Popsicle Society

Hello my dear readers,

Nowadays in the market there is a wide variety of materials to choose from when you’re shopping for dinnerware, whether casual or formal, starting from earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, bone china,  plastic and vitrified glass.

Each material has its own qualities, features, price points, and, of course also drawbacks. If you want pretty dishes that don’t chip easily with minimal use, to make the best decision when choosing your tableware, it’s better to know about the pros and cons of each material.

Earthenware

Often more affordable than other types of dinnerware, earthenware is a ceramic material that has been glazed and fired. That pretty hand-painted tableware that you see are typically earthenware, and it has a thick, heavy, and rustic look and feel, but the problem is that are not as durable and strong as other types of dinnerware and is prone to chipping.

This decorative dinnerware is more porous than stoneware which means it could stain or absorb liquid, so avoid leaving it submerged in water. Most glazed earthenware is dishwasher safe and can be used in the microwave.

Stoneware

Another type of fired ceramic dinnerware, stoneware is affordable and is usually a little more durable than earthenware because the clay has glass material added to it for strength. It can be finished with a variety of glaze textures such as shiny, satin, or matte and is thicker and more opaque than finer materials like porcelain.

Usually in our everyday meals we use stoneware as is very versatile and easy to maintain. It can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer but avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Porcelain or China

Do you know the difference between porcelain and china? Don’t worry there isn’t any, both terms describe the same product just that the term “porcelain” is preferred in Europe while “china” is favored in the United States.

This type of dinnerware are made of a fine-particle clay usually composed of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz, that is fired at a higher temperature resulting in a product with superb strength, durability, and a translucent “shell-like” quality.

Porcelain has a superior white body that is resistant to thermal shock and has excellent insulator properties, and is often used in more formal dining occasions or in restaurants and catering businesses, but it can also be used for our every day meals, because of course we deserve to treat us well, but be careful as it is easier to break than other dinnerware materials.

Almost all fine china dinnerware can be used in the microwave, oven or dishwasher, just remember the ones that has a gold, silver, or platinum border should not be microwaved.

Bone China

Well, this type of dinnerware is actually made from animal bones ash combined with porcelain clay and fired at a slightly lower temperature than porcelain to produce a material that is translucent, it has a delicate feel, is very lightweight and with a milky appearance that can be used daily or for more formal dining occasions.

It looks fragile but actually is the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware.

Most bone china can be used in the dishwasher and, unless it has metallic banding, can go in the microwave and oven as well.

Plastic

Well yes, there are also dinnerware made from different types of plastic such as Styrene Acrylonitrile or better known as SAN which are chemical, heat and scratch resistant but yellows more quickly than other types of plastic dinnerware; Polycarbonate which is often used for bottles, drinkware, and food containers, but many shun it due to the use of BPA in the manufacturing process; Melamine which is virtually indestructible and is ideal for children or outdoor use and also a common choice for restaurants, as is very light for the staff to carry it, but the downs side is that can be stained by foods like tomatoes if they are left on too long.

All plastic dinnerware are usually dishwasher safe on the top rack, but not suitable for the microwave or oven.

Vitrified Glass

As its name is saying it, these dinnerware are made from glass, usually opaque, that has been fired at an ultra-high temperature so that it is nonporous and extremely durable, it will not break or chip even when dropped onto a hard floor.

Vitrified glass can be used in the dishwasher and microwave and are the most durable tableware you can get.

Which one is your favorite?

Elevating the art of everyday dining, our wide variety of dinnerware provides the ultimate assurance for any lifestyle.

From classic whites to vintage textured pieces, we offer a broad variety of styles and sizes to enhance any dining experience, be it every day eating or luxury dining.

To shop and discover our full range of dinnerware, visit Popsicle Society Shop and don’t miss our super offers too 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend!