Cone 6 pottery refers to pottery that has been fired to a peak temperature of between 2,199°F (1,204°C) and 2,258°F (1,240°C). This high firing temperature results in pottery that is strong, non-porous, and able to withstand high temperatures. But can cone 6 pottery go safely in the oven?
What is cone 6 pottery?
Ceramic pieces are fired according to standardized temperature guides known as pyrometric cones. Pyrometric cones are small, pyramid-shaped pieces of ceramic that bend and melt at specific temperatures when fired in a kiln. Watching when the cones bend indicates when certain heat work has been done to the pottery in the kiln.
There are various standard cone numbers representing different firing temperature ranges. Cone 6 represents a high firing temperature that falls into what is known as the mid-fire range. Specifically:
Cone 6 Firing Range
– 2,199°F (1,204°C) – 2,258°F (1,240°C)
Firing to these high heat levels causes the clay and glazes to vitrify (become glass-like), resulting in non-porous, durable pottery.
Characteristics of Cone 6 Pottery
Because cone 6 pottery has been fired at such high temperatures, it has the following characteristics:
– Extremely durable
– Very hard with low absorption rate
– Non-porous and watertight
– Resistance to scratches, chips, cracks
– Does not require sealing before use
– Oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe
– Can withstand repeated heating and cooling
– Low risk of leaching or contamination
– Stain, odor, and bacteria resistant
Is Cone 6 Pottery Oven Safe?
The high peak firing temperature makes cone 6 pottery safe for use in the oven. It can withstand high heat levels without compromising its structural integrity.
Specifically, cone 6 ovenware can tolerate being used in ovens at temperatures up to:
– 500°F for continuous use
– 800°F for short-term use
This high heat tolerance makes cone 6 an ideal choice for:
– Baking dishes
– Pie plates
– Casseroles
– Pizza stones
– Flameware teapots
– Mugs and cups
– Roasting pans
– And more!
Advantages of Cone 6 Ovenware
Cone 6 clay is a common choice for oven-to-table ware because it offers several advantages:
– Extreme thermal shock resistance – can move directly from the oven or fridge into hot or cold temperatures without cracking
– Consistent heating – absorbs and conducts heat evenly, preventing hot or cold spots
– Super durable – stands up well to daily wear and tear without chipping, staining, or scratching
– Imperviousness – won’t absorb stains, odors, or flavors
– Easy to clean – resists sticking, needs only soap and water for cleaning
– Non-reactive – won’t leach chemicals or metals into food
– Flavor neutrality – doesn’t impart taste to food
– Great aesthetics – comes in beautiful colors and glazes like vibrant red or reactive blues and greens
Is All Cone 6 Pottery Microwave Safe?
Whether cone 6 pottery is microwave safe depends on the specific clay body and glazes used.
Unglazed cone 6 clay is microwave safe. Bisqueware that has only been bisque fired to cone 06 would also be microwave safe.
However, individual glazes applied to cone 6 pottery may or may not be microwave safe depending on if they contain metals that could arc. Glazes should be specifically labeled as “microwave safe” to guarantee safety.
If unsure, do a quick microwave test. Put the empty piece in the microwave and microwave on high for 30 seconds. If the piece gets hot but does not arc or spark, it should be safe to use for microwave cooking.
Is There a Maximum Oven Temperature for Cone 6?
While cone 6 clay can withstand very high temperatures up to its peak firing range, most cone 6 ovenware is recommended for regular use only up to 500°F. Some may be safe for short term exposure up to 800°F.
There are a few reasons using cone 6 cookware at extremely high temperatures is not recommended:
– Damage to the glaze – most glazes will become damaged above 800°F. The glaze may burn, bubble, crack, or discolor.
– Loss of structural strength – fired clay can lose integrity and weaken with repeated exposure above 800°F.
– Thermal shock cracking – moving the pottery from extremely high oven temperatures to cooler air or surfaces can cause thermal shock cracks.
For optimal beauty and lifespan, limit cone 6 ovenware use to:
– 500°F or below for continuous exposure
– 800°F maximum for short-term exposure
Tips for Safely Using Cone 6 Ovenware
Follow these tips to safely use your cone 6 bakeware and minimize risk of damage:
– Pre-heat ovenware slowly, especially if going from fridge to oven. Sudden temperature changes risk cracks.
– Allow ovenware to cool slowly and thoroughly before immersing in water for washing.
– Avoid putting hot cone 6 pieces directly on cold surfaces like granite or metal. Use a hot pad instead.
– Don’t put cone 6 ware under the broiler. Broiler temps often exceed pottery’s thermal limits.
– Don’t use cone 6 mugs or teaware directly over a flame or burner.
– Check manufacturer guidelines for maximum recommended temperatures.
– Handle with care since chipping along edges or rims remains a possibility.
Example Oven Safe Uses of Cone 6 Pottery
Cone 6 clay is commonly used to make bakeware and serveware suitable for oven use, including:
Baking Dishes
Cone 6 clay baking dishes are perfect for baking casseroles, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and more up to 500°F. The clay heats evenly for gentle, uniform cooking. An example is this delicious vegetarian lasagna baked in a cone 6 clay baker:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
|
– 9 lasagna noodles – 1 jar pasta sauce – 1 container ricotta cheese – 1 bag spinach – 3 cloves garlic – 1 egg – Mozzarella cheese – Parmesan cheese |
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. 2. In a bowl mix ricotta, spinach, egg, and garlic. 3. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, sauce, and mozzarella in baking dish. 4. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. 5. Remove from oven, top with parmesan, and let sit 10 minutes before serving. |
The clay baking dish cooks gently and evenly for perfect lasagna texture.
Pie Plates
Cone 6 pie plates allow air circulation under the crust for flaky, golden pies baked at up to 500°F. The example cherry pie bakes beautifully in this ceramic pie pan:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
|
– Store bought pie crust – 4 cups cherries, pitted – 1/2 cup sugar – 3 tablespoons cornstarch – 1 tablespoon butter – Pinch of salt |
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Roll out pie crust and fit into cone 6 pie pan. 3. In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, butter and salt. 4. Pour cherry mixture into pie crust. 5. Bake for 60 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. 6. Let cool at least 2 hours before slicing. |
The crisp flaky crust and juicy cherry filling are the perfect match for the cone 6 pan.
Pizza Stones
Cone 6 pizza stones allow air to flow under the crust just like a brick oven, baking pizzas up to 500°F with an authentic crispy crust. Try this simple Margherita pizza on a ceramic pizza stone:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
|
– Pizza dough – 3 tablespoons olive oil – 3 cloves garlic, minced – 1 cup pizza sauce – Fresh mozzarella – Fresh basil |
1. Prepare pizza dough and let rise. 2. Brush dough with olive oil and garlic. 3. Top with sauce, mozzarella and basil. 4. Bake directly on preheated pizza stone at 475°F for 15 minutes. |
The cone 6 stone mimics a brick oven for crispy crust pizza.
Key Takeaways on Cone 6 Oven Safety
The high firing temperature makes cone 6 ceramics durable enough for safe use in the oven at high temperatures. Key takeaways include:
– Cone 6 clay can withstand oven temperatures up to 500°F continuously.
– Short-term exposure up to 800°F is possible but may damage glaze.
– Unglazed cone 6 is microwave safe, glazed items need to be tested.
– Pre-heat ovenware carefully and allow to cool slowly to prevent cracks.
– Avoid direct exposure to open stove flames.
– Limit use to 500°F for longevity of glaze beauty and durability.
The Bottom Line
Cone 6 ovenware is an excellent choice for a range of everyday baking and cooking tasks. Its high firing temperature makes it strong, non-porous, and able to withstand repeated, high temperature oven use without leaching or cracking. While not suitable for broilers or direct flames, cone 6 bakeware is a smart choice for pie plates, casserole dishes, pizza stones, teapots, mugs and more. Used with care, your cone 6 oven-to-table items will provide beauty and versatility for years of cooking and dining.