Can the wooden bowls be heated in the microwave?

Wooden bowls have become fashionable in the kitchen. They look great in any setting, and the best part is that you probably don’t have to worry about a bunch of chemicals or who knows what leaching into your food.

Wooden bowls are often handmade and can make such a rustic and authentic centerpiece.

We love the unique appeal they bring, but not everyone knows that there is a proper way to care for and handle wood in your kitchen.

Can the wooden bowls be microwaved?  No, it is not safe to put wood of any kind in the microwave, as it can not only damage the bowl and overheat the food, but could start a kitchen fire. Instead, you should use microwave-safe ceramic and glass.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the reasons why it’s a bad idea to microwave wood, so you can avoid a potential kitchen disaster.

We also have some helpful tips for proper care of your wooden bowls, so your gorgeous centerpieces will last a long time.

Can the wooden bowls be heated in the microwave?

Many of us automatically assume that if a bowl or plate is food-safe, we can microwave it, unless it’s metal.

You know you can’t microwave metals and you can’t microwave Styrofoam. But did you know that it’s also a bad idea to microwave paper plates, paper cups, and some other plant-based products?

Wood also falls into this category. But why? Wood can be heated, right? We use wooden utensils to cook and serve food all the time, so why can’t a wooden bowl be microwaveable?

We’ll answer this question and more as we progress through this guide. We have several related questions and topics, so bear with us as we methodically break it down for you.

Why can’t you put wood in the microwave?

That’s right, you can’t microwave your wooden bowl. It doesn’t matter if it has a special finish or is a food-safe bowl, you shouldn’t try to put it in the microwave. Now, let’s talk about why.

There is more than one issue at stake. First of all, wooden bowls get very hot in the microwave.

You’re probably used to the heat of other microwaved dishes and platters, but a wooden bowl will get much hotter than most. In reality, it only takes a few seconds for them to reach extremely hot temperatures to the touch.

This side of the coin is a security hazard. You could easily burn yourself, but the wood could also overheat in the microwave, leading to a potential kitchen fire.

It is unusual for wood to spark in the microwave, but it is possible if it gets too hot. The same goes for the oven.

Do not put your wooden bowls anywhere with any type of extreme or intense heat. This will be unsafe for you, and will also ruin your bowl in the long run.

This brings us to the next point. Microwave-like heat could ruin your bowl. Wood has a natural water content.

Although it is not something you usually notice, when you heat the bowl with the microwave or oven, it causes that water to activate.

That water heats up and activates within the wood, but when the wood cools it dries out, and the drying of the water often affects the wood negatively.

That is when cracking occurs. In addition to cracks, you may also experience brittle or warped wood from the heating process.

Although you can microwave your bowl once or twice and not notice a problem, the truth is that you are ruining your bowl. Over time, your bowl will start to warp or crack and may even break completely.

Not only could you easily burn yourself from the extreme heat of the bowl, but you could also ruin it. Why risk it when you can easily transfer food to a microwave-safe plate?

Tips for caring for wooden bowls

We know and understand that you should never heat your wooden bowl in the microwave or put it in the oven.

But do you know how to properly care for that wooden bowl? Although you can treat it like a normal dish in some respects, if you want it to last a long time and stay in good condition, you need to plan its care accordingly.

Take a look at these tips to care for your wooden bowl and get the best results.

1. Season the wooden bowls

Wooden bowls need to be seasoned just like cast iron dishes are seasoned, but by an entirely different process.

Your bowls may come pre-seasoned, but that’s something you’ll definitely want to check. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to season it yourself so you know it’s well seasoned.

Seasoning your bowl doesn’t mean sprinkling salt and pepper on it. This process serves to prepare the bowl for use. It is a conservation tactic.

Ultimately, the seasoning process will put a layer of protection around the entire surface of the bowl.

This layer helps protect the bowl from things like moisture and wear and even a bit of heat. Please note that this does not make your bowl microwave safe.

You should season your bowl when you get it and then season it every few months depending on how often you use it.

For optimal care, it is recommended to dress it every 3-4 months or even once a month.

You can use food grade mineral oil or an oil to preserve and condition the wood. It really depends on you. If you are using a wood preservative and conditioner, simply follow the directions for use on the label.

If you use mineral oil, try these steps:

• Make sure your bowl is completely dry.
• Place the mineral oil on a rag -or in the bowl directly- and spread it over the entire surface of the wooden bowl, inside and out.
• Let the mineral oil soak into the wood for 5-10 minutes.
• When it has had time to soak in, use a clean, dry rag to remove any excess oil.

Repeat this process as many times as necessary. The bowl is not likely to be over-seasonalized. This process is really simple and very effective.

2. Avoid the dishwasher

Just like wooden bowls are not good in the microwave, they shouldn’t go in the dishwasher either.

The heat of the dishwasher is too intense for a wooden bowl and could cause warping or cracking, just like the microwave.

The best way to clean the bowl is to use a mild dish soap and warm water. Wash the bowl as normal. It’s okay to scrub a little if necessary. Just make sure you season it properly and regularly.

After washing the bowl, you should immediately dry it with a towel instead of letting it air dry. If you let it air dry, it will absorb excess moisture and may warp and crack over time.

3. Buy good quality bowls

It’s worth buying a quality bowl rather than something made to look pretty but isn’t made to last.

You will notice a difference in how the bowl holds up overall if the quality is there. The better the quality of the wooden bowls you buy, the longer you can enjoy them.

We recommend woods like walnut, cherry, and maple for strong, sturdy wooden bowls. In addition, they are easy to care for.

Related questions

We hope you have found this guide useful on whether or not you can heat wooden bowls in the microwave.

Take a look at our questions and answers section for additional information that may be of interest to you.

Is it safe to eat out of wooden bowls?

Most wooden bowls are completely safe to eat from, as long as you make sure they are properly maintained and cared for. Otherwise, they would only serve to be there and look pretty.

Drier foods are best served in wooden bowls or those without thin dressings, broths or sauces, to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. However, it will not be harmful at all if you eat soup in one of them.

Can hot food be served in a wooden bowl?

If your bowl is well dressed and cared for, you can serve hot dishes in it. If you use your bowls to serve something like hot soup, that’s perfectly fine as long as you maintain the bowl properly.

However, we surely don’t need to tell you not to pour boiling water or liquid into your wooden bowls, as this can also damage the wood.