Have you ever grabbed a hot plate from the microwave and wondered if it’s safe?
Many of us use various China microwave-safe dishes daily, trusting them with our hot soups, leftovers, and quick meals.
But when it comes to the sought-after Corelle dish, does it get hot when placed in the microwave?
These lightweight, sturdy dishes have found their way into millions of homes, becoming a trusted name in dinnerware.
As we increasingly turn to microwaves for our heating needs, knowing exactly how Corelle behaves in the microwave isn’t just about convenience – it’s about protecting ourselves and our families from potential burns or accidents.
Understanding the relationship between your Corelle dishes and microwave heating can help you use them more confidently and safely in your daily cooking routine.
- THE SCIENCE BEHIND CORELLE’S THERMAL PROPERTIES
- HEAT DISTRIBUTION PROPERTIES
- IS IT NORMAL FOR THE MICROWAVE PLATE TO GET HOT?
- DOES CORELLE GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE?
- FACTORS AFFECTING TEMPERATURE
- COMPARISON WITH OTHER MATERIALS
- WHY DOES CORELLE GET SO HOT IN THE MICROWAVE?
- IS CORELLE MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER SAFE?
- DISHES THAT DON’T GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE
- BOWLS THAT DON’T GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE
- WHAT KIND OF BOWL IS HEATPROOF
- NORDIC WARE
- DOES CERAMIC GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE
- CARE AND MAINTENANCE
- CONCLUSION
THE SCIENCE BEHIND CORELLE’S THERMAL PROPERTIES
When it comes to understanding how Corelle behaves in the microwave, we need to first appreciate its unique construction.
Corelle dinnerware is manufactured using a special three-layer glass lamination process, known as Vitrelle® glass technology.
This innovative material composition plays a crucial role in how it responds to microwave energy.
This triple-layer construction doesn’t just contribute to its break-resistant properties – it also influences how the material handles heat distribution.
HEAT DISTRIBUTION PROPERTIES
Unlike traditional ceramic or plastic containers, Corelle’s glass composition allows for more even heat distribution.
The material doesn’t absorb microwave energy directly; instead, it primarily gets warm from contact with the heated food or liquid it contains.
This scientific principle explains why Corelle dishes typically remain cooler than their contents.
IS IT NORMAL FOR THE MICROWAVE PLATE TO GET HOT?
Yes, it is normal for a microwave plate to get hot during use. This occurs through two main processes: heat transfer from hot food and heat absorption from the microwave’s energy.
When hot food sits on the plate, it naturally transfers heat to the dish.
Additionally, microwave-safe plates don’t typically absorb much microwave energy directly, but they can still warm up from prolonged exposure.
However, if your microwave plate becomes extremely hot or heats up when empty, this could indicate:
– The dish may not be truly microwave-safe
– The food being heated is particularly hot
– The cooking time might be longer than necessary
– The plate might have metallic components or decorations
For safety, always use microwave-safe dishes and handle them with care. If a plate becomes uncomfortably hot, let it cool before handling or use oven mitts to remove it.
Safekitchn tip: To minimize plate heating, avoid overcooking and use microwave-safe dishes specifically designed for microwave use.
DOES CORELLE GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE?

Corelle does not get excessively hot in the microwave because it has a unique composition that can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to thermal shock.
FACTORS AFFECTING TEMPERATURE
Several variables influence how hot your Corelle dishes might get in the microwave:
1. Content Temperature
– The initial temperature of the food
– The final temperature you’re heating to
– The distribution of the food in the dish
2. Heating Duration
– Length of microwave time
– Power settings used
– Whether intervals or continuous heating is employed
3. Environmental Conditions
– Room temperature
– Microwave wattage
– Position in the microwave.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER MATERIALS
To put Corelle’s performance in perspective, consider how it compares to other common materials:
Material | Heat Retention | Durability | Microwave Safety |
Corelle | Moderate | High | Excellent |
Ceramic | High | Moderate | Good |
Plastic | Low | Variable | Variable |
Traditional Glass | High | Low | Good |
WHY DOES CORELLE GET SO HOT IN THE MICROWAVE?
There have been a series of complaints by some users that Corelle gets so hot in the Microwave, what must have caused this? Let’s see some possible reasons that might lead to this;
- Heating an empty Corelle dish or bowl inside a microwave oven may result in Corelle becoming too hot to handle, leading to cracking to breakage.
- Never use your Corelle large dish to heat a small amount of food in a microwave oven, it may become too hot and crack or break.
- Pay attention to the cooking time when using Corelle dishes and do not overheat oil or butter with Corelle dishes in a microwave.
- Do not use Corelle dishes to microwave popcorn or to hold or support popcorn bags because some food packaging is designed to heat rapidly in a microwave leading to extreme heat and breakage.
- Corelle dishes when exposed to direct heat sources like stovetops, grillers, and toaster ovens will cause them to become too hot. KINDLY AVOID!!
- If you have added other materials to your Corelle dish such as aluminum foil, metal trimmings, or metallic paint, they can cause the dish to become too hot due to their interaction with microwaves.
- In case your Corelle dish or any dish has a metallic or decorated pattern such as silver or gold accents, these metallic elements can cause sparks and heat up when exposed to microwaves, leading to hot spots on the dish and other issues.
To ensure the safe use of Corelle dishes in the microwave, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
Always check if your specific Corelle dish is labeled as microwave-safe, avoid using metallic or decorated patterns in the microwave, and use appropriate power levels and cooking times.
IS CORELLE MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER SAFE?
Yes, Corelle dishes are microwave and dishwasher safe because Corelle’s composition which is a three-layered strong glass is heat resistant, provides insulation, and can handle the rigors of the dishwasher without chipping, cracking, and breaking.
Even Corelle mugs are microwave-friendly and safe for use.
DISHES THAT DON’T GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE
As I highlighted above, it is the type of material used in manufacturing the dinnerware that determines if it’s microwave-safe or friendly.
It may be quite difficult to ascertain if there are dishes that can never get hot in the microwave, however, below are suggestions that will not get extremely hot when used in the microwave;
MICROWAVE-SAFE DISHES THAT WON’T GET EXTREMELY HOT
To begin, a Corelle dish can be perfectly used in the microwave without getting excessively hot, simply follow the guidelines above and don’t exceed the required temperature.

Secondly, there is the Pyrex casserole dish. Made of Borosilicate glass, it is oven, freezer, and microwave-safe and doesn’t get extremely hot in the microwave.
They are made of high-quality tempered glass, resist stains, and do not absorb food odors or flavors.
Pyrex brand glassware is affordable, durable, and great for all cooking, serving, and storage needs.

Next is the Mora Ceramic Dinner Plates; they are Microwave oven-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and scratch-resistant.
This Mora microwave-safe dinner plate is lead-free, made with ceramic having 20% stronger paladin clay making it more durable and stronger than normal ceramic dishes.
Other dinnerware recommended for safe microwave use is the;
Chitchat Ware Porcelain Dinner Plates; These dinner plates are made with food-grade materials that contain no harmful elements.
Each one is also safe to use in the microwave, so you can easily heat your food.

Selamica Ceramic 8-inch Rectangular Salad/Dinner Plates; Made of premium material that offers sturdiness with a medium weight and won’t absorb odor or bacteria, Lead-free, and Non-toxic.
Safe for Microwave, Oven, Freezer, and Dishwasher.
BOWLS THAT DON’T GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE
The most common materials for bowls that do not get hot in the microwave are bowls that are made out of glass-ceramic or heat-proof glass.
Since Corelle dishes and bowls are made from glass, they are popular microwave-safe dishware products.
Below are recommendations for bowls that won’t get hot or get extremely hot in the Microwave, you might experience mild heat that is normally experienced when you re-heat food;
First on our recommendation list is the Corelle Portofino bowl, this Corelle microwave-safe bowl doesn’t get hot in the Microwave oven, doesn’t leach healthful chemicals into your food, and is perfect for various soups, highly recommended!

Second, is the Mora Ceramic Flat Bowl set for Soup, Salad, Rice, Cereal and Breakfast, the Mora Bowl is Microwave, Dishwasher, and Oven safe.
This Ceramic bowl is made with Paladin clay which is heat resistant, they don’t get hot or may also get mildly hot in the microwave depending on usage (but not extremely hot) due to heat transfer from the food.
Annovero Cereal Bowls – Made with Grade A Porcelain which is the highest grade of Porcelain. Toxin-free, lead and cadmium-free (adhere to California Proposition 65).
The Annovero microwave-friendly bowl is microwave-safe, freezer and oven-safe up to 482°F.

Bosmarlin Soup Bowl Set; Made with strong ceramic and high-quality stoneware.
The stoneware is LEAD-FREE and NON-TOXIC, chip-resistant and sturdy. Microwave safe with no arcing, dishwasher safe, and ovenproof.
Deep and large enough to use for soup, cereal, oatmeal, salad, fruit, rice, and noodles without spillage.
WHAT KIND OF BOWL IS HEATPROOF
Several types of bowls are considered heatproof and safe for hot foods:
1. Borosilicate Glass Bowls: The most heat-resistant option, able to withstand temperatures up to 450°F without cracking or shattering. These are commonly used in laboratory equipment and high-quality cookware.
2. Tempered Glass Bowls: Specially treated to be 4-5 times stronger than regular glass, these can handle temperatures up to 350°F. Popular brands like Pyrex use this material.
3. Stainless Steel Bowls: Extremely durable and heat-resistant, they can withstand very high temperatures without warping or degrading. Ideal for mixing hot ingredients or use as a double boiler.
4. Ceramic Bowls: High-quality ceramic and porcelain bowls are kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures, making them naturally heat-resistant and suitable for oven use up to 350°F.
5. Vitrelle Glass Bowls (like Corelle): Made with a unique three-layer glass construction, these bowls are highly resistant to thermal shock and breakage.
NORDIC WARE
Nordic ware is a premium dinner set that is made in America, just like Corelle is made in America.
Perfect for families and casual occasions, the Nordic ware is a high-heat microwave cook that can go from freezer to microwave, always table ready.
The Nordic ware is designed with plastic, We recommend you don’t use them to cook food but rather re-heat food and don’t spend more than 2 – 3 minutes, above 5 minutes might be a little hot or too hot.
Finally, these microwave wave-friendly Nordic ware do not emit toxins, always use oven mitts when removing dinnerware from the microwave oven.
DOES CERAMIC GET HOT IN THE MICROWAVE

Yes, ceramic dishes can get hot in the microwave, but the degree of heating depends on several key factors.
Microwave-safe ceramic typically heats up primarily through heat transfer from the food, while non-microwave-safe ceramics may heat directly from microwave energy.
Factors affecting ceramic heating in microwaves:
– Composition: Ceramics containing metal elements or certain glazes will heat up significantly
– Moisture content: Previously used ceramics may retain moisture that heats up
– Manufacturing process: Some ceramic finishes absorb microwave energy more than others
– Usage duration: Longer microwave times result in more heat transfer from food
To ensure safe microwave use with ceramics:
– Look for “microwave-safe” labeling
– Avoid ceramics with metallic decorations
– Use pot holders when removing heated dishes
– Test new ceramics briefly before extended use
Note: Even microwave-safe ceramics can become hot from contact with heated food, so always handle it with care after microwaving.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To maintain your Corelle’s microwave-safe properties:
Regular Maintenance
1. Inspection routine:
– Check for chips or cracks regularly
– Examine for signs of wear
– Clean thoroughly between uses
2. Proper cleaning methods:
– Use appropriate cleaning agents
– Avoid abrasive materials
– Allow proper cooling before washing.
CONCLUSION
Understanding how Corelle behaves in the microwave can enhance both your safety and satisfaction with these versatile dishes.
By following the guidelines outlined above and maintaining proper care, you can continue to enjoy the convenience and reliability of your Corelle dinnerware for years to come.
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