If we look around a typical American kitchen what will we find? Appliances like a stove, a fridge, and a dishwasher, sure...but what about in the cupboard? You will probably see lots of bowls, mugs, plates, and cups. Pretty designs and various shapes, but have you ever stopped to consider what they are made out of? Plastic in the "more economical" kitchens perhaps, but most are made out of three main materials: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. We may have heard of these materials before...but what are they? We will be exploring the differences between these three materials in this article.

Earthenware
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Earthenware is what is known as a "low-fired" clay. This means that it is fired at a low temperature (usually around'15 degrees Fahrenheit). Made from a white and porous clay, it is sometimes called "ceramics" or "ceramic ware".

Stoneware
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Stoneware is a "high-fired" clay, and as a result, is much stronger. It is fired at about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit, and becomes vitreous (i.e.: having the nature of glass). After firing it becomes sturdy and chip-resistant.

Porcelain
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Porcelain is made from a number of materials. A pale clay (such as china white) is the main material. Other ingredients, such as feldspar, granite, and glass, are then ground and added to the clay. Once enough water is added to make the mixture workable, it is fired in a bisque kiln at a moderate temperature. Next comes a glazing and a "high-temperature" firing. The result is a piece of pottery that is delicate and translucent.

Telling the Difference
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With this bit of a background on what makes them different, how do we tell them apart? Here's the breakdown:

1) Is it porcelain? The first thing to keep in mind is that porcelain is translucent, while stoneware and earthenware are not. Hold the item up to the light. Can you see the light shining through? If so, then it is porcelain.

2) If you have come this far, you know it's either stoneware or earthenware. What's the next test? How heavy is the item? If it's pretty heavy for its size, then it's most likely stoneware.

3) If the piece looks like hand-made pottery, then it is stoneware. Stoneware, unlike earthenware, will have a texture to it.

4) Does the item you are holding have a chip in it? If so, take a look at it. Is it very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape off more material with your fingernail? If so, it's probably earthenware. We say this because earthenware, when fired, has a white, chalky look. Stoneware, on the other hand, has a darker, textured look.

5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay showing through. If so, it's stoneware.

Conclusion
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Did you enjoy this little journey into the world of dinner set materials. We now know that porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are the three main options. More information on dinner sets is available on our blog.