There are so many materials to choose from when it comes to dinnerware, cookware, and household decor, but stoneware is definitely one to keep in mind! Stoneware products have not only a fresh and natural look but they have the quality to match. Keep reading to learn all about stoneware and what sets it apart from other household materials.

What Is Stoneware?
Stoneware Benefits
How Does Stoneware Differ From Other Materials?
How to Incorporate Stoneware in the Home

What Is Stoneware?

Stoneware is a durable type of ceramic pottery that has been used for thousands of years to store food, drinks, and supplies. It's fired at temperatures above 2000°F, which makes it stronger than other types of ceramics and makes it nonporous (meaning no moisture can get through). When fired, stoneware takes on a stone-like look and feel, despite being made from clay. Stoneware materials are staples for cookware, bakeware, and other home goods.

What Is Stoneware Made of?

Stoneware includes a combination of natural clay soil, natural minerals (like kaolin, vermiculite, quartz, or montmorillonite), and water. The addition of natural minerals helps strengthen the clay-water mixture, helps make stoneware nonporous, and makes it possible to fire clay items at higher temperatures without worrying about cracking. This combination ultimately gives stoneware its unmatchable durability.

The Process for Creating Stoneware Products

There are three main methods that manufacturers and artisans use when it comes to making mugs, plates, vases, and other stoneware household essentials. Mass-produced stoneware products are typically created using either the molding or the slip casting method. This means pouring clay material into preset molds to either fire in the kiln right away or to allow it to harden and dry before glazing and then firing.

However, the classic wheel-throwing method is the traditional method used by artisans to ensure better-quality clay products and to allow for more control over the shape/design. This method includes using a pottery wheel to help shape and mold the clay into unique products before allowing the finished design to dry, applying a glaze or color finish, and firing it in the kiln. Some stoneware products need more than one firing or glaze to achieve the proper color finish or to ensure the clay is completely dry (this prevents cracks!).

Stoneware Benefits

Check out all of the reasons why we love stoneware as a household material:

• Durability: The combination of stoneware's high firing temperature (2000°F or higher) and the inclusion of fortifying minerals/glazes helps harden stoneware products and eliminates pores, which makes them less likely to crack or chip than other materials. The high firing temperature also means stoneware can withstand hot temperatures without cracking, so most stoneware dinnerware/cookware is suitable for stovetop, microwave, and oven use.
• Ability to Lock in Heat or Cold: The nonporous structure of stoneware materials helps it lock in heat or cold, making it perfect for cooking, storing, or serving food and drinks. Covered stoneware pieces can provide a cool, dry place to store dried goods on countertops or in pantries. When placed on the stove, stoneware cookware makes it easy to heat up and cook food in a timely manner. Stoneware bowls/plates help to keep hot food dishes from cooling too quickly. The same applies for stoneware mugs that hold your morning cup of coffee or tea. Want to keep cool desserts or ice-cold drinks from melting? Stoneware can also help with this!
• Versatile Finish Options: Unlike other ceramic materials, stoneware can come in an endless variety of colors and finishes. Its high firing temperatures, natural minerals, and glazing options make it easy for artisans and manufacturers to achieve specific color combinations. This means you can find stoneware products in almost any color you want. Not to mention, the nonporous nature of stoneware locks in the color finishes, preserving your stoneware's vibrant appearance for the long-term.
• Cleaning Needs: Wondering how to clean stoneware? Most products can go in the dishwasher! Stoneware's high firing temperature and nonporous makeup prevents the material from deteriorating due to exposure to moisture and heat. Just be sure to check with the manufacturer or artisan for specified cleaning instructions.

How Does Stoneware Differ From Other Materials?

So, why choose stoneware products over other ceramic options? Below, we outline the key differences between stoneware and similar ceramic materials that make stoneware the go-to choice.

Stoneware vs. Earthenware

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between stoneware and earthenware ceramics:

• Firing Temperature: The main difference is the firing temperature. While stoneware products are fired in the kiln at 2000°F or higher, earthenware products are fired at or below 1200°F. This is because earthenware clay is less dense than stoneware clay and doesn't need a higher temperature to harden.
• Appearance: In contrast to stoneware's smooth, glossy, and speckled appearance (due to the inclusion of minerals), earthenware has a more rustic, matte look. Due to modern finishes and color options, both stoneware and earthenware can take on a range of shades.
• Durability & Uses: Earthenware is also less durable than stoneware because it is naturally more porous (meaning it absorbs or releases moisture). That's why stoneware is a better choice for cookware and other items needed to hold large amounts of liquid without worrying about water leaking out. Earthenware’s porous nature does make it desirable for planters (think terracotta pots!) because it helps soak up or expel water and aerate the soil. This keeps plants happy and ensures a strong root system.
• Price Point: Overall earthenware requires less firing time and isn't as strong as stoneware, so it's usually less expensive compared to stoneware.

Stoneware vs. Porcelain

Here’s our comparison of stoneware vs. porcelain ceramics:

• Firing Temperature: Stoneware and porcelain have similar firing temperature ranges. While potters fire stoneware between 2000°F and 2400°F, porcelain gets fired in the kiln around 2300°F.
• Appearance: While porcelain consists of white clay or bone ash, which gives it a pristine white sheen, stoneware has the ability to take on a range of colors and finishes. Although both have a smooth, glossy finish, stoneware has a naturally speckled look. Porcelain is pure white and easy to paint over to provide intricate designs and patterns.
• Durability & Uses: Overall, stoneware clay is more dense and durable compared to porcelain, which makes it the winner for durability. On the other hand, porcelain clay is finer and easier to mold into unique shapes, which makes it perfect for creating sculptures or statues that artisans want to make lifelike. Both porcelain and stoneware can be used to create dinnerware and drinkware products, but stoneware is less likely to chip or break.
• Price Point: Porcelain is usually more expensive compared to stoneware because of the materials used and the intricate patterns/scenes artisans can paint onto the surface.

How to Incorporate Stoneware in the Home

Here are some examples of stoneware products you can incorporate into your everyday life for unmatched quality and beautiful craftsmanship:

1. Dinnerware & Drinkware

Stoneware is a great material for everyday dinnerware and drinkware in your home. It has the strength and durability to last for years and is naturally chip/crack-resistant so your pieces will look new even after years of use. There are so many beautiful colors and finishes available, whether you're after an eye-catching dinnerware set equipped with dinner, salad, and dessert plates and bowls or are looking to invest in a stunning collection of stoneware mugs.

2. Serveware

Invest in beautiful serveware pieces that will stand the test of time and that your guests will love! Opt for stoneware serving platters, bowls, or beverage pitchers to elevate food and drink selections in the center of the table or on the buffet sideboard. Not to mention, these pieces will help keep warm food warm and cold food or drinks perfectly chilled. Host tea time with a stunning stoneware teapot.

3. Cookware & Bakeware

Stoneware cookware and bakeware are well-loved in the kitchen because of their efficient heating properties. Stoneware and other ceramic designs distribute heat evenly over the cooking surface, which ensures an even cook/bake for delicious results! This is why you see a lot of ceramic frying pans and ceramic pizza stones. The best part? Stoneware cookware and bakeware is usually more budget-friendly than stainless steel, so you can stick to your budget and still get quality long-lasting cookware essentials.

4. Home Accessories & Decor

Decor is another great place to start when looking for ways to incorporate stoneware materials into your home. From statement stoneware vases to decorative sculptures, bookends, or candle holders, the possibilities are endless. Stoneware decor adds a rustic, wholesome feel to any space. You can even find ceramic picture frames to highlight your favorite memories or add a relaxed feel to your lighting with a ceramic table lamp.

5. Kitchen & Bathroom Organization

Stoneware and other ceramic options provide aesthetically-pleasing and functional storage for kitchen and bathroom spaces. Ceramic kitchen canisters look stunning on the countertop while keeping dry goods, coffee grounds, and other items cool and dry inside. Ceramic soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and bathroom accessory sets dress up your countertop while withstanding moisture and water damage due to their impermeable surface.

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