Putting Plates in the Oven (Guide) | 4 Oven Safe Plates + 4 to Avoid

It can be tricky to figure out whether a specific plate is safe to put in the oven without risking it breaking, warping, or cracking. There are a few easy ways to find out if a plate is oven-safe that are quick to try at home.

The easiest way to find out if a plate is oven safe is to check the base. If it is safe, then it will be marked with “oven safe” on the bottom. Stoneware, porcelain, and toughened glass can usually go in the oven but you need to check first.

Thick plates are more likely to be oven safe but this article will help you to know for sure. There are a few easy methods that we explore to help you determine if your plate is okay to put in your oven based on the markings or materials.

How to Know If a Plate Is Oven-Safe

Most dishes have a symbol or specific wording on the bottom of them that indicates they are okay to put into your oven. However, if this is not the case with your plates, you can determine whether they are oven-safe by looking at the material that they are made from.

Oven Safe Plates

There are several types of plates that are either designed to go into the oven or can naturally withstand the high temperatures in your oven. A few of these plate varieties are detailed below.

If you do not use a plate that is safe for use in the oven, it can break or crack while in the oven or as you are removing it.

Glass

Glass plates are typically fine to put in your oven. Although glass can start warping at very high temperatures, it requires much more heat than what your oven is capable of producing.

One thing to keep in mind is that your dish risks cracking or breaking if you transfer it from your hot oven onto a cold surface, so try to avoid doing this.

Two types of glass that were created specifically for putting in the oven are Pyrex, which is designed to expand less when it gets heated up, and tempered glass, which is about five times stronger than regular glass.

Ceramic

Ceramic plates are safe to use in the oven, which is good news considering how often ceramic is used for dishes. However, keep in mind that if your ceramic plates have paint on them, it could chip off of the plates when cutting on them with a knife and fork while they are hot.

Similar to tempered glass ceramic dishes will not be affected by thermal shock in normal oven temperatures. Do not however take a plate from the freezer from the oven or rapidly cool it. Avoid taking your plate directly from the oven and placing it on a cold surface like a stone bench because the dish could break.

Silicone

Food-grade silicone, which is what is used to create dishes, can withstand high temperatures without the material leaching into your food. Thus, silicone plates are safe for use in your oven, as well as a microwave, since they are designed to be able to withstand the intense heat.

Silicone baking dishes, muffin trays and cupcake trays are designed for the oven so plates made in the same way are safe too. It is still best to check the base before placing it in the oven.

Porcelain

Porcelain plates can be safe to go in the oven depending on how they are made. Thick, strong, well made porcelain plates are usually marked as oven safe on the base.

Not all porcelain plates will be oven safe. Thin plates or mugs can be damaged if they are put in the oven. Plates that are highly decorated or have decorative additions that have been added after firing can be damaged in the oven. Always check the base before putting them in.

If your porcelain plates are mainly for decorative purposes, they might not hold up very well in your oven.

Porcelain plates can be oven safe, check the base to be sure.

Plates That Are Not Oven-Safe

There are some plates made out of materials that are not considered safe for use in the oven. Take a look at a few of these below.

Bamboo

Bamboo plates and other dishes should not be put in your oven as they cannot withstand the high temperatures.

Bamboo holds moisture that will evaporate out of the plates if they are subjected to the heat of an oven. As a result, the plates will get weak, they can begin warping, and they can even catch on fire if they are put in an oven for too long.

On a side note, you should also avoid putting bamboo plates in the microwave. A material called melamine is used in them, which can seep into your food when microwaved.

Fine China

Typically, fine and bone China plates cannot be used in the oven. The plates are thin and delicate and they risk cracking and breaking if they are placed in the oven.

If you are using your China plates for a special occasion, simply heat up your food in separate dishes prior to putting it on your China plates.

Melamine

Melamine is a type of plastic used for plates and various other items. Melamine plates should not be put in conditions that reach temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or more because the material can chip or break due to becoming dry and brittle.

Melamine plates are typically created using wood pulp in the center, and this material does not withstand heat very well.

Paper

Paper plates should not be placed in the oven. They cannot withstand the high temperatures and will eventually catch on fire, making it a safety hazard.

Summary

There are many different types of plates that you can use to heat up food in your oven, including oven safe porcelain, ceramic and glass. If you are having trouble trying to figure out whether your plate is safe for use in an oven because there is no stamp or writing on the bottom have a look at the type of material it is made out of.

Porcelain, silicone, ceramic, and glass are all oven-safe materials, in most cases. Paper, melamine, bamboo, and fine and bone China should not be placed into an oven because they could melt, break or catch fire.

If you are still questioning whether you can actually use a specific plate in your oven, you have the option of heating up food in a dish that you are certain is oven-safe and transferring it to the plate afterward.

Happy cooking.