Polish Pottery Myth #3: It’s really only good to use on low heat

My hutch

One of the most asked questions regarding this kind of stoneware is, “are you sure you can use it in the oven safely”? Yes Yes Yes! Often times sites will tell you not to use them above 400 degrees. Most of the time they say this for one of two reasons. The first, they just don’t know. That is what they were told and they just accept it and pass it along. The second reason is to protect themselves from liability. Personally I have alot of pottery. 90% of the cooking I do is in a piece of polish stoneware. I stick it under the broiler and more than one Thanksgiving we put multiple pieces right on the grill. The only thing I would not do is put a piece on a warm burner. Other than that, 500 degrees, broil, and even grilling will not hurt your pottery. Remember, these pieces were fired in a kiln in excess of 2000 degrees, they can handle high temps. The secret is how you apply the heat. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. If you put your pottery in the freezer, do not take it from the freezer to a hot oven. You will crack it. This is basic info for any cookware. Extreme temperature changes will cause it to expand and contract and usually crack the piece. So take it out of your freezer or fridge at least a half hour before you cook and keep it on the counter and then I usually put it in the oven as it’s heating up so the piece warms as the oven warms. It won’t affect your cooking time.
   
2. As someone who cooks alot, I like to clean up as I go. With polish stoneware, you need to let the dish cool before you start putting water in it or washing it. Again, temperature changes that are fast like that will cause problems. Let it sit while you enjoy your meal.
   
3. Polish Stoneware does not have to sit for hours soaking in water after your meal is over. It used to be that I had to soak metal pans or other glass pans for quite some time to clean. Not so with polish stoneware. Run water for a moment and the food begins to “slip” off. It is almost a joy to clean. Imagine that.
   
4. Don’t be afraid to put your pottery on the grill. Yes, I said the grill. There have been many occasions where we simply did not have enough oven space and we have put our pottery filled dishes right on the grill. We do have a gas grill and the flame was kept under control but again, you are not going to hurt your stoneware. The worst that will happen is you might have some discoloring on the underside from this way of cooking however REMEMBER, it is not permanent. It cleans off like anything else.

   Keeping these simple things in mind will allow you to completely enjoy the pottery that adorns your cabinets. Don’t be afraid to use it, you will find it’s a joy to cook in. The colors make you happy and if you take them to others houses, someone will always comment on your dishes.

   I should mention that if your pottery has a flaw in it, you CAN crack it or break it. If you are buying from a reputable dealer, the chances of that are very small. I personally have had a Pyrex dish shatter in the oven so it can happen with anything but it’s rare.

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