Flameware FAQs
Before these Flameware pieces became available for purchase, they were tested. And tested. And then tested again. For the Comals and WokPots, we tested them on stovetops (electric, glass top, gas, induction with a diffuser, and on a grill) and in ovens. Pie Dishes have been used for baking and roasting, and mini pie pans were tested successfully in air fryers. For all flameware pieces, we put them in freezers, and then directly into pre-heated ovens and on hot burners. We banged them around, not always on purpose, and exposed them to surface temperatures higher than necessary and roasting longer than we should. We scorched, seared, charred, and sautéed. All in the name of quality control and to truly know that these pieces deserve to be a valued cooking appliance in any home.
Our FAQs have come from these tests, and they've come from inquiries and feedback while we were fine-tuning our production processes and from field testers. When our clay supplier reformulated the clay, we tested again. We want to be as thorough and current as we can, so these FAQs will be updated as we make new discoveries and/or field new feedback. If you have a question or feedback that isn't covered below, please let us know here!
What is Flameware?
Flameware is lead-free, non-toxic clay that can withstand thermal shock (sudden temperature changes) without cracking. This means it can go into a pre-heated oven or be used directly on a burner.
Can Flameware be used on all stovetops?
Your Flameware pieces can be used on electric ring/glass or gas cooktops, or directly on the grill. If you have induction cooking, your Flameware needs to be used on top of a cast iron/metal diffuser/heat spreader. And depending on how your electric burners heat, you may also want to use the diffuser as it helps evenly heat at a slower pace. While glass cooktops generally come with a warning about using ceramic cooking appliances, we have used Flameware successfully without damage to the surface, so really, it's up to you and how you use your cookware!
Does Flameware need to be heated with the oven, like my stoneware pieces?
Short answer: no! You can put your Flameware pieces directly into a pre-heated oven.
How sturdy/strong is Flameware?
Flameware is less brittle than regular stoneware, and in my testing, it has stood up to all the basic knocks and bumps that happen in a kitchen. It is still ceramic, so if you drop it, you may well break it. Treat it as a treasured appliance, and please don’t drop it!
How have you tested the Flameware?
Before I developed our first piece, the Comal, I created test pieces that allowed me to test the clay durability from freezer to burner to ice bath to pre-heated oven. Tests went far beyond the likely uses in a standard kitchen (even professional kitchen). Test Comals have been put through scorching heats, cooking with various oils and liquids, dry roasting, oven cooking, and cleaned immediately and after sitting.
If you follow my @homemadetastesbetteronhandmade or @crazygreenstudios page on Instagram, the Comal you see most in those images and reels is the very first test Comal made that continues to work beautifully and clean up like a dream!
Do I need to season or cure my Flameware?
Each WokPot is hand burnished, compressing the surface to a smooth finish that quickly becomes non-stick the more you use it. While seasoning is not required, we suggest following a water/oil curing process that will strengthen the surface of your Flameware and help make it non-stick and easy to clean. You may find instructions on this process here.
May I use oils or liquids to cook on the Flameware?
Dry roasting/charring peppers works beautifully on Flameware. You also need no oil (unless called for in a recipe) when cooking off tortillas or flatbreads. In general, you can use oil or butter for cooking vegetables or for searing meats, and you can add other liquids as needed while cooking. As you use your Flameware, you will learn just how much is needed, just like you’ll learn how hot or cool you want to have your burner.
How does the Flameware distribute/retain heat?
Flameware will give you a nice, even heating surface when directly over the heat source. Be aware, the heat stays in the Flameware even when you adjust the burner level, so don’t set a high heat temperature with the intention of easing off after you see it sizzle. Ease up to it and learn how beautifully it heats. It’ll be easier to add heat than take it away, so give yourself time to learn the rhythm of your Flameware and how it interacts with your various heat sources. If you find foods scorching or burning, then start with a lower initial heat. Best practice is to heat it up slowly the first time, not to protect the Flameware, but to find your stove's 'sweet spot'. Cook surfaces will vary, so how low/slow will depend on what you're using. If you're using it directly on a grill, make sure you have both hot and cool areas of the grill. Even though the Flameware will retain the heat, being able to move it over to a cool side of the grill will help you keep control and avoid burning. But don't be alarmed if you see char marks on your cook surface (see next FAQ)!
The Flameware will get warm/hot as the heat source radiates out heat, so if you are cooking on a larger burner, plan to have a pot holder to help move the piece off the burner.
Will the Flameware change in appearance as I use it?
Oh yes, from the first use you will begin to see changes. The underside, where it sits directly on the heat source, will show marks for sure, and the cooking side will start to change color as you use it. If you get the heat a bit too high, you’ll see scorch marks, but even if they stay on the pot after cleaning, it will not affect the quality of how it cooks. The evolving color changes on your Flameware are a part of the natural 'seasoning' and should be embraced.
What utensils can I use on my Flameware?
You can use any of your favorite utensils (wood, silicone, metal) on your Flameware, but I recommend wooden spoons and spatulas the most as they are firm but soft, so if you accidentally whack or scrape against the Flameware you’re not likely to chip or scratch it. Even using wooden utensils, you may see marks on the surface, but that’s just another part of the natural ‘seasoning’ that takes place as you use your Flameware.
How do I clean my Flameware?
Flameware pots are so easy to clean! You can plunge them directly into or under running water immediately after use, which makes clean up even easier. Use a green scrubby or wooden spatula to clean off any residue. If you have anything that really stuck during cooking, let it soak for a few minutes and then clean under running water with a green scrubby. Almost immediately you’ll see the water bead off the burnished surface as whatever was stuck slides easily off, and each use will make your Flameware more and more non-stick. While you can put the Flameware in the dishwasher, hand washing is recommended. And you can let it drip dry in the drainer.
Can I use a lid with Flameware?
While I do not make lids for Flameware pieces, you can certainly use one if you want or need. I find that the lid to a standard stock pot will cover either form, or you can use a silicone "universal lid'. You can find a set of three sizes here from Dash , and with the slight curve of the Comal and average width of the WokPot, they work perfectly to retain steam and heat when you’re saute-ing or steaming foods (these are the lids you'll see me using online).
Got a question about the Flameware you don't see here? Ask us!
Our FAQs have come from these tests, and they've come from inquiries and feedback while we were fine-tuning our production processes and from field testers. When our clay supplier reformulated the clay, we tested again. We want to be as thorough and current as we can, so these FAQs will be updated as we make new discoveries and/or field new feedback. If you have a question or feedback that isn't covered below, please let us know here!
What is Flameware?
Flameware is lead-free, non-toxic clay that can withstand thermal shock (sudden temperature changes) without cracking. This means it can go into a pre-heated oven or be used directly on a burner.
Can Flameware be used on all stovetops?
Your Flameware pieces can be used on electric ring/glass or gas cooktops, or directly on the grill. If you have induction cooking, your Flameware needs to be used on top of a cast iron/metal diffuser/heat spreader. And depending on how your electric burners heat, you may also want to use the diffuser as it helps evenly heat at a slower pace. While glass cooktops generally come with a warning about using ceramic cooking appliances, we have used Flameware successfully without damage to the surface, so really, it's up to you and how you use your cookware!
Does Flameware need to be heated with the oven, like my stoneware pieces?
Short answer: no! You can put your Flameware pieces directly into a pre-heated oven.
How sturdy/strong is Flameware?
Flameware is less brittle than regular stoneware, and in my testing, it has stood up to all the basic knocks and bumps that happen in a kitchen. It is still ceramic, so if you drop it, you may well break it. Treat it as a treasured appliance, and please don’t drop it!
How have you tested the Flameware?
Before I developed our first piece, the Comal, I created test pieces that allowed me to test the clay durability from freezer to burner to ice bath to pre-heated oven. Tests went far beyond the likely uses in a standard kitchen (even professional kitchen). Test Comals have been put through scorching heats, cooking with various oils and liquids, dry roasting, oven cooking, and cleaned immediately and after sitting.
If you follow my @homemadetastesbetteronhandmade or @crazygreenstudios page on Instagram, the Comal you see most in those images and reels is the very first test Comal made that continues to work beautifully and clean up like a dream!
Do I need to season or cure my Flameware?
Each WokPot is hand burnished, compressing the surface to a smooth finish that quickly becomes non-stick the more you use it. While seasoning is not required, we suggest following a water/oil curing process that will strengthen the surface of your Flameware and help make it non-stick and easy to clean. You may find instructions on this process here.
May I use oils or liquids to cook on the Flameware?
Dry roasting/charring peppers works beautifully on Flameware. You also need no oil (unless called for in a recipe) when cooking off tortillas or flatbreads. In general, you can use oil or butter for cooking vegetables or for searing meats, and you can add other liquids as needed while cooking. As you use your Flameware, you will learn just how much is needed, just like you’ll learn how hot or cool you want to have your burner.
How does the Flameware distribute/retain heat?
Flameware will give you a nice, even heating surface when directly over the heat source. Be aware, the heat stays in the Flameware even when you adjust the burner level, so don’t set a high heat temperature with the intention of easing off after you see it sizzle. Ease up to it and learn how beautifully it heats. It’ll be easier to add heat than take it away, so give yourself time to learn the rhythm of your Flameware and how it interacts with your various heat sources. If you find foods scorching or burning, then start with a lower initial heat. Best practice is to heat it up slowly the first time, not to protect the Flameware, but to find your stove's 'sweet spot'. Cook surfaces will vary, so how low/slow will depend on what you're using. If you're using it directly on a grill, make sure you have both hot and cool areas of the grill. Even though the Flameware will retain the heat, being able to move it over to a cool side of the grill will help you keep control and avoid burning. But don't be alarmed if you see char marks on your cook surface (see next FAQ)!
The Flameware will get warm/hot as the heat source radiates out heat, so if you are cooking on a larger burner, plan to have a pot holder to help move the piece off the burner.
Will the Flameware change in appearance as I use it?
Oh yes, from the first use you will begin to see changes. The underside, where it sits directly on the heat source, will show marks for sure, and the cooking side will start to change color as you use it. If you get the heat a bit too high, you’ll see scorch marks, but even if they stay on the pot after cleaning, it will not affect the quality of how it cooks. The evolving color changes on your Flameware are a part of the natural 'seasoning' and should be embraced.
What utensils can I use on my Flameware?
You can use any of your favorite utensils (wood, silicone, metal) on your Flameware, but I recommend wooden spoons and spatulas the most as they are firm but soft, so if you accidentally whack or scrape against the Flameware you’re not likely to chip or scratch it. Even using wooden utensils, you may see marks on the surface, but that’s just another part of the natural ‘seasoning’ that takes place as you use your Flameware.
How do I clean my Flameware?
Flameware pots are so easy to clean! You can plunge them directly into or under running water immediately after use, which makes clean up even easier. Use a green scrubby or wooden spatula to clean off any residue. If you have anything that really stuck during cooking, let it soak for a few minutes and then clean under running water with a green scrubby. Almost immediately you’ll see the water bead off the burnished surface as whatever was stuck slides easily off, and each use will make your Flameware more and more non-stick. While you can put the Flameware in the dishwasher, hand washing is recommended. And you can let it drip dry in the drainer.
Can I use a lid with Flameware?
While I do not make lids for Flameware pieces, you can certainly use one if you want or need. I find that the lid to a standard stock pot will cover either form, or you can use a silicone "universal lid'. You can find a set of three sizes here from Dash , and with the slight curve of the Comal and average width of the WokPot, they work perfectly to retain steam and heat when you’re saute-ing or steaming foods (these are the lids you'll see me using online).
Got a question about the Flameware you don't see here? Ask us!
