Let\’s take a tour around the typical kitchen. You will see various bowls, plates, mugs, and cups, but have you ever stopped to consider what they are made out of? Your typical dinner set is made out of three main materials, namely earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Most of us have heard of these materials before, but don\’t know what the differences are. This article will help to shed some light on this issue…

Earthenware —————- Earthenware is a \”low-fired\” clay. This white and porous clay is fired at a low temperature, usually around\’15 degrees Fahrenheit. It is sometimes called \”ceramics\” or \”ceramic ware\”.

Stoneware ————– Stoneware (unlike Earthenware) is a \”high-fired\” clay. It is fired around 2185 degrees Fahrenheit, and as a result of this intense heat, it is much stronger than Earthenware. This firing makes it vitreous (i.e.: like glass), and is chip-resistant and sturdy.

Porcelain ———– Porcelain is made out of a number of ingredients. A pale clay (such as china white) is the main material. Other materials, such as glass, granite, and feldspar are ground, and then added to the clay. Enough water is added to make the mixture workable. After working this mixture into the shape you want, it is fired in a bisque kiln at a moderate temperature. After glazing and a \”high-temperature\” firing, you have a piece of pottery that is delicate and translucent.

Telling the Difference ————————– Now that we know a bit about each, how do we tell them apart? Here\’s the process:

1) First check to see if it is porcelain. Unlike stoneware and earthenware, porcelain is translucent. Hold the piece up to the light? What do you see? If you can see some light shining through…then it\’s porcelain.

2) If you have come this far, you know it\’s either stoneware or earthenware. What\’s the next test? How heavy is the item? If it\’s pretty heavy for its size, then it\’s most likely stoneware.

3) If the piece looks like hand-made pottery, then it is stoneware. Stoneware, unlike earthenware, will have a texture to it.

4) Does the item you are holding have a chip in it? If so, take a look at it. Is it very white and \”chalky\” looking? Can you scrape off more material with your fingernail? If so, it\’s probably earthenware. We say this because earthenware, when fired, has a white, chalky look. Stoneware, on the other hand, has a darker, textured look.

5) If any part of the piece is unglazed, take a look to see if textured clay is showing through. This means that it is stoneware.

Did you enjoy this little journey into the world of dinner set materials. We now know that porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are the three main options. More information on dinner sets is available on our blog.

Want to find out more about earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, then visit Diana Richards\’s site on how to choose the best dinner set for your needs.