Frequently Asked Questions

Are these pieces food-safe? 

Food safety in utilitarian ceramics is a tricky thing. Strictly speaking in the United States any glaze that does not contain lead or cadmium can be called "food safe". (And really no one uses these metals in utilitarian glazes anymore.)  But glazes can leach other metal colorants like cobalt or copper, especially when exposed to acid foods like coffee or highly basic dish detergent.  In addition to using glazes that have industry approved chemistry and firing the kiln to an appropriate temperature, I've sent samples to BSC Labs  in Pennsylvania for leaching tests to assure that my glazes conform to FDA and California Proposition limits. 

Are they microwave/dishwasher/oven safe?

I wash all of my own ceramic dinnerware and mugs, etc. in the dishwasher. Ceramics can withstand a good deal of thermal shock, but I don't recommend microwaving and I heat up my pottery with the oven (rather than putting  a cold pot into a hot oven). Like a wool sweater, the gentler we are, the longer it lasts. 

Why do my silverware leave marks on my plates?

This happens because the glaze is actually harder than the metal of our utensils so when we slide our knife across the plate it leaves some of the metal behind. This is more common with matte glazes. Applying a little Bar Keepers Friend to a soft cloth and gently rubbing will remove most cutlery marks. This does not indicate a problem with durability or food safety. 

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