Casafina Stoneware Care & Use Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for your Portuguese stoneware. Learn how to clean, use, and maintain your Casafina dinnerware for generations of beautiful dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casafina stoneware dishwasher safe?
Yes, absolutely. All Casafina stoneware is dishwasher safe. Use a mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. For best results, load pieces securely to prevent them from knocking against each other during the wash cycle.
Note: Items with gold, platinum, or metallic accents should be hand-washed to preserve the finish.
Can I use Casafina in the oven?
Yes, up to 350°F (180°C). Casafina stoneware is oven safe, making it perfect for warming dishes, baking casseroles, or serving straight from oven to table. However, avoid using pieces under the broiler or exposing them to direct flame.
Important: Always place cold stoneware in a cold oven and allow it to heat gradually. Never place a hot dish directly onto a cold surface to avoid thermal shock.
Is Casafina microwave safe?
Yes, completely safe. You can use your Casafina stoneware in the microwave for reheating food and beverages. The fully vitrified stoneware heats evenly and won't crack or degrade from microwave use.
As with any ceramic dinnerware, pieces may become hot during extended microwave use. Use oven mitts or pot holders when removing items.
Can Casafina stoneware go in the freezer?
Yes, freezer safe. Casafina stoneware is ideal for storing leftovers in the freezer. The non-porous, fully vitrified ceramic won't absorb moisture or odors. When ready to reheat, allow frozen dishes to come to room temperature before placing in a hot oven to prevent thermal shock.
What temperature range can Casafina withstand?
From freezer to 350°F (180°C). Casafina stoneware is fired at 1180°C (2156°F), making it extremely durable and capable of withstanding freezer temperatures all the way to oven temperatures up to 350°F. This versatility makes it perfect for storing, reheating, and serving all in the same beautiful dish.
How to Remove Metal Marks from Stoneware
Grey or black marks from silverware, particularly stainless steel utensils, are a common occurrence with high-quality, fully vitrified stoneware. These marks are actually small metal deposits left on the glaze surface—not damage to the stoneware itself.
Cleaning Method:
Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Apply to the metal marks.
Gentle Scrubbing: Using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, gently rub the paste in circular motions over the marks.
Rinse & Dry: Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry completely. The marks should disappear, leaving your stoneware looking pristine.
Alternative Solutions:
- •Bar Keeper's Friend: This gentle cleanser is excellent for removing stubborn metal marks
- •Magic Eraser: Melamine foam erasers work well for light marks (use gently)
- •White Vinegar: For light marks, a paste of white vinegar and baking soda can be effective
Prevention tip: Use wooden, silicone, or bamboo utensils when possible to minimize metal marking.
Understanding Thermal Shock
While Casafina stoneware is extremely durable, understanding thermal shock will help you prevent cracks and extend the life of your dinnerware indefinitely.
What is Thermal Shock?
Thermal shock occurs when ceramic or stoneware experiences a sudden, dramatic temperature change. When one part of the dish heats or cools much faster than another, the material expands or contracts unevenly, creating stress that can lead to cracking.
Situations to Avoid:
- ✕Hot to Cold Surfaces: Never place a hot dish directly from the oven onto a cold marble, granite, or metal surface
- ✕Cold to Hot: Don't put a cold dish directly from the refrigerator or freezer into a preheated oven
- ✕Wet to Hot: Avoid placing a wet dish into a hot oven or on a hot stovetop
- ✕Direct Flame: Never use stoneware on a stovetop burner or under a broiler with direct flame
- ✕Cold Water on Hot Dishes: Don't rinse a hot dish under cold water immediately after removing from oven
Best Practices to Prevent Thermal Shock:
- Gradual Temperature Changes: Place cold stoneware in a cold oven and allow both to heat together gradually
- Use Trivets or Hot Pads: Always place hot dishes on trivets, wooden boards, or folded towels
- Room Temperature First: Allow frozen dishes to come to room temperature before heating
- Cool Gradually: Let hot dishes cool naturally on a trivet rather than rushing the cooling process
- Dry Before Heating: Ensure dishes are completely dry before placing in the oven
Correct: Oven-to-Table Serving
Remove dish from oven → Place on trivet or wooden board → Serve and enjoy → Allow to cool naturally on trivet before washing
Correct: Freezer-to-Oven
Remove from freezer → Let sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes → Place in COLD oven → Set temperature and allow to heat gradually
Complete Casafina Care Instructions
Dishwasher Care
- Load pieces securely to prevent movement and chipping
- Use mild, non-abrasive dishwasher detergent
- Avoid overcrowding to prevent pieces from knocking together
- Remove promptly after cycle to prevent water spots
- Hand wash items with gold or metallic details
Hand Washing
- Use warm water and mild dish soap
- Use soft sponges or cloths—avoid steel wool or abrasive pads
- For stubborn food, soak in warm soapy water before scrubbing
- Dry thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent water spots
- Required for metallic-accented pieces to preserve finish
Storage Tips
- Stack plates with felt, cloth, or paper liners between pieces
- Store bowls nested inside each other with protective padding
- Avoid stacking too high to prevent pressure damage
- Store in a dry, room-temperature location
- Keep away from edges where pieces might fall
Daily Use Tips
- Use wooden, silicone, or bamboo utensils to minimize scratching
- Avoid cutting directly on plates—use a cutting board
- Handle with care—ceramic can chip if dropped or knocked
- Don't worry about daily use—Casafina is designed for it
- Clean promptly after use to prevent staining
Removing Stains & Maintaining Appearance
Common Stain Types
Coffee & Tea Stains
Soak in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts warm water for 30 minutes, then wash normally. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water.
Food Stains (Tomato, Curry, etc.)
Clean immediately when possible. For set stains, use a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse.
Grease & Oil
Wash with hot water and grease-cutting dish soap. For stubborn grease, sprinkle baking soda on the area, add a few drops of dish soap, and scrub gently.
Hard Water Deposits
Wipe with undiluted white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Dry completely to prevent new deposits from forming.
Professional Cleaning Recommendations
Safe Products
- • Baking soda
- • White vinegar
- • Bar Keeper's Friend
- • Mild dish soap
- • Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Avoid
- • Chlorine bleach
- • Abrasive cleaners
- • Steel wool pads
- • Harsh chemicals
- • Oven cleaner
Tools to Use
- • Soft sponges
- • Microfiber cloths
- • Nylon brushes
- • Magic Erasers (gently)
- • Cotton towels
Understanding Artisan Stoneware Characteristics
Casafina stoneware is handcrafted by Portuguese artisans. Each piece carries unique characteristics that distinguish authentic craftsmanship from mass production.
Normal Characteristics (Not Defects):
- ✓Color Variations: Slight differences in shade between pieces due to kiln position and glaze application
- ✓Pinholes & Bubbles: Small dots or tiny bubbles in the glaze from the firing process
- ✓Glaze Variations: Organic patterns where glaze pools or thins naturally during firing
- ✓Texture Differences: Slight variations in surface texture from hand-finishing
- ✓Size Variations: Minor differences (within 3-5mm) due to clay shrinkage rates
- ✓Base Roughness: Unglazed foot/base may feel slightly rough to protect glaze during firing
Why These Features Matter:
These organic characteristics prove your Casafina stoneware is genuinely handcrafted by skilled Portuguese artisans—not mass-produced by machines.
The variations you see are the same marks of authenticity that have distinguished fine European ceramics for centuries. They add character and ensure no two pieces are exactly identical.
"The beauty of handmade stoneware lies in its imperfections. Each piece tells the story of the artisan who created it and carries the soul of traditional Portuguese craftsmanship."
Additional Common Questions
Can I use Casafina stoneware on the stovetop?
No. Casafina stoneware should never be used on gas, electric, or induction stovetops. Direct flame or heating element contact will cause thermal shock and crack the stoneware. Use only in the oven (up to 350°F) or microwave.
How do I know if my Casafina is oven-safe?
All Casafina stoneware collections are oven-safe up to 350°F (180°C). There are no exceptions - every piece across all collections can safely go in the oven. However, avoid using pieces under the broiler or exposing them to direct flame. Always place cold dishes in a cold oven and heat gradually together.
Are Casafina pieces prone to chipping?
Casafina stoneware is significantly more chip-resistant than standard ceramic or earthenware due to the high firing temperature (1180°C) that fully vitrifies the clay. While no ceramic is completely chip-proof if dropped or knocked hard, Casafina is 3-4 times more resistant to chips than lower-fired ceramics. The hand-finished edges add extra durability at the most vulnerable areas.
Is Casafina stoneware food-safe and non-toxic?
Yes, absolutely. All Casafina products meet or exceed FDA, EU, and international food safety standards. Our glazes are lead-free and cadmium-free. We use only natural mineral-based materials that are completely non-toxic. Casafina stoneware is safe for daily use with all types of food and beverages for people of all ages, including children.
Can I use Casafina for everyday meals, or is it too delicate?
Casafina is designed and built for everyday use - that's the whole point! Unlike fine china that's reserved for special occasions, Casafina combines beauty with durability. Use it daily with complete confidence. The fully vitrified stoneware can handle the wear and tear of regular family meals, dishwasher cycles, and frequent handling. Many customers report using their Casafina pieces daily for 10, 15, even 20+ years with minimal signs of wear.
How long will my Casafina stoneware last?
With proper care, Casafina stoneware can last 20-30 years or more - often becoming a family heirloom passed down to the next generation. The key is avoiding thermal shock (sudden temperature changes) and physical impact. Many customers still use Casafina pieces purchased in the 1990s and early 2000s that look nearly new. This longevity is why Casafina represents such excellent value despite the higher initial investment.