topic Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher? in Kitchen

Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

drizzellla — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 02:32:35 GMT

I have a stoneware Pfaltzgraff pie pan. It is glazed with a heavy brown glaze on the top. And the underside is not glazed. I am tempted to run it through the dishwasher. But wanted to check and see if that was a good idea.

I found this item - Are Pfaltzgraff products dishwasher and microwave safe?

"Although Stoneware is dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush is recommended to preserve the cookware’s original appearance. Citrus juices and citrus-based cleaners (including some dishwasher detergents) should not be used, as they can dull the exterior gloss."

I thought the mention of citrus juices was interesting. Because I just made 3 Key Lime pies in the last month, And the glaze still looks just fine.

This is from the Pfaltzgraff website -

"ARE PFALTZGRAFF PRODUCTS DISHWASHER AND MICROWAVE SAFE?

Pfaltzgraff dinnerware without precious metal accents is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave. Since our Pfaltzgraff product line is extensive, we highly recommend checking the packaging or the website product detail page in the Use & Care section.

Earthenware can become extremely hot when used in the microwave. The use of potholders or padded mitts is recommended.

Never use any dinnerware with metal trim in the microwave.

Please read the use and care instructions for any non-ceramic products carefully."

I looked at the box the pie pan came in. There is no mention if the dish is "dishwasher
safe".

I am tempted not to run it through the dishwasher but I am also tempted to run it through. I think a dishwasher will get the unglazed part cleaner than it is presently.

Would appreciate any input.

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

Carmie — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 03:19:00 GMT

I have several PHALTZGRAFF pie plates. They are all at least 35-45 years old, except for two wine colored ones that must be 20 years old.

Some are first quality and some are seconds that I purchased in York, PA at their factory store. I used to watch them being made which was interesting. They are no longer there.

I have X- large size serving/mixing bowls too...seconds

I have washed them by hand and have put them in the dishwasher without a thought. I've never had them lose their glaze or had any other issues.

I also scrub the bottoms with a plastic scrubby and some Bar Keepers Friend if they get soiled.

I just remembered that I have two white pie plates that have spider web cracked glaze. They are my first purchase. I still use them with no issues. I don't know why the glaze cracked...it doesn't seem to be clear through to the clay and the glaze finish feels smooth to the touch.

Here's a few of my plates. I have probably 8 or 9 more.

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

drizzellla — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 03:24:24 GMT

@Carmie :

My pie plate must be about 35 - 40 years old. The glaze is not cracked and I don't want to crack it. It is called Pennsylvania Dutch Pie Plate. And there is a recipe for Apple Pie.

Except for the unglazed part having several slight dark discolorations, it looks just fine.

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

JoyFilled Warrior — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 04:03:18 GMT

Thru the years, most of my Pfaltzgraff broke too easily for my expectations. And I didnt use the Dishwasher. I gave up on the Brand.

(added)

I think I might have to taste *all* your "home made pies" made in your various Pfalzgraff pie plates, in order to truly know, if the pie plate will be strong enough to bake the pie, & then wash, in any way *wink*

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

loriqvc — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:13:35 GMT

I have a lot of stoneware from various brands and never put any of it into the dishwasher. It's always so easy to clean that this has never been an issue. And there are a few good reasons why the dishwasher is not a great choice for stoneware:

• The chemicals in dishwashing agents could damage the glaze, especially
over multiple cycles.

• If you're not careful in placement, the pieces can bump against other items
and be vulnerable to chipping as everything rattles around during the cycle.

• Although it is unlikely that the unglazed area of a high-quality, correctly fired
stoneware piece would allow water to penetrate, that is a possibility; if it
happens, it can reduce the integrity and lifespan of the piece.

And if you're mainly considering the dishwasher to try to deep-clean the unglazed area due to discoloration, my experience is there's really nothing that fully cleans that—but that area is usually on the bottom where nobody sees it, so I just let it be. Many of my stoneware bakers and pie dishes (older and newer) have small spots or marks in the unglazed area, likely because there's no coating to prevent that. It doesn't affect performance at all.

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

ECBG — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:58:25 GMT

I hand wash my large Pfaltzgraff pieces to save space in the washer.

The original set was bought in the early '70's. Cereal bowls, small saucers, and extra plates have been added mostly from the dishwasher being over loaded, nothing has broken on it's own.

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

drizzellla — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 23:24:43 GMT

@loriqvc wrote:
I have a lot of stoneware from various brands and never put any of it into the dishwasher. It's always so easy to clean that this has never been an issue. And there are a few good reasons why the dishwasher is not a great choice for stoneware:

• The chemicals in dishwashing agents could damage the glaze, especially
over multiple cycles.
• If you're not careful in placement, the pieces can bump against other items
and be vulnerable to chipping as everything rattles around during the cycle.
• Although it is unlikely that the unglazed area of a high-quality, correctly fired
stoneware piece would allow water to penetrate, that is a possibility; if it
happens, it can reduce the integrity and lifespan of the piece.

And if you're mainly considering the dishwasher to try to deep-clean the unglazed area due to discoloration, my experience is there's really nothing that fully cleans that—but that area is usually on the bottom where nobody sees it, so I just let it be. Many of my stoneware bakers and pie dishes (older and newer) have small spots or marks in the unglazed area, likely because there's no coating to prevent that. It doesn't affect performance at all.

Yes, you are so right.

My son had to take a desert to a dinner with his friends. So he decided to make a Key Lime pie with limes from our lime tree.

It is the first time the pie pan went to someone's house. I was uncomfortable how the unglazed part looked. The glazed part was in great shape. But the ingredients of the pie covered the glazed part. So all anyone saw was the discolored unglazed part.

I wished it looked different for the presentation. And thought maybe washing in the dishwasher would help. But I am over it now.

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

loriqvc — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 03:28:30 GMT

@drizzellla - Based on your reply, I looked at some older Pfaltazgraff pie dishes to try to understand what you were explaining—I've actually never seen stoneware dishes with only a glaze on the inside until now. I can totally understand why you'd want to try to clean any marks on the sides since they'd be visible at times. So interesting!

I wouldn't worry too much about the marks; the dessert is always going to be what people are most eager to inspect...

Re: Pfaltzgraff Stoneware in dishwasher?

drizzellla — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 03:50:24 GMT

This is what it looks like

That is the box I have

That is what the unglazed bottom looked like when it was new. Mine is now tan with some darker spots.