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Types of dinnerware
By admin | December 30, 2008
Ironstone, stoneware, earthenware, dolomite, porcelain, china, bone china
These are all different types of ceramic dinnerware bodies.
Basically, ceramics is clay and water. The type of clay, the amount of water, and the temperature at which is ceramic is fired will determine the type of ceramic dinnerware.
When the clay is cheap and the temperature is low, the result will be a less expensive dinnerware.
Other things that factor into the cost of dinnerware are the handling, the number of times the dinnerware is fired, and the type of decoration that is applied to the dinnerware.
Here is a general list of the types of ceramic dinnerware and their top characteristics.
Bone China
- hardest and usually most expensive.
- Made w/bone (the best is made with the front leg of a cow)
- fired multiple times
- usually decorated with gold or platinum
- strongest dinnerware – a person can stand on a cup
- usually not microwave safe because of the precious metals (gold or platinum) that are used for decoration
- may be dishwasher safe (always check the manufacturer’s information for the actual performance attributes)
China
- now used as a generic term for all dinnerware
- can also be used to refer to porcelain
Porcelain
- usually vitrified (less than 1% water in its body)
- strong
- usually made with whiter clay and a clear glaze to show off the purity of the ceramic body
- decorated with decal
- usually not microwave safe because of the precious metals (gold or platinum) that are used for decoration
- may be dishwasher safe (always check the manufacturer’s information for the actual performance attributes)
Stoneware
Ironstone
- less strong than stoneware, but stronger than earthenware
- decorated with glaze color, hand paint, and or decal
- usually dishwasher, microwave, oven safe. (always check the manufacturer’s information for the actual performance attributes).
Earthenware
- also can be called dolomite
- contains more water than stoneware
- usually chips easily
- usually decorated by hand painting
- technically is usually dishwasher and microwave safe. The higher amount of water in the body can cause thermal shock, where the ceramic body of the earthenware expands and contracts in heat and cold faster than its glaze, resulting in crazing and cracks. (always check the manufacturer’s information for the actual performance attributes).
There are more sub categories of ceramic dinnerware bodies that will be discussed in the future, but the main types are the ones discussed above.
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