How to Care for Your Vietri Dinnerware

Vietri's products are handmade by skilled artisans using centuries-old techniques and classic Italian design. Each handcrafted product is an authentic and unique work of craftsmanship. As such, its nuances are to be expected and treasured.

All Vietri stoneware is dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe, as well as extremely resistant to chipping. But, what exactly does that mean? Keep reading to learn how to care for your artisan Italian ceramic ware so that it can continue to brighten your kitchen and enrich your life for generations to come.

Dishwasher safe - We recommend using a non-citrus, non-abrasive detergent on the air dry cycle if you are going to machine wash your Vietri bakeware and stoneware. It is also important to not overload your dishwasher. To ensure the best clean, hand washing is recommended for oversized items, such as the Incanto Platter.

Microwave safe - The temperature of handmade, natural clay items may vary after microwave use. We recommend allowing items to cool before taking them out of the microwave, or using an oven mitt when handling them.

Oven safe - Vietri's casserole and baking dishes can be used in your standard conventional oven, such as our favorite the Italian Bakers Small Red Baker. They are handmade of very dense clay and fired at extremely high temperatures, making them heat resistant to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important that all terracotta baking pieces be cured before use. (Italian stoneware does not require curing.) To cure servers, fully submerge and soak in water for 15 minutes prior to each use. This soaking prepares the dish, reduces cooking time, and prevents the food from sticking. As the Italians do, place baking dishes in a room-temperature oven and then bring the oven to cooking temperature. To lift your casserole or baking dish out of the oven; use oven mitts and grip the sides with both hands. The handles of these pieces are decorative, and should not fully bare the weight of the dish. Do not use casserole lids in the oven.

Some stoneware only withstand up to 375 degrees. Make sure to consult with a sales representative before you make a purchase.

Freezer safe - Items can withstand freezing temperatures, but please allow them to return to room temperature before putting them into the oven, or they may crack.

Flatware - Vietri flatware is made of the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel. The 18/10 combination is the highest quality alloy (metal mixture) available for making stainless steel flatware and includes 18% chrome for maximum corrosion resistance and 10% nickel for a silver-like luster. Whether you clean your flatware by hand or in a dishwasher, dry it thoroughly, right away. Air drying may often leave spots and streaks.

Lastly, with ceramic pieces you always have to keep in mind that crazing - the formation of miniscule lines in the glaze - may occur over time. This contributes to the unique visual appeal of Italian clays and does not affect the durability or safety of the product.

With proper care, you will be able to treasure your dinnerware and serveware for decades. Come into our store today to view our Vietri collections.