Have you ever wondered in a store whether to buy a white porcelain plate or a stoneware one, which often has more attractive colors? This article will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of ceramics, so you know what is best for you when you make your next purchase.
Ceramic goods are popular for their beauty, durability, and wide use in the home and garden. The most common types of ceramic materials are stoneware, hard-fired porcelain, and terracotta. Let’s take a look at their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Stoneware
Stoneware is a material used to make a wide range of products – from mugs and plates to baking dishes. Historically, stoneware has been easy to find and can be fired in regular electric kilns, making it a popular choice among potters.
Advantages:
Durability and longevity: Stoneware is sturdy and resistant to impacts and scratches.
High heat resistance: It can handle high temperatures, making it an ideal material for baking and cooking in the oven.
Natural look: Stoneware in natural colors with a rustic look fits many kitchens and interiors.
Wide range of colors: Stoneware can be easily colored, whether in the clay itself or in the glaze, allowing for a wide variety of colors.
Disadvantages:
Weight: Stoneware is heavier than porcelain, which can make handling and storage more difficult.
Water absorption: Even when glazed, stoneware can absorb water, which may lead to cracking during sudden temperature changes.
Prone to staining: The surface can be prone to stains if not properly maintained.
Uses:
Baking and cooking: Great for baking in the oven, casseroles, and serving hot dishes.
Serving: Its rustic look is popular for family dinners and gatherings.
Hard-fired Porcelain
Porcelain is often considered the best of ceramic materials, especially for its functional properties. Although porcelain production is costly, and thus we don’t often see designer pieces from small studios, its quality is unmatched.
Advantages:
Aesthetic and elegance: Hard-fired porcelain has a smooth, glossy surface that looks luxurious and elegant.
Low water absorption: Thanks to its high firing temperature, porcelain is almost impermeable and very resistant to stains and odors.
Lightweight: It is lighter than stoneware, making it easier to handle and store.
Disadvantages:
Fragility: Although porcelain is scratch-resistant, it is fragile and can break easily if dropped.
Higher cost: Porcelain production is more expensive, which translates into higher product prices.
More delicate maintenance: Porcelain requires more careful handling and special cleaning products to maintain its shine.
Uses:
Serving and presentation: Ideal for special occasions and as elegant tableware in restaurants.
Hotel porcelain: Due to its properties, porcelain is often the only suitable material for use in hotels and restaurants.
Terracotta
Terracotta is a porous material, especially popular in gardening. Although it is not suitable for functional ware, its properties are ideal, for example, for making flowerpots.
Advantages:
Breathability: Terracotta allows air and water to pass through, making it ideal for healthy plant growth.
Moisture regulation: Terracotta pots naturally regulate soil moisture by absorbing excess water and gradually releasing it back.
Aesthetic appearance: Terracotta has a traditional, rustic look, popular in gardens and interiors.
Disadvantages:
Fragility: Terracotta is prone to cracking and breaking, especially when exposed to frost.
Water absorption: Terracotta pots can absorb water, which may lead to the soil drying out quickly and requiring more frequent watering.
Uses:
Flowerpots and watering trays: Ideal for growing plants thanks to their breathability and ability to regulate moisture.
Garden decorations: Terracotta is often used as a material for garden decorations due to its natural appearance.
So how should one choose ceramic products?
The choice between stoneware, hard-fired porcelain, and terracotta depends on your specific needs and preferences. Stoneware is robust and rustic, porcelain elegant and lightweight, and terracotta breathable and ideal for garden use. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when choosing ceramic goods for your home or garden.
author of the article: Markéta Kalivodová, 2024
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