What does it all mean?
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009

Porcelain, Bone China, Fine China, Stoneware and Earthenware...

Porcelain
Characteristics: Porcelain is made of refined china clay, giving the dishes their white color and translucent quality. Porcelain is typically used for formal occasions.
Advantages: It looks delicate but is actually very strong and chip-resistant.
Disadvantages: Porcelain is best cared for when washed by hand, especially if dishes have any applications like metallic bands, luster finishes or hand painting.
Price: moderate to expensive

Bone China
Characteristics: Bone china is made of refined china clay and animal-bone ash (today, a synthetic ash is more commonly used). The two materials combine to create the dishes’ signature ivory-white coloring. Bone china is very translucent and very thin. It is typically used for more formal occasions, though informal styles are available.
Advantages: When fired at high temperatures, bone china is as strong as porcelain.
Disadvantages: Bone china should be washed by hand, as it chips easily.
Price: moderate to expensive

Fine China
Characteristics: Fine china dishes include both bone and porcelain materials. Fine china is typically used for more formal occasions.
Advantages: Fine china can be found in a variety of patterns and can also be very strong.
Disadvantages: High-quality fine china can be extremely expensive. Hand-wash fine china and immediately wipe off oils from food.
Price: moderate to expensive


Stoneware
Characteristics: Stoneware is nonporous and made from clay fortified with ground stone.
Advantages: Stoneware is more durable than earthenware and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher and oven. Most styles are chip-resistant. It is easy to clean and retains food temperatures.
Disadvantages: Typically dishwasher safe, the glaze on stoneware dishes can grow dull, wear thin and turn opalescent in color with repeated exposure to heat and detergents.
Price: inexpensive to moderate
Tip: Use lower heat settings and the gentle cycle when you run your dishwasher.


Earthenware
Characteristics: Earthenware is made from a semi-porous ceramic created through a mixture of clays. This informal clay tableware usually features bright colors, vibrant patterns or hand-painted designs.
Advantages: It’s heavier and more durable than fine china but can still be fragile. Earthenware is good for everyday dining and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher and oven.
Disadvantages: Earthenware can typically be very heavy.
Price: inexpensive to moderate