Ceramic Tableware

The Terra Keramik tableware is dishwasher safe, and we recommend that you wash it in the dishwasher. If you wash the tableware by hand, always use the soft side of sponges or scrubbing brushes.

  • Carefully place the tableware in the dishwasher so the pieces do not touch each other (pieces coming into contact with each other is the leading cause of ceramics being damaged in the dishwasher). The cups and mugs should be loaded in the top rack.
  • We recommend that you operate the dishwasher using the delicate or gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 110°-130° F (45°-55° C) and use a high quality dishwasher detergent (always observe the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines).
  • Do not combine ceramic tableware with pots and pans because certain metals oxidize and the interaction of detergent with oxidizing metals can remove the shine from the glazed surface, rendering the tableware with a matte appearance.

The tableware is not suitable for a microwave. Cups and mugs can be pre-heated either on top of your espresso / cappuccino machine or by filling with hot water.

Glazes and Platinum Trim

While both the clay and glaze are very durable, dull spots or scratches may result from stacking of tableware. When storing the tableware, we recommend placing paper towels or napkins between pieces of tableware.

The decorative rims and handles are made of pure platinum. According to the manufacturer of the platinum, the platinum glaze should withstand 1,000 dishwasher cycles without any noticeable wear of the platinum (actual results may vary based on dishwasher type, wash program, detergent, and water hardness). However, minor wear is normal and will not affect the use of the piece.

Food-Safe Glazes

Terra Keramik uses glazes that contain zero lead and cadmium to produce an absolutely food-safe finish. You should be aware that the FDA does permit trace amounts of lead and cadmium in ceramic tableware, and therefore not all imported tableware is lead and cadmium free. The State Laboratory of Zürich, Switzerland performed an independent test of Terra Keramik’s tableware in September 2006 and the test found zero lead and cadmium. Terra Keramik’s tableware complies with the FDA regulations for lead and cadmium content in imported ceramic tableware.

Fondue Pots

We recommend that you read our cooking and serving tips (pdf) before using your new fondue pot.

When preparing a fondue using our fondue pot, place the fondue pot directly on your cooktop to heat the fondue. Use a wooden spoon to stir. The ceramic pot will absorb the heat. When the fondue starts to simmer, remove the fondue pot from the cooktop and transfer to the burner unit. When operating the fondue burner, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You may wish to place an aluminum or stainless steel sheet underneath your fondue pot to protect it from possible discoloration that can be caused by the burner flame. Do not put your fondue pot in the microwave.

A new fondue pot is slightly porous and will reach its optimum density once it has been used three to five times.

To clean the fondue pot, we recommend removing residual cheese with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula and then placing the pot in the dishwasher.

Crystal Glassware

Glass is basically not shock or heat resistant (with the exception of borosilicate glass such as Pyrex) and glass can crack or develop tension if overheated or subjected to shock. Before it is packaged at the Glasi factory, glass is quality tested for tension and therefore should not reach the market with any inherent tension. If cracks develop this is likely a sign that the glass was not properly handled.

We recommend to hand wash fine glassware using warm water and a gentle detergent. Make sure the water is not too hot, especially when washing thick glass. If you require washing the glassware in the dishwasher, please:

  • Carefully place the drinking glasses, glass plates and glass bowls in the top rack so the pieces do not touch each other (pieces coming into contact with each other is the leading cause of glasses being damaged in the dishwasher).
  • Operate the dishwasher using the delicate or gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 110°-130° F (45°-55° C) and use a high quality dishwasher detergent (always observe the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines).
  • Do not combine glassware with pots and pans because certain metals oxidize and the interaction of detergent with oxidizing metals can remove the shine from the glass surface, rendering glassware with a matte appearance.

Espresso Tampers

Please follow these instructions to care for your TORR espresso tamper:

  • Protect the tamper against sun, heat and moisture, as well as sudden changes in temperature.
  • Use a damp, soft cotton cloth to clean the tamper and immediately dry the item. Do not use soap or detergent.
  • To maintain the beauty of the wood for a long time, we recommend a regular application of natural wax (such as bees wax). Depending on use, we suggest an application approximately every 4-8 weeks. Please apply a thin coat and then polish with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Please do not unscrew the handle because of the wooden thread we use for the tamper handles.

To avoid damage to the TORR espresso tamper:

  • Do not expose and store the tamper in hot or cold conditions.
  • Do not use the wooden tamper handles to hit or tap against the portafilter or other objects.
  • Do not wash the tamper in the dishwasher or heat in the microwave oven.
  • Do not clean the tamper with oil, abrasive or caustic cleaners or other similar cleaning agents.
  • Do not use espresso machine cleaner to clean the tamper.
  • Do not clean or scrape the tamper with sharp objects.
  • Please be aware that if you inadvertently heat the stainless steel portion of the tamper, this will become very hot and can burn.
  • Do not drop or throw the tamper to avoid damage to the tamper and to avoid personal injury.

Product Care