Ask the Experts: What are Stoneware & Earthenware?
Expanding your dinnerware knowledge.
If you're interested in learning more about earthenware and stoneware, this article is for you. While earthenware and stoneware are both beautiful and sturdy options for your home, there are some key differences between the two. Keep reading below to learn more about these two popular dinnerware materials.
What Is Earthenware?
When you think of earthenware, you probably picture a terracotta planter. The literal translation for terracotta is 'baked earth'. Earthenware is a crumbly, porous material that comes from underground clay. Thanks to this, most earthenware pieces are the colour of clay: browns, reds and burnt oranges. However, earthenware can be painted a variety of colours. Earthenware is fired at a pretty low temperature – between 650°C and 700°C.
Because of its pores, earthenware is not waterproof unless it's glazed. Unglazed earthenware is perfect for holding plants. However, glazed earthenware is ideal for the kitchen. In fact, earthenware is one of the oldest industrial materials and has been used on dinner tables for decades. Earthenware plates and bowls are often heavy and have a rustic or artisanal appearance, but they can be prone to chipping, so handle them with care. Most glazed earthenware dishes are dishwasher safe but not microwave safe, as they fail to handle extreme changes in temperature. Some glazed earthenware pieces are oven safe. Check the care instructions on your earthenware to learn more.
Since earthenware and stoneware are similar, we group them together under the 'Materials' section in the filters. To ensure your plates, platters or bowls are earthenware, please read the product description.
Stoneware is a lot harder and denser than earthenware. It has a sandy, textured appearance and is the colour of stone – hence its name. It often has a clean and modern look, making it easy to mix and match with table decor and other dinnerware or serveware. Stoneware is not porous the way earthenware is, which makes it even more durable. It's fired at very high temperatures – between 1150°C and 1300°C. Once stoneware is fired in a kiln it becomes waterproof, so it does not need to be glazed.
Stoneware tends to chip rather than break, so it will last for longer. Its durability also makes it perfect if you have small children, as it isn't prone to shattering. Most stoneware is naturally microwave and dishwasher safe. But again, check the care instructions on your stoneware to learn more.
As we mentioned earlier, we group earthenware and stoneware together under the 'Materials' section in the filters. So to ensure your plates, platters or bowls are stoneware, please read the product description.
Tip: Not sure if a piece of pottery is earthenware or stoneware? Flick your fingers on the exterior of the piece. If you hear a ringing sound, that means it is stoneware and it has been fired completely. If you hear a dull thunk, that means it is earthenware and has not been fired fully.
