Caring for Handmade Stoneware: Dishwasher, Microwave and Longevity

Handmade stoneware is more durable than people often expect — but a little care keeps it looking its best for years. Here's what actually matters.

Dishwasher Use

Every Doppiocotto piece is dishwasher-safe. All our stoneware is fired to 1220–1280°C, which fuses the glaze to the clay body and produces a dense, durable surface that holds up to regular dishwasher cycles. Top rack is recommended, particularly for pieces with hand-painted or more delicate glaze detail — it reduces exposure to the most intense heat and water pressure at the bottom of the machine.

Microwave Use

Our pieces are microwave-safe. Stoneware fired to this temperature range doesn't contain metallic glazes or trims that would cause sparking, and the dense body heats evenly. As with any ceramic, avoid extreme or rapid temperature changes — moving a piece straight from the freezer into a hot oven or microwave can cause thermal shock, which is a risk for any ceramic, handmade or not.

Why Handmade Stoneware Lasts

The two-firing process behind every Doppiocotto piece — a bisque firing at around 1000°C followed by a glaze firing at 1220–1280°C — is what gives the name "Doppiocotto" (double fired) its meaning, and it's also what makes the ceramic genuinely durable rather than just decorative. Properly vitrified stoneware doesn't absorb moisture or odours the way lower-fired earthenware can, which is part of why it holds up so well to daily use over years, not months.

Everyday Care Tips

• Avoid stacking unglazed bases directly on top of glazed surfaces to prevent scratching over time
• Hand-painted or highly textured pieces will last longest with gentle handling, even though they're dishwasher-safe
• Small variations in glaze and form between pieces are a normal part of handmade ceramics — not a sign of fragility
• If a piece chips or cracks, stop using it for food or drink and get in touch — we're happy to advise

Questions About a Specific Piece

Every product page lists dishwasher and microwave safety for that specific item. If you have a question about caring for a particular piece — or one bought as a gift — email hello@doppiocotto.com and we'll help directly.

Browse the full collection, or read more about how every piece is made.