FAQ

Clay Coyote Pottery is all high-fired (Cone 10) stoneware.  This means it is food safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and oven safe.  It should NOT be used over direct flame such as a gas or electric stovetop or gas or charcoal grill.

FOOD SAFE means that the glazes are formulated and tested not to leach colorants such as copper into acidic food.  The typical easy test is to put a slice of lemon on the ware overnight.  Next morning, if there is any leaching, there will be a lighter colored area where the lemon was.  We send most of our glazes to a professional testing service in Alfred NY. 
We mix all of our glazes ourselves so we know exactly what is in them....mostly inert ingredients such as limestone, clay, feldspar, iron oxide, etc.

MICROWAVE SAFE means that 1) the pot doesn't absorb water so, when microwaved, the body of the pot isn't in danger of overheating or cracking.  2) Nothing in the clay body will attract microwave energy and overheat.
The test for this is to put a cup or so of water in a pot, microwave it on high for a minute.  The water should be beginning to warm but the pot should be cool.

DISHWASHER SAFE means that the glazes are formulated to withstand the harsh detergents used in dishwashers.  This fault shows up over time as the detergent causes the glaze (which is a glass) to become cloudy.

OVEN SAFE means that under normal circumstances the pot can be used in the average home oven.  All ceramic (because it is composed partly of silica) expands and contracts slightly as it is heated and cooled.  If you are placing a cool object (like a piece of meat for roasting) in the center of a dish, it is a good idea to put a cup or so of water in the pot before placing in the oven.  This will help spread out the thermal stress, but boil off before roasting begins.

No ceramic item should be heated above 425 degF.  At about 450 degF. the silica undergoes a dramatic and sudden expansion of about 3%.  This can easily cause a piece to crack.

FLAMEWARE As of Mid-2008, we are beginning work on a special clay body designed to withstand direct flame.  It will ONLY be available in certain pieces such as tagines, a skillet, a cazuela, and probably some baking dishes.  It requires completely different glazes and the available color range is limited.

We invite your questions:  Please go to the "Contact Us" page and send us a note.