What Does "Microwave Safe" mean, exactly?

In the twenty years that I've been making pottery, the three questions that I am most commonly asked. "Are your glazes lead free?" "Are your mugs microwave safe?" and "Can I wash the mugs in the dishwasher?"  To these questions I answer "Yes, absolutely."

I don't use lead in my glazes, and I've taken the extra step to have my mugs certified lead-free by the Brandywine Laboratory in Pennsylvania (here's the link to the report). I figure it's nice to say the glazes are lead-free, but it's critical to have evidence in the form of a lab test to back up the statement. (The report is easily accessible on the home page of Mug Revolution's website.)

I ran across an interesting article this morning while reading the Clay Art digest. The folks over at Good Housekeeping ran some lab tests on commercially produced mugs to see if in fact the mugs were leaching heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and others. They also ran tests to determine if the mugs were microwave safe. (Here's a link to the article.) They took the tests one step further, and ran them on mugs that were "aged" for one month of average use to see if there was a difference in the heavy metals leaching out of the glazes after regular usage. And, in one case, they found that a new mug was safe, but after being "aged" for one month and re-tested, it did in fact leach lead. They then ask "What does Microwave Safe" mean?

This is how I define "Microwave Safe": One, a mug from Mug Revolution is Microwave Safe if it can withstand repeated heatings in a microwave oven with no damage to the mug over long periods of time. Two, the mug handle does not get excessively warm and burn the user after putting the mug into a microwave for the minimum amount of time required to heat liquid contained in the mug.

In both cases, Mug Revolution mugs pass these tests with ease. I've been reheating coffee and tea in my Mug Revolution mug daily for over five years with no adverse effects. And many people have told me over the years how glad they are that they can take one of my mugs out of the microwave without burning their hand on an overly hot handle.

While there are no actual standards that provide a clear definition of what "Microwave Safe" means, Good Housekeeping calls for refining the meaning of ATSM Standard C1607 to include mugs that have been tested after they have been used for a period of time to ensure that consumers have reliable data reflecting actual day to day use of a mug. They encourage a standard definition of "Microwave Safe" and subsequent requirement of manufacturers to meet the standard on both new and "aged" mugs, and that the product be labeled "Microwave Safe - meets ATSM Standard C1607."

I'm all for this standard. The culture of "buyer beware" that is so prevalent in society today should not extend into having to worry about the mug you are drinking your coffee or tea from causing potential health issues.

I see my coffee has gone cold while I've been writing. I think it's time to publish this  blog entry and reheat my coffee in the microwave!

Three new mugs added to the Mug Store!

In 2005, Mug Revolution went into business with just one mug - the 16 oz. Classic Mug, and available in one color: Green-Blue. Shortly thereafter, my wife convinced me to add a blue glaze to the color choices. And not long after that, my mother-in-law asked me to make some 12 oz. mugs, and this size was soon added to the Mug Store.

Of course since the first days of Mug Revolution a lot has changed. There are now six color choices and 25 different mugs to choose from. I find this to be amazing!

And now I'm very pleased and excited to announce the addition of three new mug products to the Mug Store.

First of all, when I add a new logo mug to the line-up, it is not usually an instant thing. There are months and months of work with graphic designers, variations are made with different effects in the stamps, sample mugs are made and shown to people for feedback, adjustments are made, and if all goes well, a new mug emerges and is added to the Mug Store at Mug Revolution.

The first new mug to introduce, was designed by Bend, Oregon artist Robert Killen. This one is a lovely Celtic Hummingbird Mug design and is available with the design only as well as with personalization.

The Celtic Hummingbird Mug as seen in Galway, Ireland! (click to enlarge)

The second new mug was designed by Bend, Oregon artists Paul Jones and Mark Blackwell. The Mountain Biker's Mug is available as a logo-only mug or with personalization.

The Mountain Biker's Mug (click to enlarge)
And finally I'd like to introduce the Personalized Thumb Rest Mug. Folks who want a personalized mug with a bit more pizazz can get the initial of the name on the mug put on the thumb rest. It's also possible to put up to two numerals on the thumb rest - this would be a perfect gift for a birthday present.

The Personalized Thumb Rest Mug (click to enlarge)
I hope you enjoy the new mugs! As always I wish to extend my gratitude to you for supporting handmade coffee mugs made in the studio pottery tradition - without you, there would be no mug store, and I would not be doing what I absolutely love to do for a living!

Summer and Mugs!

Summer has arrived on the west coast. Susan and I (along with Kelty)  just got back from a lovely week of camping in southeastern British Columbia. The weather was fantastic for the most part, and we were treated to lovely scenery in every direction. 

On the way north, we saw a coffee shack and had to take a mug shot.

Every morning at the lake, we would make a cup of coffee and head down to look at the water and mountains. It soothes the soul to look at nature, doesn't it? Much better than starting the day with the stress of the current news and negativity the machine of media perpetuates.

While in Nelson, I had to get Susan to take a photo of me on Silica Street. I really should set up my studio on Silica Street in Nelson. Such a street name for a potter! (For those of you who don't know, silica is one of the main ingredients in clay and glazes, hence my adoration of this lovely town's street.)

A month before our camping trip we drove down to the Bay Area to see U2 in concert. I hadn't seen the band live before and I was absolutely blown away by the show. 

The band that opened the show, Moonalice, had previously given one of my mugs to Bono. 

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer!