KitchenMax

Kitchenware safety symbols, explained

Unlike laundry care labels, kitchenware safety marks aren't one single international standard — dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer icons are near-universal by convention, but the exact art varies by manufacturer. The one mark with a real regulatory citation is the wine-glass-and-fork "food contact safe" symbol, defined by EU regulation 1935/2004.

Marks are usually stamped or embossed on the underside of an item, and can be faint or worn. If you're checking by eye rather than scanning, tilt the item so light rakes across the surface — that often turns an invisible embossed mark into a clear shadow.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher safe on any rack
Dishwasher safeAny rack
Dishwasher safe on the top rack only
Top rack onlyAway from the heating element
Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only
Hand wash only

Microwave

Microwave safe
Microwave safe
Microwave safe for reheating only, not for cooking
Reheat onlyNot for cooking
Do not microwave
Not microwave safe

Oven

Oven-safe items are usually marked with a maximum temperature — respect it even if the item feels sturdy; exceeding it risks cracking, warping, or releasing fumes depending on the material.

Oven safe, no maximum temperature specified
Oven safeNo temperature given
Oven safe up to 200 degrees Celsius
Oven safeUp to 200°C
Oven safe up to 260 degrees Celsius
Oven safeUp to 260°C
Do not put in the oven
Not oven safe

Freezer

Freezer safe
Freezer safe
Do not freeze
Not freezer safe

Food contact and materials

The wine-glass-and-fork mark means a material is approved for direct food contact under EU regulation 1935/2004. Its absence doesn't mean an item is unsafe — most everyday kitchenware simply isn't marked either way.

Approved for food contact under EU regulation 1935/2004
Food contact safeEU 1935/2004
Not approved for food contact — decorative use only
Not food safeDecorative use only
Free of bisphenol A
BPA free

Stovetop

Safe on a gas or electric stovetop
Stovetop safeGas or electric
Safe on an induction hob
Induction safe
Do not use on a stovetop
Not stovetop safe

Plastic resin codes

The number inside the triangle of chasing arrows (ASTM D7611) identifies the plastic resin — it's a recycling code, not a food-safety rating on its own, though some codes (like #5, polypropylene) are more commonly used for food storage than others (like #3, PVC).

Plastic resin identification code 1
Resin code 1
Plastic resin identification code 2
Resin code 2
Plastic resin identification code 3
Resin code 3
Plastic resin identification code 4
Resin code 4
Plastic resin identification code 5
Resin code 5
Plastic resin identification code 6
Resin code 6
Plastic resin identification code 7
Resin code 7

Skip the memorizing

KitchenMax reads these marks straight off a photo of the item — point your camera at the underside and it tells you what's dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe automatically. See how it works.