Maybe you’re choosing dishes for the first time? Or you made a New Year’s resolution to finally replace the ones you’ve had forever? When you’re in the market, for whatever reason, it’s always good to know about your choices. And dishes are no different. There’s ceramic, stoneware and porcelain, but what’s the difference? More importantly, why choose one over the other? Let’s have a look…
What Does It Mean That Dishes Are Ceramic?
Ceramic dishes are made from clay. The clay is often enhanced with additions of naturally-occurring minerals and other elements (like sand, paper pulp, or nylon fibers). This gives ceramic pieces structure and strength. The clay is shaped, dried, and then fired in a kiln. Ceramic dishes are nonporous, which is great for keeping them clean, and which is one of their best features. Also, ceramic dishes can be found in all price points and in all types of stores, which is another reason to choose ceramic.
Insider Tip: Ceramic dishes are readily available at most thrift and consignment stores, like Consignments Ltd.
So What’s Porcelain?
Porcelain is actually a subset of ceramic, but with a twist. Specifically, porcelain is made of a particular type of white clay called kaolin and porcelain is typically fired at much higher temperatures. What this does for porcelain is two-fold. It makes it highly durable but also slightly translucent. If you hold a piece of porcelain in front of a light source you should be able to see the glow of the light through the piece. Porcelain is generally more highly decorated, as well. Porcelain tends to be a bit more expensive, but people choose it for this translucent and decorative beauty. And, of course, the durability.
And Then There’s Stoneware
Stoneware is actually another form of ceramics. I know, right? But stoneware is made with clay that is less porous. This less-porous clay makes for sturdier dishes that resist chipping. Stoneware tends to have a more rustic look and be rendered in heavier forms. Plates will be thicker than traditional ceramics and definitely thicker than porcelain.
So, hopefully this has made your dish decision a little clearer. Whether you choose ceramic, stoneware or porcelain, now you know the difference. Still hungry for more? Yes, fairly poor pun in a blog about dishes, I’ll admit it. But if you are, check out some of my other topics like: Steps To Set A Beautiful Table and Best Kitchen Buys From Consignment and Thrift.
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