If we look around a typical American kitchen what will we find? Appliances like a stove, a fridge, and a dishwasher, sure...but what about in the cupboard? You will probably see lots of bowls, mugs, plates, and cups. Pretty designs and various shapes, but have you ever stopped to consider what they are made out of? Plastic in the "more economical" kitchens perhaps, but most are made out of three main materials: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. We may have heard of these materials before...but what are they? We will be exploring the differences between these three materials in this article.
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 --------------------------- With this bit of a background on what makes them different, how do we tell them apart? Here's the breakdown:
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) Stoneware also has a "look" of hand-made pottery. This means that stoneware will have a texture to it. Earthenware will not.
4) If the piece you are holding has a chip in it, take a close look at it. Is the area very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape off a bit more material with your fingernail? If so, then it's probably earthenware. Earthenware (once it has been fired) has a white, chalky look. Stoneware has a darker, textured look.
5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay showing through. If so, it's 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. - 30552
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 --------------------------- With this bit of a background on what makes them different, how do we tell them apart? Here's the breakdown:
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) Stoneware also has a "look" of hand-made pottery. This means that stoneware will have a texture to it. Earthenware will not.
4) If the piece you are holding has a chip in it, take a close look at it. Is the area very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape off a bit more material with your fingernail? If so, then it's probably earthenware. Earthenware (once it has been fired) has a white, chalky look. Stoneware has a darker, textured look.
5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay showing through. If so, it's 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. - 30552
About the Author:
Learn more about the world of the dinner set. Stop by Diana Richards's site where you can find out all about dinner sets, and which one will work best for you.
