead?

A common question among Fiesta ware lovers is whether or not these classic products contain lead…. The answer is yes and no, depending on whether you’re talking about their vintage or modern lines.

All Fiesta dinnerware and bakeware produced after 1986 is lead-free…. While Homer Laughlin China (the manufacturer of Fiestaware) doesn’t claim to be “100% lead-free,” they instead choose to state that their products contain “no detectable lead.”

However, vintage Fiestaware produced before 1986 was made with lead and should be treated with care because of this.

The FDA notes that as long as there are no visible signs that the glaze on vintage Fiestaware is deteriorating (scratching, pitting, etc.), they’re still perfectly safe to use.

However, if you note that the glaze is beginning to wear on your vintage Fiestaware, it may be better to keep them for display only.

If you’re unsure what year your Fiestaware is from and are concerned about lead poisoning, consider purchasing a home lead testing kit like these 3M LeadCheck Swabs (available on Amazon.com)…. This instant lead test is easy to use and can detect lead within just 30 seconds.

Can Vintage Fiestaware Go in the Dishwasher

Vintage Fiestaware is a popular collectible ceramic dinnerware line that was first produced in the 1930s by the Homer Laughlin China Company. Known for its vibrant colors and Art Deco design, Fiestaware has become a highly sought-after item among collectors and antique enthusiasts.

When it comes to cleaning vintage Fiestaware, there is some debate over whether it is safe to put the dishes in the dishwasher. On one hand, the convenience of using a dishwasher can be appealing, especially if you have a large collection of Fiestaware.

On the other hand, there are concerns that the high heat and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can damage the glaze on the dishes and cause fading or discoloration over time.

So, can vintage Fiestaware go in the dishwasher? The short answer is that it is not recommended. While some people may have had success washing their vintage Fiestaware in the dishwasher with no issues, it is generally best to err on the side of caution and hand wash the dishes instead. This will help to preserve the integrity of the glaze and prevent any potential damage.

To hand wash vintage Fiestaware, start by rinsing off any excess food or debris from the dishes. Fill a sink or basin with warm, soapy water and gently scrub the dishes with a soft sponge or brush. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can scratch the glaze. Rinse the dishes thoroughly and dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth.

In summary, while it is possible to wash vintage Fiestaware in the dishwasher, it is not recommended. To preserve the integrity of the glaze and prevent any potential damage, it is best to hand wash the dishes using a gentle detergent and a soft sponge or brush.

Final Thoughts

Fiestaware is a highly sought-after option for dinnerware and bakeware and will likely last you for a very long time.
Modern Fiestaware is oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher safe and doesn’t heat up in the microwave.
On the other hand, vintage Fiestaware should be handled with a little more care due to its age and the materials used to make it.
Fiestaware made before the 1980s can contain lead that could leach into your food…. It’s safe to use as long as there’s no noticeable glaze deterioration.

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