What to look out for when buying crockery? Part 1: Quality

Are you the happy owner of a (new) house or apartment, (new) occupant of a rental property or have you just had (parts) of your home renovated, such as a kitchen renovation? 🏠 Or are you in need of a new complete set of crockery for whatever reason? Then where do you start looking, because there are countless tableware sets to choose from! In this blog, we will answer the question: what should I look for when buying crockery? In this part, part 1, we focus on the quality of the crockery.

We would love to help you choose a nice quality tableware. In this blog, we will first explain to you the difference between the different types of ceramics: earthenware, porcelain and stoneware to understand what the best quality tableware is. Of course, that depends on the material the tableware is made of ;). So you have a beautiful tableware set that will last for years and is user-friendly: think dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-resistant (up to 200 °C 🔥), so read on quickly!

What is the best quality tableware?

There are different types of materials a tableware can be made of. The material used is important for the lifespan of your tableware and how you can deal with it during (daily) use. Below, we explain the quality of the materials for you.

Earthenware tableware

Pottery tableware is made of porous clay that is fired between 900 and 1100 °C. This is a low temperature compared to the temperature at which other clays are fired. Often, pottery is baked twice and then glazed. The glaze provides a nice colour and shine. In addition, the glaze ensures that the pottery service is no longer porous and suitable for eating. 🍽️

Porcelain tableware

Porcelain tableware is made from fine, very pure white clay called Kaolin. This is an expensive type of clay to which feldspar (crushed stone) and quartz are added. Feldspar ensures that the porcelain can also be fired at a relatively low temperature. Quartz makes the clay less greasy, giving it a glass-like appearance when fired. First the porcelain is baked at 950°C (biscuit) and then baked again, usually between 1300 and 1400°C. This creates a non-porous and very hard and thin material. This makes porcelain more delicate than the more robust earthenware and stoneware. Consequently, porcelain is often only sold in a white colour because the material is more difficult than stoneware to glaze in a colour. 

Stoneware tableware

Stoneware tableware is also made of a finer type of clay that is fired at higher temperatures than pottery. Typically, stoneware is fired twice between 1175 and 1275 °C and then glazed. Because it is fired at this high temperature, stoneware is non-porous and also thinner than pottery. This means that stoneware tableware is dishwasher-, freezer-, microwave-, and oven (up to 200 °C) resistant*. This makes stoneware material very suitable as tableware: from plates, bowls and platters to mugs and cups! 

*It is recommended, however, to avoid extreme temperature changes in a short period of time. For example, from the freezer into the oven, dishwasher or microwave and vice versa is strongly discouraged. Also let the crockery cool for a while after it comes out of the dishwasher and is still warm to the touch.

What is the quality of the tableware UNRO sells?

You can buy tableware at UNRO with peace of mind because all our tableware (including the serving jug and the cake plate) is in fact made of stoneware. This makes our tableware suitable for both special dinners and everyday use.

While our candlesticks and vases are made of pottery, they obviously don't need to go into the dishwasher ;). They will make your interior look cosy, atmospheric and cared for.  

Want to know if and how sustainable our tableware is? Then keep a close eye on our blog page for our next blog: What should I look out for when buying (sustainable) tableware? Part 2. subscribe to our newsletter below Then we will keep you informed when a new blog is ready for you, so convenient 😉!