Can You Put Ceramic In The Fridge And Freezer?

Are you wondering if you can put your trusty ceramic dishes in the fridge or freezer?

Well, the good news is that for the most part, you can! But, as with anything, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start stashing your casseroles and leftovers in the cold.

In this article, I’ll give you all the information you need to know about putting ceramic in the fridge, including tips and tricks for keeping your dishes in tip-top shape.

So, whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, this is the perfect guide for you! Let’s dive in!

Can you put ceramic in the fridge?

Yes, you can put most ceramic kitchenware in the fridge, but there may be exceptions, so always make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so.

Xtrema, one of the manufacturers of pure ceramic cookware, claims that their 100% ceramic pots and pans can go in the fridge and freezer. They say that one of the main advantages of using ceramic cookware is that you can store your leftovers in the fridge or the freezer without needing to dirty any storage containers or extra utensils.

Now, when storing ceramic kitchenware in the fridge, it’s important to make sure you put a lid on your bowl or pot. This will help prevent spills or messes and ensure your food stays fresh.

Still, it’s always better to use airtight containers to preserve food flavors and avoid spoilage. That’s my personal food storage method of choice.

Ceramic slow cooker inserts

The topic of putting slow cooker ceramic inserts in the fridge is a contentious issue among Crock-Pot enthusiasts. Yes, you can put ceramic inserts in the refrigerator. To learn more, read my article about the proper use of slow cooker bowls in the fridge.

Ceramic bowls

Yes, ceramic bowls tolerate refrigeration well if you ensure that they have cooled down to room temperature.

It is also important to cover the food stored in the ceramic bowls to keep it fresh and prevent spills or messes. You can use either a lid that fits well or plastic wrap to cover the food. This will also prevent any odors or spills from contaminating other food stored in the fridge.

Can you put hot ceramic in the fridge?

No, putting hot ceramic in the fridge is not recommended because it can cause the ceramic to crack or break due to the sudden change in temperature. Ceramic is a brittle material that cannot handle rapid temperature changes well.

If you have hot food in a ceramic dish and you want to store it in the refrigerator, you should wait for it to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. This will help prevent damage to the ceramic and ensure that your food stays fresh and safe.

I always use a trivet when moving the hot ceramic container to the counter or table to cool down.

When placing a hot ceramic pot in the fridge, it is not only the ceramic that is at risk but also the appliance itself. The heat from the hot ceramic pot can cause significant damage to the refrigerator and its components. The sudden temperature change from the hot pot can cause the shelves to shatter, as they are not designed to handle such extreme heat differential.

Additionally, the hot object will raise the fridge’s internal temperature, causing the appliance to work harder to cool itself down. That will lead to an increase in energy consumption and can also strain the refrigerator’s cooling system, potentially damaging other products that are stored nearby. Therefore, it is crucial to always wait for the ceramic pot to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to avoid any potential damage to both the ceramic and the appliance.

Related reading: Can You Put A Crock Pot In The Microwave?

Will hot ceramic crack in the fridge?

Yes, there is a possibility that ceramic could crack due to a sudden temperature drop. However, if you allow it to cool slowly to room temperature, then placing it in the fridge will not be a problem.

Additionally, a hot item can also damage the fridge shelves and raise the temperature of other products stored inside the refrigerator.

Can ceramic go in the freezer?

When it comes to using ceramic in the freezer, the answer is yes. You can put a lot of ceramics in the freezer, but there are limits to it. Ceramic dishes that have been hardened, made waterproof and marked as freezer-safe are safe to freeze. However, it’s important to check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to learn if the dish can be frozen or not. Not all ceramic dishes can be frozen; they occasionally crack from thermal shock.

Poorly made ceramic dishes lack proper glazing and will absorb liquids, so when you put them in the freezer, the liquid will freeze inside the dish’s structure and cause it to break. The dish may be weaker and more likely to break when frozen if it has chips or cracks. It’s best to avoid putting thin or light ceramic dishes in the freezer as they are usually too thin and more prone to breakage. Good quality heavier dishes are usually fine to freeze.

Before putting ceramic dishes in the freezer, I always check them for chips and cracks. Even a dish marked as freezer safe can crack and break when frozen. Any chips or breaks show that the ceramic dish has had an impact or has hit against another plate. These cracks can break completely when the dish is cooled quickly in the freezer, so it’s important to be cautious.

Will ceramic crack in the freezer?

Yes, ceramics can crack in the freezer and are more likely to crack if the dish is not labeled as freezer safe. When ceramics are exposed to extreme temperature changes, such as going from a warm room to a very cold freezer, it can cause thermal shock, which can cause the ceramics to crack or shatter. That’s why checking for the freezer-safe label is important before placing a ceramic dish in the freezer.

Even if a ceramic dish is labeled as freezer safe, it can still crack if damaged. A ceramic dish with chips or cracks is weaker and more likely to break when exposed to extreme temperatures. The cracks can act as weak spots and are more likely to break if the dish is rapidly cooled in the freezer.

It’s important to be cautious when using ceramic dishes in the freezer and to check for damage before placing them in the freezer. If the dish has chips or cracks, it’s best not to use it in the freezer, as this increases the risk of breakage. It’s also best to avoid using thin or lightweight ceramic dishes in the freezer, as they are more likely to break due to thermal shock.

Related reading: Can You Put A Crock Pot In The Oven?

Conclusion

High-quality ceramic kitchenware can be used in the refrigerator. Before putting ceramics in the freezer, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the dish is labeled as freezer safe. Damaged ceramics can crack or shatter when exposed to extreme temperatures, so it is important to check for chips or cracks before storing.

Hot ceramics should be allowed to come to room temperature before being placed in the refrigerator to prevent damage to both the ceramic and the appliance.

Always be careful and use ceramics safely to keep your food fresh and your dishes in good condition.