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Stoneware tableware and plates - the trend from Scandinavia

Stoneware tableware is widely used in private households and in the catering idustry. Stoneware cups, plates and bowls are particularly popular thanks to the Scandi trend. But what kind of material is it? How is the tableware made and how does it differ from other ceramics? We answer these and other questions in this guide.

Geschirr-Serie Palana aus Steingut von VEGA

What is stoneware?

Stoneware belongs to the superclass of ceramics. The basic materials are clay, calcite and quartz. These basic materials are mixed together. The raw mass is then poured into a mold, turned or pressed and then fired at temperatures above 970 °C to 1,300 °C. Stoneware is permeable to water. To prevent moisture from penetrating stoneware plates or cups, the tableware is glazed.

Is earthenware the same as stoneware?

Stoneware and earthenware are often equated in everyday life. There is only a slight difference in the look and feel of earthenware and stoneware tableware. However, there is one crucial difference. Stoneware is fired at higher temperatures. This vitrifies the material and makes stoneware waterproof. Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures, so the material is more porous and absorbs water. For this reason, stoneware must always be treated with an enclosing glaze before firing to prevent water from penetrating. In particular, stoneware tableware for the catering trade is always glazed.

How is stoneware made?

As with porcelain, stoneware or bone china, stoneware ceramics require a base mass of clay and other minerals. This is shaped with or without water by casting, pressing or turning and then fired at temperatures of just under to just over 1,000 °C in a kiln. Plates or cups made from stoneware are usually less delicate than tableware made from porcelain or exclusive bone china.

Porzellan-Serie Glaze von PULSIVA

What are the differences between stoneware, ceramics and porcelain?

Basically, porcelain, earthenware and stoneware belong to the ceramics category. They are therefore inorganic, non-metallic basic materials. What they all have in common is that they have to be fired at high temperatures in a kiln in order to harden.

Stoneware is harder and more robust than pure clay. This is due to additives such as calcite and quartz. Porcelain is even harder than stoneware. This is due to the kaolin in the base material. This is a white, very fine stone. Kaolin and feldspar make porcelain tableware smoother, but also firmer than stoneware. It has to be fired at higher temperatures of up to 1,450 °C to achieve this. Only then does the kaolin melt and vitrify.

Bone china is also fired at very high temperatures. In addition, two firing processes take place. The first at a low temperature of under 1,000 °C, the second at over 1,350 °C. Bone china differs from other ceramics due to the addition of bone ash. It gives the tableware its unmistakable white tones.

Porcelain and earthenware or stoneware differ significantly in terms of their feel. Porcelain and bone china are very fine and the plates or cups usually have very thin walls. Stoneware tableware, on the other hand, is more robust and solid. You can often feel small irregularities on the surface of stoneware. These give the tableware a very original and original touch.

Stoneware tableware - popular and available in many designs

Stoneware tableware is available in many different versions. As it has to be glazed, many different colors and patterns are possible. At LUSINI, you can discover stoneware in different designs, as stoneware plates, stoneware cups, stoneware bowls or also as stoneware platters.

Can stoneware be used in the microwave?

Modern stoneware tableware is glazed and fired at high temperatures. Our stoneware products have been developed and manufactured to meet the requirements of the catering industry. This means that you can heat food with our stoneware crockery in the microwave without any problems. Follow the manufacturer's instructions before using stoneware in the microwave. This will prevent non-enclosing glazed stoneware from being damaged in the microwave.

Is stoneware tableware dishwasher safe?

High-quality stoneware tableware is water-resistant due to its glaze and the higher firing temperature. Your stoneware cups or plates and other stoneware tableware from LUSINI can be cleaned in the dishwasher without any problems, if indicated. However, please follow the manufacturer's instructions beforehand.

Is stoneware tableware suitable for the catering industry?

Stoneware tableware can be used in the catering industry without any problems. Our stoneware tableware ranges are both dishwasher and microwave safe. Many plates and cups are also stackable, saving you valuable space when storing your crockery.

As the material properties of LUSINI stoneware allow for hygienic cleaning and easy handling, you can benefit from the other advantages of stoneware tableware. These products are available in a wide range of colors. This gives you every opportunity to set your tableware apart from the typical white of porcelain and show off your food in a special way. Stoneware tableware is generally suitable for modern restaurants, bars or cafés with a contemporary interior style.

Do you have any further questions about stoneware tableware or other products? Then you are welcome to contact us. Simply send us an e-mail or give us a call. We will be happy to help you.