Corelle dishes are known for their beauty and strength. With over 75 designs available at any given time, it's easy to find a set that suits your style. You may be wondering if these great-looking dishes are microwave safe. We have thoroughly researched, and have found some answers for you!

Corelle dishes can go in the microwave. They are heat-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To heat food in Corelle dishes using a microwave, use the minimum amount of time possible. Do not use any convenience food or browning wrappers with Corelle. It is not recommended to heat empty Corelle dishes in the microwave.

Corelle dishes have been around a long time! You may have other questions about older versions of this unique dinnerware. Keep reading as we discuss frequently asked questions about Corelle dinnerware and how to take care of these strong, beautiful dishes.

Hand putting empty corelle plate in microwave close up view, Can Corelle Dishes Go In The Microwave?

Should You Put Corelle In The Microwave?

Though you can use Corelle dishes in the microwave, there are a few caveats and instructions for ensuring that both your dishes and microwave remain safe.

Clean corelle plates and cups isolated on background

Can You Put Corelle Mugs In the Microwave

Corelle mugs are made from stoneware and porcelain. They can be used in a microwave as long as they are not empty. When using Corelle mugs, do not allow them to sit in water for long amounts of time. The material is porous and can become brittle when exposed to water or very humid conditions for a long time. Putting soaked stoneware in the microwave can be dangerous and should be avoided.

See an example of a Corelle porcelain mug on Amazon.

See this example of a Stoneware mug from Corelle on Amazon.

Why Does Corelle Get Hot In The Microwave?

Though most dishes will heat when in the microwave long enough, your Corelle may be heating too quickly. This especially happens when trying to warm empty plates. Empty dishes that are heated rapidly can shatter. If you want to warm plates before serving your meal, use an oven only.

This is also true for plates and bowls with too little food in them. When putting Correlle in the microwave, we recommend making sure the dish is at least half full. You may also heat very small amounts in 30-second increments or at lower power so that the dish does not overheat.

For heating one serving appetizers or desserts, consider using a smaller-sized tea or bread plate.

See an example of a Corelle Appetizer plate on Amazon.

Can Corelle Go From Refrigerator To Microwave?

It is not recommended to put Corelle in the microwave straight from the refrigerator. Store your food in another container and transfer to a room temperature plate once ready to heat.

If you need to heat a plate that has been in the refrigerator, let the plate sit for a few minutes until it's not cold to touch. Corelle is sensitive to extreme temperature changes and may crack or shatter when going from hot to cold or cold to hot.

There is an option to stay with the durability of the Corelle brand but still have the versatility to go from microwave to fridge and back again! Corelle Coordinates are made from a pyrex material that offers more resistance and is able to handle temperature changes. These bowls by Corelle Coordinates boast being safe from freezer to microwave.

Click here to see these Corelle Coordinate bowls on Amazon.

Are Old Corelle Dishes Microwave-Safe?

heating wiener in microwave oven using corelle plate

Corelle is a long-lived line of dinnerware that dates back to the 70s. From the oldest sets to the newest, they have used the same materials in construction and would be technically safe to use in the microwave. Though they have changed the materials they use for their painted designs, there may be a reason not to use older Corelle at all and save them for decorations only.

Is Vintage Corelle Microwave-Safe?

The term vintage is commonly taken to mean anything over 40 years. Corelle says on their products at any age are safe to use, but there have been some concerns over the years of lead used in the paint in the decorations. In more recent years, this has become a common public concern. Most companies are now moving away from using lead in their cookware.

Corelle states that lead levels have never exceeded levels deemed safe, yet some bloggers familiar with the dinnerware world and Corelle in particular, state that they have received a personal communication from Corelle indicating that for those concerned about lead exposure, dishes older than the mid-2000s should not be used for food.

Since high heat can cause excess leaching, especially in humid conditions, when using older Corelle in the microwave that is before 2005, we recommend using dishes with no painted designs or glazes.

Can You Put Corelle In The Oven?

Use Corelle dishware in a regular conventional oven up to 350 degrees only. Do not use it in the broiler or on the stovetop. It's not recommended to put in a toaster oven unless it's a digitally accurate one, due to concerns with overheating.

This is the preferred method for warming empty Corelle plates before dining. Take care to not overstack the plates as hot plates will be more difficult to handle, and keep the temperature well below 350 degrees.

If you wish to bake at higher degrees, you may use CorningWare, similar to Corelle and offered by the same brand family, Instant Brands. CorningWare, instead of being pure glass, like Corelle, is a glass and ceramic combination that allows it to be resistant to high heat.

Click here to see this CorningWare Baking Set on Amazon.

What Is Better Corelle Or Melamine?

Melamine is commonly used for kitchenware. When formaldehyde is introduced to the plastic, a hard resin is formed that can then be used to make bowls, plates, and other dinnerware.

While generally deemed safe to eat on, it is not recommended to microwave Melamine at all. Use these plates for everyday eating, and for maximum safety, consider using them for cold and lightly warmed dishes and salads.

See an example of these Melamine plates on Amazon.

Corelle is made of two layers of glass fused to a glass core by heat. This Vitrelle glass, which is really a glass laminate is invented by Corelle. It is break-resistant while maintaining the beauty and elegance of glass. Since Corelle's products are now manufactured lead-free, we recommend investing in a Corelle dinner set over a Melamine set. For a more in-depth discussion on Melamine dishes and microwave safety, read our article here.

See this Simple Lines Corelle dish set on Amazon.

How Do You Clean Burnt Corelle

If you do happen to leave your Corelle dish in the microwave too long, it is possible to have foods like cheese burn. If this happens, soak your glass plates and bowls in warm water and detergent for at least 30 minutes, and then scrub with nonabrasive plastic.

See an example of these non-scratch pads on Amazon.

Can You Put Corelle In The Dishwasher

After soaking your burned Corelle, you can also put them in the dishwasher. They are dishwasher safe! Make sure to not overfill your dishwasher and allow room for removing and placing dishes. Though they are break-resistant direct impact between dishes can still cause shattering. Do not allow these dishes to come in contact with metal in the dishwasher, as this can cause brown spots.

Why Are The Edges Of Corelle Dishes Turning Brown?

At times your Corelle dishes may get grey lines or brown spots. If the edges of your Corelle are turning brown, this is not usually due to burning. Iron in the water or contact with other metals while drying will cause water deposits to interact with the Corelle material.

If your dishes are turning brown or are getting spots or marks, these can easily be removed with a non-abrasive cleaner. A popular one is Bar Keeper's Friend.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Take Care With Your Corelle Dishes

Hand putting empty corelle plate in microwave close up view, Can Corelle Dishes Go In The Microwave?

Now that you know that you can use your Corelle in the microwave and some basic tips for caring for your dishes, treat them with the utmost respect. For best safety practices, do not use older dishes with chipped paint or that have begun to crack.

Though tough, they are glass! When used and stored in the right way, you'll be able to enjoy your Corelle dishware for generations to come.

You may also be interested in the following:

If A Bowl Is Microwave Safe, Is It Also Oven Safe?

Can You Put a Casserole Dish in the Oven or Microwave?.

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