Is It Safe To Put Plates In The Oven?

Last Updated on August 8, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Putting plates in the oven is generally not recommended, as most plates are not designed to withstand high oven temperatures. Plates can crack or shatter due to thermal shock. However, if the plates are labeled as oven safe then you can use them in the oven.

Which Types Of Ceramic Plates Can You Actually Put Inside The Oven? 

It’s an accepted and generally safe notion to put a ceramic-made plate inside the oven for the purposes of reheating your favorite food and/or to make something simple and avoid the unnecessary use of other kitchen utensils. 

On the contrary, all ceramic-made plates are not safe for the oven. To understand why we must indulge in the process of making such ceramic plates. All ceramic plates are not made the same way. Not all ceramic plates can withstand the high temperatures of the oven. 

Ceramics is made from clay, earthen materials, powder, and water. Then it is formed into the desired shape and in this case, a plate suitable enough to fit inside an oven. Once the shape is given to the ceramic clay, it is baked in a high-temperature oven, giving it a beautiful glaze. These glazed ceramic plates are prone to shattering in the high heat of the oven. 

You should generally avoid ceramic plates that are decorated with adhesive designs. 

If the ceramic plates you own are glazed, make sure they are oven-safe, as most of the ceramic plates come with a stamp on the bottom of the plate, which indicates that the plate is ovenproof. 

Also, if you can’t figure out the same, try checking the thickness of the plate and, based on your good judgment, determine how much heat and temperature the plate can withstand. It’s a good rule of thumb to judge a ceramic plate if it’s oven-safe or not by its thickness of the same. The thicker it is, the more time it takes to heat up and cool down. This protects the integrity of the ceramic plate from shattering due to sudden changes in temperature.

Can I Put A Glass Plate In The Oven? 

You most definitely can put a glass plate in an oven. Also, glass is a little trickier than Ceramic plates. Glass plates are oven-proof up to a certain degree, but it has a highly susceptible tendency to shatter from Thermal Shock.

Some tempered glass plates are still safer than normal glass plates. Then also there are instances where they too fall prey to Thermal Shock and shatter. To be completely safe, only use glass plates that come stamped with the ovenproof tag. 

What About Plastic/ Melamine And Metal Plates? Can They Go Inside The Oven? 

Okay, so glass and ceramic plates you can’t find. All you can find is a plate made of Plastic/ Melamine. What should you do? Take a bottle of water, drink it, and take a deep breath. Then ask yourself if it is worth it to clean chunks of molten plastic and or melamine from the floor of your oven. If your answer is No, then congratulations, pat yourself on the back and go back to sleep or just have an instant noodle or something.

Plastic and melamine plates are absolutely a NO! for the oven. Even if it comes stamped with an oven-safe label, you should refrain from using the same. Not only can it melt, but the fumes from a melting plastic plate are very dangerous for your health. 

On the contrary, you can use a metal plate. It does not matter if it’s stainless steel, cast iron, or even coated with enamel. It is safe to go inside the oven. Just be extremely cautious and wear oven gloves while taking out the plate as it will be extremely hot and may even cause a severe burn if it touches your skin directly.  

How Should I Use A Plate In The Oven? 

Even after considering what could go wrong if you still feel like putting a plate inside an oven for the purposes of heating or making something, it is a good idea to keep the temperature lower than what you generally would use the oven at. Trying to use the plates in the oven at 250 degrees and above is really a bad idea and calls for a disaster bound to happen at any given moment. 

The smart way to go about the process would be to leave the plate inside the oven for a longer time than what you would require with a microwave. The temperature should also be moderated to a lower number. Yes, it will take longer than a microwave, but it’s the best way to go about it. Keeping these small things in mind reduces the risk of a mishap by a considerable amount while letting you use the plates successfully in an oven. 

How do you tell if a plate is oven-safe?

Determining whether a plate is oven-safe is crucial to avoid accidents. Here are some practical ways to determine if a plate is safe to use in an oven:

1. Check Manufacturer’s Label: Look for any labels, markings, or information on the plate itself or its packaging that indicate if it’s oven-safe. Some plates are explicitly labeled as “oven-safe” or “oven-friendly.”
2. Material Composition: Plates made from oven-safe materials like ceramic, stoneware, porcelain, or tempered glass are more likely to be suitable for oven use. These materials can handle the heat without cracking or shattering.
3. Temperature Limits: If the plate comes with temperature specifications, ensure they match the temperature you plan to use in the oven. Some plates can handle higher temperatures than others, so be mindful of the limits.
4. User Manual or Care Instructions: Check any accompanying user manual or care instructions that came with the plate. Manufacturers often provide guidelines for safe oven use and maintenance.
5. Online Research: If the plate has a brand and model name, search for information online. Manufacturer websites or product reviews may offer insights into the plate’s oven-safety status.
6. Handles and Decorative Elements: Be cautious if the plate has handles, decorative elements, or metallic accents. These may not be oven-safe and can become hot or damaged.
7. Common Sense: When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution. If a plate doesn’t have clear oven-safe markings or information, it’s safer to use dedicated oven-safe cookware for baking and heating.

Should I Really Use A Plate In The Oven? 

In reality, even though you most definitely can use a plate in the oven, you probably shouldn’t. It may be safe to use various kinds of plates in the oven. There are just too many things, which are still uncertain. There is a considerable amount of risk involved, including the plates, breaking or getting burned by a plate. This is still uncharted territory, and we need to find out more substantial evidence before truly recommending you to use dishes in an oven. If you are desperate for some warm food and you don’t have a microwave, and you are not willing to use the gas stove, you should just use a baking tray instead of using a plate inside an oven. 

Conclusion 

Either way, it is advisable not to use plates or any utensils which are not specifically certified to be oven-proof, and if you still have to use something like a plate, you should take ample caution. Just keep in mind that washing dirty dishes is still better than cleaning up broken ones! 

References:

https://www.beko.co.uk/support/faqs/ovens/can-you-put-plates-in-the-oven
https://littleupgrades.com/plate-in-oven/