What is stoneware?
Stoneware at LUSINI
Stoneware production: how the material is made
Stoneware belongs to the ceramic family. A mixture of the basic materials clay, calcite and quartz is used to produce stoneware. The raw material is then shaped by casting, pressing or turning and fired in a kiln at temperatures ranging from just below to just above 1,000°C. The resulting stoneware is water-permeable. To prevent moisture from penetrating the stoneware, the tableware is glazed. Stoneware plates and cups are usually less delicate than tableware made of porcelain or exclusive bone china.
Stoneware compared to other materials
Stoneware is a popular material with a unique, rustic and cosy feel. But how does it differ from other common tableware materials?
Is earthenware the same as stoneware?
The terms earthenware and stoneware are often used interchangeably in everyday language. In fact, earthenware and stoneware tableware have many similar properties and hardly differ in appearance or feel. However, there is one crucial difference: stoneware is fired at higher temperatures. This causes the material to vitrify, making stoneware waterproof. In contrast, earthenware is fired at lower temperatures. This makes the material more porous and able to absorb water. To prevent moisture from penetrating, earthenware is always treated with an encasing glaze before firing.
Stoneware vs. porcelain
Stoneware is harder and more robust than pure clay. This is due to additives such as calcite and quartz. In comparison, porcelain is even harder than stoneware. This is due to kaolin, a white, very hard rock that is added to the porcelain base material. The addition of kaolin and the mineral feldspar makes porcelain tableware both stronger and smoother than stoneware. To achieve this end result, the tableware must be fired at higher temperatures of up to 1,450°C. Only then does the kaolin rock melt and vitrify.
Further information on porcelain tableware can be found in the magazine article on this topic.
Stoneware vs. bone china
Bone china is also fired at very high temperatures. In addition, tableware made from this material is fired twice: first at a lower temperature of below 1,000°C, then at over 1,350°C. Bone china differs from other ceramics in that bone ash is added to the base material. This gives this porcelain its typical ivory tone and translucency. Stoneware and porcelain or bone china differ significantly in terms of their feel. Porcelain and bone china are very fine, and the tableware is usually very thin-walled. Stoneware tableware, on the other hand, is more robust and solid. Stoneware often has small irregularities on the surface.
Further information on bone china tableware can be found in the magazine article on this topic.
Is stoneware tableware suitable for catering?
Stoneware can be used in catering without any problems. The plates and cups are usually stackable, saving you valuable storage space. Stoneware is available in many colours and is a beautiful alternative to classic white tableware. Stoneware tableware is particularly suitable for modern restaurants, bars or cafés that prefer a contemporary and original interior design style.
Is stoneware microwave-safe?
Stoneware products from the LUSINI range are designed to meet the requirements of the catering industry, so you can use our stoneware to heat food in the microwave without any problems. However, before using stoneware in the microwave, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tableware. This will prevent stoneware that is not fully glazed from being damaged in the microwave.
Is stoneware dishwasher safe?
Thanks to its glaze and high firing temperature, high-quality stoneware tableware is water-resistant and can usually be cleaned in the dishwasher without any problems. However, please note the manufacturer's instructions for your tableware series in this case as well.
Discover stoneware tableware
The LUSINI range includes a wide selection of professional-quality stoneware. Discover high-quality stoneware plates, stoneware cups, stoneware bowls and stoneware platters in many different shapes, sizes, designs and colours.
Do you have any further questions about stoneware tableware or other products? Then please feel free to contact us. Simply send us an email or give us a call. We will be happy to help you.