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Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave?

Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave
Is my Fiesta® Dinnerware oven/microwave/dishwasher/freezer safe? – Yes. Your Fiesta® is fully oven/microwave/dishwasher/and freezer safe. Our products are made to accommodate the food service/hotel industry professional consumer, providing a broad range of functionality.

Are Fiestaware dishes safe?

Fiesta used uranium oxide and depleted uranium to color come of their dishes (most notably ‘radioactive’ red). But don’t fear, Fiesta has been uranium-free since 1972 and all current pieces in production are safe to use, and still beautifully colored.

Does Fiesta dinnerware chip easily?

What’s truly great about the Fiesta dinnerware set, though, is how sturdy and durable the pieces are. Despite being rough-handled and accidentally dropped and slammed against the counter a few times, nothing has chipped, cracked, or discolored yet (just a few faint scratches on the darker, cobalt plates and bowls).

Is Fiestaware lead free?

Is Fiesta® Dinnerware lead free? – Yes. Fiesta® Dinnerware is lead free. To learn more, please read our Statement Regarding Lead and Cadmium in Fiesta Tableware, Features and benefits of Fiesta® Dinnerware and accessories:

  • Fully vitrified ceramics – industrial strength – Will not absorb odors or moisture
  • Lead Free
  • Made in USA (Newell, WV)
  • Microwave Safe
  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Oven proof
  • Chip resistance – with a 5 year chip replacement warranty
  • Available in more than 75 dinnerware and accessory pieces including bakeware.

Most importantly Fiesta is the strongest most resistant dinnerware in the market today, for everyday and special occasion use. Use and Care

  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Use a padded mitt when removing from microwave or oven.
  • At times bottom surface can be rough. Sanding or rubbing against another bottom will produce a smoother surface.

Features and benefits of Fiesta® Bakeware:

  • Directly from freezer to oven
  • Freezer -500 degrees
  • Fully vitrified ceramics – industrial strength – Will not absorb odors or moisture
  • Lead Free
  • Microwave Safe
  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Made in USA
  • Chip resistance – with a 5 year chip replacement warranty

Use and Care

  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Use a padded mitt when removing from microwave or oven.
  • Clean with warm water and detergent. Abrasives should never be used to clean bakeware surface.
  • Dark glazes may show surface abrasions more readily. Plastic or wooden tools and care in stacking are recommended.
  • At times bottom surface can be rough. Sanding or rubbing against another bottom will produce a smoother surface.

What is so special about Fiestaware?

Mix one part nostalgia, one part engineered scarcity – Fiesta fans treasure the multicolored durability of the storied dinnerware. (AP Photo/Charles P. Saus) My mother ripped off the wrapping paper and dug through the packing peanuts. She pulled out a stack of plates. “Oh, thanks,” she said. “You’re welcome,” I replied.

Then from across the room I saw her turn to my stepdad and whisper something. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Are they the wrong color?” “It’s okay,” my mom forced a smile. “I can probably use them.” She’d added Fiestaware luncheon plates to her Christmas list the month before. I cheerfully logged on Amazon and bought six of them.

Easy peasy. Turns out, I’d selected the wrong color, a grievous error if you know anything about Fiestaware and its die-hard collectors. My mom wanted turquoise, one of 47 colors the Fiestaware brand has introduced since 1936. Whether a customer collects one color or all 47 is, by now, a serious business. (Flickr) F iestaware was the brainchild of Frederick Rhead, then design director of the Homer Laughlin China Company out of Newell, West Virginia. He imagined servingware that was durable and everyday yet cheery — the type of plates one would be proud to serve guests.

The result was pottery with concentric circles in an Art Deco design. But what made Fiestaware special was its glazes, which came in red, blue, green, yellow, and old ivory. Turquoise was added two years later. “This is what will be good for the Depression. People need to brighten up their table and have something to be happy about,” said Homer Laughlin owner William Wells in 1936.

It worked. The inexpensive china was a hit. Customers were tired of stuffy, fragile, all-white bone china they could only use on special occasions. A 24-place Fiesta setting cost about $11 in the 1930s. Payment plans allowed people to contribute $1 or $0.50 per week to the total cost.

By its second year, Fiesta had produced more than 1 million pieces. Sales dipped a bit during World War II, but the company released special pieces that reflected dining trends of the time. (Onion soup bowls and candy dishes are particularly sought after today.) In the 1950s, changing home decor meant discontinuing blue, green, and old ivory and replacing them with rose, gray, forest, and chartreuse.

A last-ditch attempt to revive sales meant tweaking design in 1969, and introducing avocado green and burnt gold colors. The earth tones weren’t enough, and Fiestaware was retired at the end of 1972. It was only a few years too soon. The 1970s saw a new appreciation for Art Deco design, whereupon the secondary market began to clamor for used Fiesta items.

  1. Resale prices shot up.
  2. At the same time, the first massive wave of Baby Boomers were getting married and stocking their kitchens.
  3. Many of them wanted the dishes they had grown up with.
  4. In 1986 — the 50th anniversary of the line — Fiesta was re-released in all-new colors.
  5. Not only was Homer Laughlin’s timing right, the company had been watching the collector’s market for over a decade.

They finally knew how to play the game. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Fiestaware honed and perfected its strategy of limiting supply and teasing special editions. The best example may be the green glaze Fiesta introduced in 1959, at the time to a lukewarm market.

  1. This shade was slightly darker than the lighter green from its original line, more of a kelly or tractor green.
  2. Collectors eventually called it “medium green.” Now it’s the most sought after color on the antique circuit.
  3. Pieces can fetch over $1,000 each.
  4. And Fiestaware hasn’t released the color since.

In 1997, Fiesta partnered with Bloomingdale’s for a special sapphire color. In 2002, a turquoise onion soup bowl sold for $8,800 on Ebay, according to a New York Times report, Two mixing bowl lids sold for $35,000. At a current exhibition at the West Virginia Culture Center, one raspberry-colored bowl on display is valued at $20,000. (Flickr) In 1995, Newsday reported that one Fiesta fan repainted his Brooklyn kitchen cobalt blue to match his dishes. He drank his coffee out of the red mugs, “because black coffee looks good against the glaze.” Today, aficionados flood social media with questions and tips.

  1. Fiesta’s Facebook page has over 56,000 likes and 55,000 followers.
  2. Many appear to be middle class white women, some military wives, and a few young women sharing memories about their grandmothers’ colorful table settings.
  3. Fans travel to the factory from hundreds of miles away, or attend the annual Fiestaware conference in Pittsburgh, where they pressure staff to produce retired items, like an old relish tray.

Web users operate message boards where they vote on best Fiesta color (there have been 47 total over the past 81 years), test each other’s trivia, and share stories. “The most common thing I hear is, ‘My grandmother had one of those,'” said Sales Director Dave Conley,

The company is old enough now to bank on nostalgia. At one point it sold a children’s “My First Fiesta Tea Set.” You can buy it on collector sites now for about $280, And we’re not just talking a statement piece here and there. On YouTube, people spend years compiling complete Fiesta kitchens: plates, mugs, carafes, salt and pepper shakers, platters, mixing bowls, gravy boats, tiered servers, casserole dishes, loaf pans, cookie jars, spoon rests, and many more.

Last year, Fiesta celebrated its 80th anniversary with a commemorative pitcher (limit two per customer), a holiday print, and its color of the year, a wine-purple it crowned “claret.” For weeks the company teased 2017’s top secret color, this time a chipper yellow called “daffodil.” The annual #FiestaNewColor campaign capitalizes on what the brand is best at: hype, tucked inside a cozy sweater of American history and home cookin’.

Why did they stop making Fiestaware?

Fiestaware (ca.1930s) The accompanying photo shows two pieces of Fiestaware produced by the Homer Laughlin Company of West Virginia: a Fiesta red saucer and an ivory bowl. In each case, uranium was used to provide the color of the glaze. Although the radioactivity of both is easily detectable, that of the Fiesta red is head and shoulders above the ivory.

  • It is usually said that Fiestaware came in five colors when it was introduced in 1936: red, blue, green ivory and yellow.
  • While this might be true, the oldest newspaper account that I could find, from June of that year, only identified four: “old ivory, Chinese red, blue or green.” The earliest mention of yellow that I have found was in a newspaper advertisement from January of 1937.

Apparently red was the first color that the company selected when designing the product, and blue was the second (these were the colors of the Fiestaware that Andy Warhol collected). Since the idea was to mix and match, the various colors had to be compatible. The red color was achieved by adding uranium oxide in the glaze—measurements have indicated that by weight, up to 14% of the glaze might be uranium. How much glaze was employed per plate is unclear but it has been estimated that a single plate contains 4.5 grams of uranium (Buckley et al).

  • Piesch et al estimated the glaze thickness at 0.2 mm.
  • Since this uranium could be used in the production of an atomic bomb, Fiesta red became a victim of World War II when the US government confiscated the company’s stocks of uranium.
  • Fiesta red disappeared until 1959 when production resumed, this time using depleted uranium (DU) rather than the original natural uranium.

The Fiesta red plate in the above photo was made from depleted uranium while the ivory plate was made from natural uranium. In 1969 the entire Fiestaware line was discontinued, and in its place the company produced what was known as Fiesta Ironstone. The latter, which was only manufactured in Fiesta red (aka Mango Red), didn’t last long.

1936-1943 – Fiesta red was produced using natural uranium 1959-1969 – Fiesta red Fiestaware was produced using depleted uranium 1969-1973 – Fiesta red Fiesta Ironstone was produced using depleted uranium

It is worth noting that the use of uranium to produce a red ceramic glaze was not limited to Fiestaware. Almost any antique ceramic with a deep orange/red color is likely to be radioactive, e.g., Caliente, Early California, Franciscanware, Harlequin, Poppytrail, Edwin M.

Is Fiestaware porcelain or ceramic?

1936–1969 – The line name and design is still owned by the Fiesta Tableware Company formerly called the Homer Laughlin China Company of Newell, West Virginia, which was the original company that produced and marketed it. Except for minor adjustments due to manufacturing requirements, the design of the original shapes remained virtually unchanged from 1936 to 1969.

  1. As home decorating color styles changed, the company did change the solid color glaze assortment offered.
  2. The texture of the original glazes, and throughout the life of vintage Fiesta, was semi-opaque.
  3. This is smooth and glossy, but without any shining glare, rather more like an eggshell.
  4. The ware sometimes shows “glaze curtains”, areas of uneven glazing where a heavier application meets a lighter one.

At its introduction in 1936, Fiesta was produced in five colors:

  • Red (orange red) (1936-1943,1959-1972),
  • Blue (cobalt) (1936-1950),
  • Green (light green) (1936-1950),
  • Yellow (deep golden) (1936-1969),,
  • Old Ivory (yellowish cream) (1936-1950).

By 1938, two years into production, a sixth color was added:

Turquoise ( robin ‘s egg blue) (1938-1969),

With the exception of the Red, this color assortment remained in production until about 1950. The first known company price list showing the new colors is dated 1951. The original Red had been discontinued before 1944 (see below). The discontinuation of red, plus the general changes in society due to the United States’ participation in World War II, caused a slump in sales of the larger serving pieces from the early 1940s.

Prior to this reduction in the number of shapes offered, only one or two very specialized shapes had been discontinued and those by 1938. These early discontinued items, such as covered onion soup bowls in turquoise glaze and mixing bowl covers in any color, are today quite rare. By 1950, after the end of the second World War and with the housing boom of returning GIs, home decorating styles and colors had changed.

The manufacturer decided to retire some original glaze colors and replace them with four new modern colors in keeping with the changing decorative style. The original Yellow and Turquoise of the prior decade remained in production but were augmented by four new colors:

  • Rose (dark brownish pink) (1950-1959),
  • Gray (medium) (1950-1959),
  • Forest (dark green) (1950-1959,
  • Chartreuse (bright yellowish green) (1950-1959).

Thus the company continued to offer six colors as it had done through most of Fiesta’s first decade. Through the 1950s sales of Fiesta continued to decrease from its first boom years of the 1930s. The company reduced its offering of items. But when in 1959 the United States government released its block on uranium, which enabled the manufacturer to once again produce the original bright orange-red glaze (see below), the company saw an opportunity to revive sales.

The company discontinued the four new glazes of the previous decade in favor of the re-introduced original bright orange-red color, which along with the original yellow and turquoise colors, and a newly introduced bright green color were the four glaze color assortment offered to the public in 1959.

This new shade of green was officially simply called

Green (1959-1969) but has been nick-named “medium green” by collectors to distinguish it from the other earlier greens. The Medium Green is a bright, almost Kelly green. Some have described it as a ” John Deere Tractor ” green.

This final four color glaze assortment of original Fiesta continued in production until 1969. Although this color assortment was available and sold for ten years (1959–1969), the popularity of Fiesta had fallen. Because overall sales of the line had decreased, this newest shade of green is seen as in very short supply on the secondary market relative to the other glaze colors.

Both Yellow and Turquoise had been in continuous production since the earliest days, and Red had previously been in production, so on the secondary market those colors were more easily available. The last glaze color, called Medium Green was only produced during that decade, and so with less overall sales of the line, there was proportionally less product sold in this glaze color.

As a consequence it has gained almost mythical status and, for certain pieces in this glaze, commands astronomical prices wholly disproportionate to the rest of the line. The Yellow glaze is the one glaze that was in production throughout the life of vintage Fiesta.

  1. Turquoise, while not strictly an original color (having been introduced about a year into Fiesta’s production) was otherwise also in continuous production until the end of the original vintage era in 1969.
  2. Red, while an original color at the line’s introduction, was removed from the market before 1944 (see below).
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Although it was brought back into production from 1959 to 1969, this was after most of the unusual serving pieces had long been discontinued. Red pieces also usually command a premium price in the secondary market, both for its vibrancy in the mix of colors and for its scarcity due to limited years of production.

What is the rarest color of fiestaware?

How Do I Know If I Have Vintage Fiesta? – Color: The original colors were Red, Cobalt, Yellow, Light Green, Old Ivory, and Turquoise.1950s colors included Gray, Rose, Chartreuse, and Forest Green. The last –and rarest–color is Medium Green. Markings: The vintage items will have an inkstamp on the bottom that says GENUINE fiesta, with Fiesta all lowercase.

  • Look for a mold marking, too.
  • It might say something like Fiesta HLC USA or HLC Fiesta Made in USA,
  • Lots of variety!) Glaze: The bottom of an old dish will be completely glazed, while a new Fiesta piece will show some un-colored clay.
  • Look here to see what your vintage Fiesta is worth to a collector,

But we’ll be holding onto ours! Psst: Your heirloom Pyrex might be worth a bundle, too. Our Best Vintage Dinner Party Recipes

How much is Fiesta Ware worth?

How Do I Know If I Have Vintage Fiesta? – Color: The original colors were Red, Cobalt, Yellow, Light Green, Old Ivory, and Turquoise.1950s colors included Gray, Rose, Chartreuse, and Forest Green. The last –and rarest–color is Medium Green. Markings: The vintage items will have an inkstamp on the bottom that says GENUINE fiesta, with Fiesta all lowercase.

  • Look for a mold marking, too.
  • It might say something like Fiesta HLC USA or HLC Fiesta Made in USA,
  • Lots of variety!) Glaze: The bottom of an old dish will be completely glazed, while a new Fiesta piece will show some un-colored clay.
  • Look here to see what your vintage Fiesta is worth to a collector,

But we’ll be holding onto ours! Psst: Your heirloom Pyrex might be worth a bundle, too. Sign up here to get INSIDER’s favorite stories straight to your inbox.

What is the least breakable dinnerware?

Pros –

BPA-free melamineBreak resistantTop-rack dishwasher safe

This Williams-Sonoma dinnerware brings a rustic look with stylish wide rims reminiscent of stoneware, but it’s made of durable BPA-free melamine, Melamine is a great choice for outdoor dining because it’s lightweight and less prone to scratches or breaks, even when dropped on a hard surface.

It is also more functional than paper plates. A set includes a dinner plate, small plate and salad bowl. All pieces are top-rack dishwasher safe, but not microwavable. The larger collection includes serving platters, serving bowls and chargers, sold separately, to further elevate your outdoor dining experience.

While the set is no longer available, you can still purchase the plates and bowls separately.

Material Melamine
Number of settings Pieces sold individually or in set of 4
Dishwasher safe Yes
Microwave safe No

9 Best Open Stock Dinnerware Set

Is Fiestaware still valuable?

If you’re willing to part with some of your Fiestaware, an authentic, vintage Fiestaware piece may be worth some cash. Individual plates aren’t too pricey, but serving dishes and especially rare colors (like Red and Medium Green) bring in the big bucks. With Fiestaware, you can bring home the bacon and serve it too.

Is Fiestaware still popular?

Fiesta Is Still Available – After Fiesta’s peak in 1948, when 10 million pieces were shipped, demand declined until the line was retired in the early 1970s. In 1986, Bloomingdale’s partnered with Homer Laughlin to reintroduce the colorful dishes. Modern Fiesta, known as Post 86, is lead-free and safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher. This vintage-style bakeware will take you back.9 / 10

What year is Fiestaware radioactive?

Which Fiesta Ware Is Radioactive? – Fiesta commenced commercial sales of colored dinnerware in 1936. Most colored ceramics made prior to World War II, including Fiesta Ware, contained uranium oxide. In 1943, manufacturers stopped using the ingredient because the uranium was used for weapons.

  • Homer Laughlin, the maker of Fiesta, resumed using the red glaze in the 1950s, using depleted uranium.
  • The use of depleted uranium oxide ceased in 1972.
  • Fiesta Ware manufactured after this date is not radioactive.
  • Fiesta dinnerware made from 1936-1972 may be radioactive.
  • You can buy modern Fiesta ceramic dishes in just about any color of the rainbow, though the modern colors won’t match the old colors.

None of the dishes contain lead or uranium. None of the modern dishes are radioactive.

Is it safe to eat off of vintage Fiestaware?

Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave Feedloader (Clickability) I’ve been an apartment-dweller my entire adult life. That, and the fact that I haven’t gotten married so far (or, more to the point, compiled a wedding registry ) means that I have been eating off the same set of four place settings from Target for years.

  1. Now that I’m buying my first house, I was excited to learn that the deal would include a complete set of vintage Fiestaware, the colorful and collectible line of ceramic tableware that was produced from 1936 to 1973.
  2. It was revived in 1986, in slightly different form and colors.) The pieces’ simple art deco designs, edged with concentric grooved rings, and candy colors have made Fiestaware one of the most popular ceramic lines in history.

But my excitement over my new acquisition was tempered almost immediately, when my realtor asked, “Doesn’t Fiestaware contain lead?” Lead poisoning can cause stomach problems, headaches, and even seizures in adults, and is especially dangerous for children and fetuses because it affects the development of the brain and nerves.

  1. An Internet search only confused me.
  2. Not only was I still unclear whether I could get lead poisoning from eating off the old plates, I discovered a new, even more alarming concern: some Fiestaware contains uranium and is radioactive! I contacted the Food and Drug Administration, hoping for a clearer picture of the dangers.

Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA press officer, responded: First, as a bit of background, FDA established and began enforcing limits on leachable lead in tableware 40 years ago. Obviously, any ware, Fiestaware or otherwise, manufactured prior to that era was not subject to FDA limits, because they didn’t exist.

  1. This doesn’t necessarily mean that old ware is unsafe, but consumers who are concerned about such a possibility can use home lead test kits (available in hardware stores) to screen old ware to determine whether it may leach high levels of lead into food.
  2. We do not recommend not using old ware unless it shows signs of deterioration such as cracking or pitting of the glaze.

This could be a sign that the glaze is disintegrating and could allow lead to leach into food. In addition to using a home test kit, consumers who want to be cautious might choose to avoid storing foods in older holloware (bowls), consuming hot and acidic liquid beverages such as coffee or tea out of cups, and heating bowls, cups and plates in the microwave.

  1. Again, these are qualified recommendations; the ware is not necessarily unsafe because it is old, but it may not comply with current FDA standards.
  2. ​ Some old Fiestaware from decades ago has been stated to have contained uranium oxide in its glaze, capable of emitting very low levels of radioactivity that would not pose a health risk.

So, it sounds like I probably won’t set off any Geiger counters after eating off my Fiestaware. But the lead issue is still up in the air, at least until I can test the dishes. If nothing else, the turquoise pitcher will make an adorable vase. History Natural Sciences Recommended Videos

How can I tell how old my Fiestaware is?

Fiesta Made since 1986 – Since 1986, Homer Laughlin has also used a rubber backstamp to mark some of its Fiesta items. Used mainly on cups and bowls, it uses the words HLC USA and genuine, Vintage Fiesta backstamps use a lower case “f” in the word Fiesta.

  • The new stamp capitalizes the “F” in the name.
  • All the backstamps are applied by machine.
  • Eventually the company hopes to backstamp all post 86 pieces.
  • One of the Post 86 Fiesta backstamps contains a useful three letter date code.
  • Note a series of three small letters in the backstamp itself.
  • This is HLC’s date coding system which it has used since the 1960’s.

The letters AA indicate 1986, BB indicates 1987, CC indicates 1988, and so on. The last letter indicates what quarter of the year an item was made. Therefore, A represents the first quarter, followed by B, C and D. Therefore a backstamp with the letters KKA indicates that the item was made in January, February or March of 1996.

What Fiesta colors are discontinued?

Color History

Current Colors Collectible Colors, No Longer in Production
Lapis 2013 – Peacock
Lemongrass 2009 – Tangerine
Ivory 2008 – Shamrock
Scarlet 2004 – Plum

What is the new color for Fiesta 2023?

Fiestaware announces new color for 2023 Fiesta Tableware Company announces the 2023 color of the year (Fiesta Tableware Company) Fiesta Tableware Company announces the 2023 color of the year (Fiesta Tableware Company)

by: Posted: Jan 10, 2023 / 04:31 PM EST Updated: Jan 10, 2023 / 04:31 PM EST

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia-based business The Fiesta Tableware Company has announced its new color for 2023. According to a press release sent Tuesday, the new color is Jade, a “rich, earthy” shade that is “a calming, soothing backdrop to any tablescape,” according to Fiesta. It becomes the 55th color ever available by Fiestaware.

Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave The Fiestaware 2023 color of the year: Jade (Fiesta Tableware) Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave (Fiesta Tableware)

The Jade collection made its debut at the Atlanta Market at AmericasMart on Jan.10, but it will not be available for retail, in-store and online, until June 1, 2023. Those interested in buying after June 1 or ordering for presale after May 15 should expect to pay $56 for a three-piece place setting. / 2 days ago / 2 days ago : Fiestaware announces new color for 2023

Is Fiestaware going out of business?

Newell, West Virginia – (March 27, 2020) – The iconic and colorful Fiesta® dinnerware brand is reinventing itself in the retail tabletop marketplace as the newly formed Fiesta® Tableware Company. This follows the acquisition of the former Homer Laughlin China Company foodservice operations by Steelite International, a British company.

In an ever evolving business environment, opportunities present themselves for companies to transform and grow through strategic planning and decisive action,” says Elizabeth McIlvain, President of The Fiesta Tableware Company. “The timing was right for us. We have made a bold move to redouble our retail efforts and to free up needed resources to achieve our retail goals.” Steelite is assuming manufacturing and sales responsibilities for the two foodservice brands: the Homer Laughlin China Company and the Hall China Company.

The existing Fiesta retail business is not part of the sale. This does not have any effect on the Fiesta brand, which was manufactured by The Homer Laughlin China Company since 1936. The Fiesta Tableware Company will continue to operate in Newell, WV, as a retail-only tabletop and giftware manufacturer.

In addition to the Fiesta brand, The Fiesta Tableware Company also will manufacture and sell other tableware designs to the retail market. “With the ability to focus exclusively on the retail side of our business, we are poised to exploit new opportunities for growth in the marketplace, further develop our private label and OEM programs, offer more exclusive pieces for our retail partners, provide a more robust product assortment to our entire retail customer base, seek out new retail partners, and expand our relationships with existing retail and OEM partners,” says Rich Brinkman, VP, Sales & Marketing of The Fiesta Tableware Company.

The company remains committed to continuing to manufacture Fiesta and its expanding product collection in Newell, WV, as it has been since 1936. This focus exclusively on retail products frees up much needed production time to answer previous challenges in special retail markets.

We’ll be better equipped to increase retail delivery speed and frequency,” Brinkman adds. “We’ll definitely be more nimble than we’ve been in the past.” Fiesta is truly an iconic American brand. It was introduced 84 years ago, during the Great Depression, in vibrant colors to brighten spirits: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Ivory.

Now, Fiesta is made in 15 signature shades at any given time. One new color is introduced and one color retires every year. This year’s colors are: White, Scarlet, Poppy, Butterscotch (new for 2020), Daffodil, Sunflower, Lemongrass, Shamrock, Meadow, Turquoise, Lapis, Cobalt, Mulberry, Ivory, and Slate.

Founded in 1871, The Homer Laughlin China Company was one of the first white ware plants in the United States. With a 149-year history, the company long stood as a leader in the design and manufacture of food service and retail china products – true to the skills of the craft and integrity of the potter – and was always proud to make its products in the USA.

About The Fiesta® Tableware Company Formed in 2020 after the sale of The Homer Laughlin China Company and Hall China Company, The Fiesta® Tableware Company is known for Fiesta®, the colorful brand of dinnerware that has been made in the USA since 1936.

  • It was originally designed by noted ceramist Frederick Hurten Rhead and features Art Deco styling and bold, bright colors – 14 or 15 at any given time.
  • Over the years, 52 complementary colors have been produced and sold at hundreds of retail stores throughout the country.
  • Fiesta is lead free, microwave and dishwasher safe, oven proof, and offers an unmatched five-year chip replacement warranty.
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For more information, visit fiestafactorydirect.com, Instagram: @fiestadinnerware, Facebook: Fiesta Dinnerware or Pinterest: Fiesta Dinnerware,

What color Fiestaware should I get?

We took to Instagram stories to ask for our followers’ most burning questions about Fiesta, entertaining, and styling! Which colors are essential for my Fiesta collection? It depends on your style! Are you a bright color lover? Pick up Poppy, Daffodil, Lemongrass, and Turquoise, Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave What is the best first piece to start my Fiesta collection? Place settings! After you’ve built up a few place settings, you can move to adding serving pieces, such as Salt and Peppers, Egg Trays, Entertaining Sets, and more. Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave When will you add a hot pink? This is the question we get asked more than anything else! We would love to give you all a true bright pink, but at this time we are not able to create that shade while also keeping with our lead-free promise. Creating glazes is a chemical process and is therefore more difficult than pointing at any color in the color spectrum and recreating it.

We’re not giving up though! It took us years to perfect a bright red color before we got to Scarlet, so it’s possible that one day we’ll get it right. How long in advance do you select the year’s color? It depends on the color. We usually know the next year’s color family a year or more in advance, but don’t decide on the final shade until about 6 months before the introduction.

We’re always thinking about color here! What item is best for hosting? Here at Fiesta Dinnerware, we LOVE entertaining. Some of our favorite items to use during parties are the 5pc. Entertaining Set, Appetizer Plates, and the 2pc. Dip Set ! Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave Are you going to add any new items soon? Yes! We’ve got a couple of new shapes coming to you this fall, but our lips are sealed as to what they are. What is the most popular color of all time? Scarlet has been our most popular color since its introduction in 2004, but this year Turquoise has been taking the top spot! Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave How do I make a color combo that has a flow and doesn’t look like a hodge podge? Great question! To ensure that your tablescapes have a flow, we recommend limiting your color combos to 4-5 colors. Trying to combine too many colors can sometimes make your table setting look busy (but certainly not always!). Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave

Does Fiestaware glow under black light?

Panther Media GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo Would you eat off a radioactive plate? Before World War II, many people did! (Don’t try this at home!) Glassblowers once used uranium, a radioactive substance, to add shades of green and yellow to glass. A popular dishware company also used uranium in an orange-red glaze now known as “radioactive red” Fiestaware.

Is Fiestaware non toxic?

Top six safest dinnerware brands to use at home (not made in China) – Now that you know how and why toxins end up in dinnerware – let’s dive into the article’s meat. Below you’ll find six prime examples of the safest dinnerware to use at home. And you’ll notice something about these non-toxic dinnerware picks They’re unstyled, for the most part; here’s why.

When you demand the absolute safest plates to use, choose simple non-toxic dinnerware. Remember earlier you saw how bright-pigmented plates often contain lead and cadmium? That’s why the following dishware has little color or decoration. But plain doesn’t mean dull or unattractive. Plain means sleek, modern, and SAFE! As I always say, let your food steal the show, not your plate.

And, of course, the below non-toxic dinnerware is not made in China. Plus, it’s free from lead, cadmium, BPA, melamine, and other toxins. After countless hours of researching (not kidding), I can confidently say these are among the safest dishes to use, period. Anchor Hocking

12-pack 10″ diameter; 1.4 lb per dish Lead and cadmium-free tempered soda-lime glass Made in the USA since 1905

Need a set of easy-cleaning, eye-catching glass dinner plates? Give Anchor Hocking’s non-toxic dishes a shot. Anchor meticulously crafts their plates from clean, tempered soda-lime glass. They leave out all toxic metals and chemicals from their production process.

  • Instead, Anchor mixes a simple blend of sand, soda ash, and limestone, free from impurities.
  • After tempering, they polish the dishes to eliminate uneven edges.
  • As a result, you don’t just get some of the safest dishes to use, but the strongest This thick, high-impact glass is nearly twice the strength of ordinary soda lime.

And with such excellent shock resistance, it can withstand drops or rapid temperature changes with minimal chipping. In other words, your food stays untainted, and your plate remains unbroken – regardless of heat! You can use the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher to free up time after dinner without worry.

Worried about matching your decor? This plate goes together like PB&J with all meals and dining room layouts, as its attractive glass sheen enhances anything near it. Grab this 12-pack of non-toxic plates from Anchor Hocking here. Is the 12-pack sold out? You can try their 13″ dinner plate 6-pack here,

Or their 12-pack of 8″ salad plates here, Looking to buy secondhand? You’ll find many sets from Anchor Hocking here on Etsy, Fiestaware

4-pack10.5″ diameter; 1.4 lb per dishLead and cadmium-free vitrified ceramic5-year chip-replacement warrantyMade in USA since 1936

Next up – Fiestaware’s vitrified ceramic plates: They complement any other tableware you own without seeming out of place. This is a 100% non-toxic dinnerware set, as Fiestaware removed toxic metals from their processes in 1986! Today, Fiestaware shapes its plates with high-quality, reinforced vitrified ceramic.

  1. It contains 60% silica and 40% clay, sealed tight by a heat fusion process.
  2. Lead and cadmium are left out altogether.
  3. Compared to standard ceramic (which has lower silica), vitrified has greater strength, a shinier, smoother finish, and a more impervious surface.
  4. Here’s why that’s important Second only to breakage, dishwashers ruin ceramic dinnerware faster than anything else.

High heat and detergents can slowly degrade the surface. However, Fiestaware’s robust vitrified ceramic remains unaffected by hot dishwasher cycles. It effectively resists stains, odors, chips, and scuffing from silverware, making this set more cost-efficient.

Simply put, vitrified ceramic will last longer, stretching your investment further. Chuck your Fiestaware plates into the fridge or freezer, then toss them into the microwave or oven to reheat without exploding. Afterward, slip it in the dishwasher to save cleanup time. Each plate features a slightly curved edge, great for holding liquids.

I’ve served pot roast with brown gravy on these and had no issues with spills. Yet, the angle isn’t too extreme, so you can easily cut steaks. Grab your 4-piece set of Fiesta dinner plates – click here! Want to buy somewhere else? Etsy is a treasure trove for Fiestaware items – check it out here! Libbey

12-pack10.5″ diameter; 1.5 lb per dishLead and cadmium-free soda-lime glassMade in USA and Mexico since 1945

Next up, check out Libbey Crisa Moderno’s safe dinner plates, also crafted from soda-lime glass. Of course, no lead, cadmium, or other toxic ingredients exist in these. Libbey crafts their dinnerware using a state-of-the-art production process (and has for nearly 200 years).

I won’t bore you with the process details, but you get some of the highest-quality soda-lime glassware available A flawless, smooth surface – free from uneven bubbles, When you have guests for dinner, you’ll be proud to serve them on this solid glassware. For one, clear glass enhances any dining room decor or meal.

And Libbey has just enough heft for that high-quality feel without being cumbersome. You can heat food with Libbey’s non-toxic dinner plates in the microwave, then chuck your dish in the dishwasher – they’ll come out crystal clear. Also freezer-safe. Ready for some of the safest dishes to use? Click here to grab Libbey’s dinner plates! And check Etsy for more from Libbey, including drinking glasses and serving dishes All sold from small, ethical sellers with carbon-neutral shipping. Sur La Table

16-piece set 4x dinner plates (10.5″), 4x salad plates (9″), 4x bowls (6.75″), 4x mugs (10oz) Full set weight: 21 lbs Lead and cadmium-free white porcelain

This gorgeous non-toxic dinnerware set from Sur La Table includes everything you need to entertain guests. Its clean, straightforward design flatters any tablecloth, decor, or flatware – while letting your food stand out. Sur La Table produces its dinnerware from high-quality, 100% lead and cadmium-free white porcelain.

They don’t bake their ceramic as some other second-rate brands do. Instead, Sur La Table uses much higher temperatures than competitors. The extra heat builds superior strength and chip/ stain resistance. Each versatile, heat-resistant plate handles the oven up to 392°F (200℃), the microwave, and the freezer.

For cleanup, simply toss them in the dishwasher; these plates emerge shining like new without streaks. Grab this chemical-free dinnerware set direct from Sur La Table here. Also available on Amazon, Is the 16-pack unavailable? Try their 8-pack of 10.5″ bistro plates or the single 10.5″ dinner plate, Duralex

4-pack 9.25″ diameter; 1 lb per dish Lead and cadmium-free tempered soda-lime glass Made in France since 1939

The fifth non-toxic dinnerware pick comes from Duralex, another brand producing clean soda-lime glass dishware. They leave out all toxic metals from production. Unlike many lower-end brands, they also refine and strengthen the glass through their time-tested tempering process.

With Duralex, you don’t need to sacrifice durability to find the safest dishes to use Nor high-end appeal— Duralex’s tempering process more than doubles each dish’s strength. Its perfect transparency, impact resistance, and heft make it ideal for entertaining guests. Speaking of tough, these lead cadmium-free dinner plates chuckle at temperature extremes.

They’ll withstand -4°F to 266°F without exploding like a hand grenade. Again, we can thank the tempering process. You can toss this non-toxic dinnerware set in the microwave to reheat, then into the fridge or freezer to store leftovers without food containers. HaWare

4-pack 8″ diameter; roughly 0.4lb per dish 304-grade stainless steel South Korean-Made

The final non-toxic dinnerware set is unique. Rather than glass or ceramic, HaWare offers unbreakable 304-grade stainless steel dinner plates. These dishes offer a massive advantage over the previous dinnerware sets: Far more durability and a longer lifespan, despite a fraction of the weight per plate.

Stainless steel plates will never shatter if dropped, not even when thrown at a brick wall! If you have small kids at home and want to avoid broken glass, ceramic shards, or dangerous plastic – these fit the bill. Not just one of the safest dishes to use, but these steel plates are perfect for outdoor recreation— I bring them on all my camping trips as they’re unbreakable, lightweight, and low-maintenance 304-grade stainless steel does not rust, so it’s ideal for outdoor use.

You don’t have to baby it! And whether outdoors or indoors, these non-toxic dinner plates will never leach toxins. There is zero lead or cadmium. Stainless steel contains only iron, nickel, and chromium – none of which cause harm in small amounts (unless you’re allergic).

For care, steel plates clean up beautifully in the dishwasher. These plates are also fridge, freezer, and oven-safe. They’re my go-to for heating those small personal pizzas in the oven! As for drawbacks, you can’t microwave steel dinnerware. So you’ll have to heat food separately or use the oven/ toaster oven (carefully).

Also, the plates weigh very little and sometimes spin while I’m snacking on lightweight finger foods. Not a big deal, but keep this in mind. Grab your 4-pack of safe stainless steel plates here! Need extra? Here is a 6-pack, Or, grab the larger 12″ version here,

Do not heat food or drink in ceramic that may contain lead – cooking or microwaving speeds up the lead-leaching process. Do not store food or drink in dishes that may contain lead. The longer food/drink stays in contact with a lead-leaching surface; the more lead gets absorbed. Do not put acidic foods on leaded plates. These foods will suck lead out of dishes much faster than non-acidic foods. Common examples include citrus fruits, tomatoes/ pasta sauce, soy sauce, and salad dressing. Avoid the dishwasher because it will damage the glazed surface. Damaged glazes have a higher chance of leaching lead the next time you use that dish. In some cases, lead also contaminates other plates in the dishwasher. The best tip? Avoid toxic metals and chemicals in your dinnerware altogether – grab one of the non-toxic plates above!

P.S. After grabbing your non-toxic dinner plates, consider other areas. Why? Lead and cadmium-free dinnerware sets are safe, but other items used to prep and store meals might not be— What’s the point of safe dinnerware if you pollute your food beforehand (or afterward). Adam Heck Adam – the author and TGL founder – has a background in product research and design. For years, he’s successfully created, produced, and sold eco-friendly, sustainable kitchenware in all fifty states. When he’s not reading, cooking, or lifting, he’s helping families level up their kitchen and dining gear with relevant blog posts. Enjoyed this post? Share it with your friends! December 2, 2022 December 1, 2021 November 26, 2021 September 28, 2021 Non-Toxic Kitchenware Checklist Get a step-by-step product guide with insider tips & tricks for the safest kitchen possible!

Is Fiestaware non toxic?

Top six safest dinnerware brands to use at home (not made in China) – Now that you know how and why toxins end up in dinnerware – let’s dive into the article’s meat. Below you’ll find six prime examples of the safest dinnerware to use at home. And you’ll notice something about these non-toxic dinnerware picks They’re unstyled, for the most part; here’s why.

When you demand the absolute safest plates to use, choose simple non-toxic dinnerware. Remember earlier you saw how bright-pigmented plates often contain lead and cadmium? That’s why the following dishware has little color or decoration. But plain doesn’t mean dull or unattractive. Plain means sleek, modern, and SAFE! As I always say, let your food steal the show, not your plate.

And, of course, the below non-toxic dinnerware is not made in China. Plus, it’s free from lead, cadmium, BPA, melamine, and other toxins. After countless hours of researching (not kidding), I can confidently say these are among the safest dishes to use, period. Anchor Hocking

12-pack 10″ diameter; 1.4 lb per dish Lead and cadmium-free tempered soda-lime glass Made in the USA since 1905

See also:  Qué Fiestas Cristianas Dependen De La Pascua?

Need a set of easy-cleaning, eye-catching glass dinner plates? Give Anchor Hocking’s non-toxic dishes a shot. Anchor meticulously crafts their plates from clean, tempered soda-lime glass. They leave out all toxic metals and chemicals from their production process.

Instead, Anchor mixes a simple blend of sand, soda ash, and limestone, free from impurities. After tempering, they polish the dishes to eliminate uneven edges. As a result, you don’t just get some of the safest dishes to use, but the strongest This thick, high-impact glass is nearly twice the strength of ordinary soda lime.

And with such excellent shock resistance, it can withstand drops or rapid temperature changes with minimal chipping. In other words, your food stays untainted, and your plate remains unbroken – regardless of heat! You can use the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher to free up time after dinner without worry.

Worried about matching your decor? This plate goes together like PB&J with all meals and dining room layouts, as its attractive glass sheen enhances anything near it. Grab this 12-pack of non-toxic plates from Anchor Hocking here. Is the 12-pack sold out? You can try their 13″ dinner plate 6-pack here,

Or their 12-pack of 8″ salad plates here, Looking to buy secondhand? You’ll find many sets from Anchor Hocking here on Etsy, Fiestaware

4-pack10.5″ diameter; 1.4 lb per dishLead and cadmium-free vitrified ceramic5-year chip-replacement warrantyMade in USA since 1936

Next up – Fiestaware’s vitrified ceramic plates: They complement any other tableware you own without seeming out of place. This is a 100% non-toxic dinnerware set, as Fiestaware removed toxic metals from their processes in 1986! Today, Fiestaware shapes its plates with high-quality, reinforced vitrified ceramic.

  1. It contains 60% silica and 40% clay, sealed tight by a heat fusion process.
  2. Lead and cadmium are left out altogether.
  3. Compared to standard ceramic (which has lower silica), vitrified has greater strength, a shinier, smoother finish, and a more impervious surface.
  4. Here’s why that’s important Second only to breakage, dishwashers ruin ceramic dinnerware faster than anything else.

High heat and detergents can slowly degrade the surface. However, Fiestaware’s robust vitrified ceramic remains unaffected by hot dishwasher cycles. It effectively resists stains, odors, chips, and scuffing from silverware, making this set more cost-efficient.

  1. Simply put, vitrified ceramic will last longer, stretching your investment further.
  2. Chuck your Fiestaware plates into the fridge or freezer, then toss them into the microwave or oven to reheat without exploding.
  3. Afterward, slip it in the dishwasher to save cleanup time.
  4. Each plate features a slightly curved edge, great for holding liquids.

I’ve served pot roast with brown gravy on these and had no issues with spills. Yet, the angle isn’t too extreme, so you can easily cut steaks. Grab your 4-piece set of Fiesta dinner plates – click here! Want to buy somewhere else? Etsy is a treasure trove for Fiestaware items – check it out here! Libbey

12-pack10.5″ diameter; 1.5 lb per dishLead and cadmium-free soda-lime glassMade in USA and Mexico since 1945

Next up, check out Libbey Crisa Moderno’s safe dinner plates, also crafted from soda-lime glass. Of course, no lead, cadmium, or other toxic ingredients exist in these. Libbey crafts their dinnerware using a state-of-the-art production process (and has for nearly 200 years).

I won’t bore you with the process details, but you get some of the highest-quality soda-lime glassware available A flawless, smooth surface – free from uneven bubbles, When you have guests for dinner, you’ll be proud to serve them on this solid glassware. For one, clear glass enhances any dining room decor or meal.

And Libbey has just enough heft for that high-quality feel without being cumbersome. You can heat food with Libbey’s non-toxic dinner plates in the microwave, then chuck your dish in the dishwasher – they’ll come out crystal clear. Also freezer-safe. Ready for some of the safest dishes to use? Click here to grab Libbey’s dinner plates! And check Etsy for more from Libbey, including drinking glasses and serving dishes All sold from small, ethical sellers with carbon-neutral shipping. Sur La Table

16-piece set 4x dinner plates (10.5″), 4x salad plates (9″), 4x bowls (6.75″), 4x mugs (10oz) Full set weight: 21 lbs Lead and cadmium-free white porcelain

This gorgeous non-toxic dinnerware set from Sur La Table includes everything you need to entertain guests. Its clean, straightforward design flatters any tablecloth, decor, or flatware – while letting your food stand out. Sur La Table produces its dinnerware from high-quality, 100% lead and cadmium-free white porcelain.

They don’t bake their ceramic as some other second-rate brands do. Instead, Sur La Table uses much higher temperatures than competitors. The extra heat builds superior strength and chip/ stain resistance. Each versatile, heat-resistant plate handles the oven up to 392°F (200℃), the microwave, and the freezer.

For cleanup, simply toss them in the dishwasher; these plates emerge shining like new without streaks. Grab this chemical-free dinnerware set direct from Sur La Table here. Also available on Amazon, Is the 16-pack unavailable? Try their 8-pack of 10.5″ bistro plates or the single 10.5″ dinner plate, Duralex

4-pack 9.25″ diameter; 1 lb per dish Lead and cadmium-free tempered soda-lime glass Made in France since 1939

The fifth non-toxic dinnerware pick comes from Duralex, another brand producing clean soda-lime glass dishware. They leave out all toxic metals from production. Unlike many lower-end brands, they also refine and strengthen the glass through their time-tested tempering process.

With Duralex, you don’t need to sacrifice durability to find the safest dishes to use Nor high-end appeal— Duralex’s tempering process more than doubles each dish’s strength. Its perfect transparency, impact resistance, and heft make it ideal for entertaining guests. Speaking of tough, these lead cadmium-free dinner plates chuckle at temperature extremes.

They’ll withstand -4°F to 266°F without exploding like a hand grenade. Again, we can thank the tempering process. You can toss this non-toxic dinnerware set in the microwave to reheat, then into the fridge or freezer to store leftovers without food containers. HaWare

4-pack 8″ diameter; roughly 0.4lb per dish 304-grade stainless steel South Korean-Made

The final non-toxic dinnerware set is unique. Rather than glass or ceramic, HaWare offers unbreakable 304-grade stainless steel dinner plates. These dishes offer a massive advantage over the previous dinnerware sets: Far more durability and a longer lifespan, despite a fraction of the weight per plate.

Stainless steel plates will never shatter if dropped, not even when thrown at a brick wall! If you have small kids at home and want to avoid broken glass, ceramic shards, or dangerous plastic – these fit the bill. Not just one of the safest dishes to use, but these steel plates are perfect for outdoor recreation— I bring them on all my camping trips as they’re unbreakable, lightweight, and low-maintenance 304-grade stainless steel does not rust, so it’s ideal for outdoor use.

You don’t have to baby it! And whether outdoors or indoors, these non-toxic dinner plates will never leach toxins. There is zero lead or cadmium. Stainless steel contains only iron, nickel, and chromium – none of which cause harm in small amounts (unless you’re allergic).

  • For care, steel plates clean up beautifully in the dishwasher.
  • These plates are also fridge, freezer, and oven-safe.
  • They’re my go-to for heating those small personal pizzas in the oven! As for drawbacks, you can’t microwave steel dinnerware.
  • So you’ll have to heat food separately or use the oven/ toaster oven (carefully).

Also, the plates weigh very little and sometimes spin while I’m snacking on lightweight finger foods. Not a big deal, but keep this in mind. Grab your 4-pack of safe stainless steel plates here! Need extra? Here is a 6-pack, Or, grab the larger 12″ version here,

Do not heat food or drink in ceramic that may contain lead – cooking or microwaving speeds up the lead-leaching process. Do not store food or drink in dishes that may contain lead. The longer food/drink stays in contact with a lead-leaching surface; the more lead gets absorbed. Do not put acidic foods on leaded plates. These foods will suck lead out of dishes much faster than non-acidic foods. Common examples include citrus fruits, tomatoes/ pasta sauce, soy sauce, and salad dressing. Avoid the dishwasher because it will damage the glazed surface. Damaged glazes have a higher chance of leaching lead the next time you use that dish. In some cases, lead also contaminates other plates in the dishwasher. The best tip? Avoid toxic metals and chemicals in your dinnerware altogether – grab one of the non-toxic plates above!

P.S. After grabbing your non-toxic dinner plates, consider other areas. Why? Lead and cadmium-free dinnerware sets are safe, but other items used to prep and store meals might not be— What’s the point of safe dinnerware if you pollute your food beforehand (or afterward). Adam Heck Adam – the author and TGL founder – has a background in product research and design. For years, he’s successfully created, produced, and sold eco-friendly, sustainable kitchenware in all fifty states. When he’s not reading, cooking, or lifting, he’s helping families level up their kitchen and dining gear with relevant blog posts. Enjoyed this post? Share it with your friends! December 2, 2022 December 1, 2021 November 26, 2021 September 28, 2021 Non-Toxic Kitchenware Checklist Get a step-by-step product guide with insider tips & tricks for the safest kitchen possible!

How do I know if my Fiestaware is safe?

How to Tell If Fiestaware Is Radioactive – The only sure way to know if your Fiesta dinnerware is radioactive is to test it with a Geiger counter. Assuming you don’t have a Geiger counter, you can tell which Fiestaware is radioactive based on the year it was made.

Fiestaware made between 1936 and 1972 may be radioactive. Fiesta first started selling colored dinnerware in 1936. Most Fiestaware (and colored ceramics made by other companies) contained uranium oxide from 1936 until 1943. In 1943, uranium was needed for weapons for World War II, so manufacturers stopped using it in ceramics.

Homer Laughlin, the company that makes Fiesta, resumed using uranium in its red glaze in the 1950s. However, this was depleted uranium, which was less radioactive than the original material. The use of depleted uranium in Fiestaware ended in 1972. Fiesta dishes made after 1972 do not contain uranium and are not radioactive.

Is it safe to eat off of vintage Fiestaware?

Can You Put Fiests Dinnerware In The Microwave Feedloader (Clickability) I’ve been an apartment-dweller my entire adult life. That, and the fact that I haven’t gotten married so far (or, more to the point, compiled a wedding registry ) means that I have been eating off the same set of four place settings from Target for years.

Now that I’m buying my first house, I was excited to learn that the deal would include a complete set of vintage Fiestaware, the colorful and collectible line of ceramic tableware that was produced from 1936 to 1973. (It was revived in 1986, in slightly different form and colors.) The pieces’ simple art deco designs, edged with concentric grooved rings, and candy colors have made Fiestaware one of the most popular ceramic lines in history.

But my excitement over my new acquisition was tempered almost immediately, when my realtor asked, “Doesn’t Fiestaware contain lead?” Lead poisoning can cause stomach problems, headaches, and even seizures in adults, and is especially dangerous for children and fetuses because it affects the development of the brain and nerves.

  • An Internet search only confused me.
  • Not only was I still unclear whether I could get lead poisoning from eating off the old plates, I discovered a new, even more alarming concern: some Fiestaware contains uranium and is radioactive! I contacted the Food and Drug Administration, hoping for a clearer picture of the dangers.

Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA press officer, responded: First, as a bit of background, FDA established and began enforcing limits on leachable lead in tableware 40 years ago. Obviously, any ware, Fiestaware or otherwise, manufactured prior to that era was not subject to FDA limits, because they didn’t exist.

  1. This doesn’t necessarily mean that old ware is unsafe, but consumers who are concerned about such a possibility can use home lead test kits (available in hardware stores) to screen old ware to determine whether it may leach high levels of lead into food.
  2. We do not recommend not using old ware unless it shows signs of deterioration such as cracking or pitting of the glaze.

This could be a sign that the glaze is disintegrating and could allow lead to leach into food. In addition to using a home test kit, consumers who want to be cautious might choose to avoid storing foods in older holloware (bowls), consuming hot and acidic liquid beverages such as coffee or tea out of cups, and heating bowls, cups and plates in the microwave.

Again, these are qualified recommendations; the ware is not necessarily unsafe because it is old, but it may not comply with current FDA standards. ​ Some old Fiestaware from decades ago has been stated to have contained uranium oxide in its glaze, capable of emitting very low levels of radioactivity that would not pose a health risk.

So, it sounds like I probably won’t set off any Geiger counters after eating off my Fiestaware. But the lead issue is still up in the air, at least until I can test the dishes. If nothing else, the turquoise pitcher will make an adorable vase. History Natural Sciences Recommended Videos

What type of radiation is in Fiestaware?

What’s In Fiesta That’s Radioactive? – Some of the glazes used in Fiesta Ware contain uranium oxide. Although several colors of glazes contain the ingredient, the red dinnerware is best known for its radioactivity. The uranium emits alpha particles and neutrons.

  • Although the alpha particles don’t have much penetrating power, the uranium oxide could leach from the dinnerware, particularly if a dish was cracked (which also would release toxic lead ) or the food was highly acidic (like spaghetti sauce).
  • The half-life of uranium-238 is 4.5 billion years, so you can rest assured pretty much all of the original uranium oxide remains in the dishes.

Uranium decays into thorium-234, which emits beta and gamma radiation. The thorium isotope has a half-life of 24.1 days. Continuing the decay scheme, the dishes would be expected to contain some protactinium-234, which emits beta and gamma radiation, and uranium-234, which emits alpha and gamma radiation.