There are other symbols on your dishes that can be used to determine how best to care for them. Read on below to discover additional common tableware symbols to help keep your dishes looking their best.
1. Microwavable - Certain dishware materials should never be placed in a microwave as they are not compatible with the electromagnetic energy used to heat food using the appliance. Like with the dishwasher safe symbol, there are a handful of icons that can indicate whether you can place tableware in the microwave.
If your dishes have a symbol that features 3–4 wavy lines, a microwave icon, a dish with wavy lines above it or three wave lines above the word “micro,” you can use it to microwave food.
2. Food Storage - To determine whether a dish is intended for decorative or functional use, look for a symbol displaying a wine glass next to a fork. Dishes with this symbol can be used to serve food and beverages. Some items are made with material that isn’t suitable to come into contact with food, so always check for the food storage symbol before you use any tableware to eat or drink.
3.Induction Compatible - Induction cooktops can only be used with compatible cookware as the heating method uses a copper coil to generate electromagnetic energy that is transferred directly to the cookware. You can use cookware on an induction cooktop if it is stamped with a coiled spring icon at the bottom of the item.
4.Minimum and maximum temp - Before you use an item to store food in the freezer or bake a meal in the oven, check the bottom of the dish for a symbol that includes two temperatures. This indicates the highest and lowest temperatures a dish can withstand.
5. Recycling - If you’re replacing any dishes, you may wonder whether they can be recycled and how to sort them. Check the bottom of your dish for an icon that depicts an arrow in the shape of a triangle with a number ranging from 01–07.
6. Freezer Storage - Tableware that can withstand the temperatures of a freezer typically has a symbol including a single snowflake on the bottom of the item.