Everything you need to know about dinnerware
Dinnerware serves as a canvas for everyone’s individual style and discerning taste. In this blog post I share the diverse range of dinnerware, it’s benefits as well as it’s pro’s and con’s to everyone seeking to upgrade and elevate their kitchen and dining experience from normal to sophistication.
Types Of Dinnerware
When it comes to selecting the perfect dinnerware, understanding the characteristics of different types of dinnerware can help you make an informed choice with it’s unique qualities.
- Porcelain: Porcelain is renowned for it’s elegance and durability, It has usually been regarded as the most prestigious type of pottery due to its delicacy, strength, its high degree of whiteness, glaze and decorations. Porcelain tableware is often used in fine dining restaurants because of its ability to showcase culinary artistry. Porcelain dinnerware elevates the presentation of food, turning simple meals into gourmet experiences. Porcelain is the strongest and most durable material there is when it comes to dishes.
- Benefits:
- Hygiene: Porcelain is non-porous, so it does not absorb odours, grease or bacteria. This makes it easy to clean and maintain hygienic standards.
- Heat resistance: Porcelain can withstand sudden temperature changes without cracking or breaking. It can be used in the oven, microwave and refrigerator, and it can also be used around fireplaces.
- Durability: Porcelain is chip and shock resistant, so it’s easy to stack. It’s also resistant to fading and staining in the dishwasher.
- Natural material: Porcelain is made from natural materials, like clay, and is fired at high temperatures.
- Ceramic Dinnerware: Ceramic Dinnerware is a type of tableware made from clay and other ceramic materials that has been shaped, glazed and fired in a kin. Ceramic dinnerware is known for its versatility, affordability and smooth finish. Ceramic dinnerware comes in a variety of colours, patterns and designs. It is commonly used for dinning, serving and decorative purposes.
- Benefits:
- Non-Toxic: Ceramic is made from natural materials like clay and minerals, and is free from harmful coatings like lead and cadmium.
- Heat-safe: Ceramic dinnerware can be used in the microwave, oven and on the stove. It retains heat well and distributes it evenly, so food cooks evenly without anything breaking.
- Durable: Ceramic is strong and resistant to chipping and cracking, so it can last for years with proper care.
- Safer than plastic: Ceramic is safer than plastic, which can contain harmful chemicals like BPA and Phthalates.
- NOTE: When using ceramic dinnerware, it’s best to avoid changes in temperature, like putting a hot dish in cold water, as this can cause it to crack. You should also regularly inspect your ceramic dinnerware for cracks and chips.
- Stoneware: Stoneware is a type of ceramic pottery that is fired at high temperatures to create a dense, durable and non-porous material. Stoneware is usually grey is colour, but can also be cream or white. It has a granite-like texture and is opaque. Stoneware is considered a semi-porcelain, meaning it falls between ceramic and porcelain. It can be categorized as crude or fine based on water absorption levels. Stoneware is more durable than other types of pottery and earthenware, It is also waterproof and doesn’t need to be glazed like earthenware. Stoneware is often used to make durable vessels like coffee mugs.
- Benefits:
- Durability & Chip resistance: One of the main advantages of stoneware is its durability. Its density helps prevent the dinnerware from scratching and marking, ensuring it maintains its appearance over time. The chip resistance of stoneware is another significant benefit, This key feature makes it a practical choice for families with children or for use in a restaurant setting. Investing in high-quality stoneware can reduce the need for frequent replacements.
- Heat resistance and safe usage: Stoneware dinnerware is known for its heat resistance, It can withstand high temperatures, making it oven and microwave safe. This makes stoneware suitable for various cooking and serving methods, from grilling to baking and even broiling. Many stoneware items are also dishwasher safe, ensuring an easy clean up.
- Eco-friendly: Stoneware can be an eco-friendly option.
KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER:
PORCELAIN:
- Pros: Highly durable, resistant to scratches, often has a more elegant look, can be thinner while still strong.
- Cons: Usually more expensive than stoneware.
STONEWARE:
- Pros: Very durable, can be more affordable, good for baking.
- Cons: May scratch more easily.
Ceramics:
- Pros: Broad category incorporating various clay-based materials which can include stoneware and porcelain.
- Cons: Does not have a specific material, so quality can vary greatly based on the type of ceramic.