Porcelain? Stoneware? Earthenware? How do I choose? Today the choices for dinnerware can be daunting. Below we've put together the most frequently asked questions we get in our store helping customers select dinnerware.
What is porcelain?
Porcelain is a vitreous ceramic material made by heating kaolin to temperatures between 2,200 and 2,600 °F. Porcelain has a stark white appearance with incredible durability. Porcelain dinnerware is dishwasher and microwave safe; and, some is even broiler safe. Hand washing is recommended for larger pieces, hand painted collections, or dinnerware with gold or platinum decoration. Items with metallic decoration are not microwave safe. See our Caskata and Pillivuyt collections for porcelain dinnerware.
What is stoneware?
Stoneware is a vitreous or semi-vitreous ceramic made primarily from stoneware clay. Stoneware is fired at high temperatures. It is non-porous and so does not need a glaze. Stoneware is microwave, oven and freezer safe. See our Casafina and Juliska collections for stoneware dinnerware.
What is earthenware?
Earthenware is a clay fired at relatively low temperatures and is more porous and less translucent than porcelain. Typically, earthenware is relatively thick and heavy, and, depending on the clay used, its natural color ranges from buff to red. A well-known characteristic of earthenware is that it is likely to crackle. This crackling effect is considered part of its beauty but does not affect its use. Most earthenware is dishwasher safe on low heat settings. It is generally not microwave safe. See our Gien and Vietri Collections for earthenware dinnerware.