Microwave Safe

Microwave safe means the maker has rated the piece for the microwave, and on decorated ceramics that rating comes down to one thing: no metal anywhere in the decoration to reflect the microwave field. Printed mugs with the design sealed under the glaze pass that test, and so does plain porcelain with no metal rim, so milk can warm in the pitcher it pours from and leftovers can reheat in the bowl that served them. Choose them when the microwave is part of how your kitchen actually runs, since a piece that reheats saves washing a second dish every time.