Ceramics, Porcelain, and Stoneware: Understanding the Differences
Ceramics, Porcelain, and Stoneware: Understanding the Differences
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear all the time is that all ceramics are stoneware. Not true! Ceramics is just the umbrella term—it includes everything from delicate porcelain teacups to the chunky stoneware bowls your grandma used for mixing cookie dough. But the real magic happens in the details. Let’s break it down
What Is Ceramic?
At the heart of every ceramic piece is clay, but not all clay is the same. Ceramic is the broad category that includes all pottery made from clay and fired at high temperatures. Within this category, we find three primary types: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. The differences come down to the type of clay used, the firing temperature, and the final properties of the piece.
Earthenware: The Ancient One
Firing Temperature: Low (1,000–1,150°C or 1,832–2,102°F)
Durability:More porous and less durable than stoneware and porcelain
Appearance:Often rustic, with a warm, earthy feel
Feels like:Rustic, warm, a little rough around the edges
Common Uses:Decorative pottery, terracotta planters, traditional ceramics
Downside: More porous, less durable, and can chip more easily
Earthenware is one of the oldest types of pottery, used for centuries by ancient civilizations. It’s got a wonderful, organic feel, but it’s not the toughest kid on the block.
It remains slightly porous even after glazing, making it less durable than other types of ceramics. While charming and often rich in color, it is not as strong or chip-resistant as stoneware or porcelain.
Stoneware: The Sturdy Workhorse
Firing Temperature: Mid to high (1,100–1,300°C or 2,012–2,372°F)
Durability:Very strong, non-porous, and chip-resistant
Appearance: Varied textures with natural, muted colors
Feels like: Durable, slightly textured, warm and earthy
Common Uses: High-end dinnerware, functional pottery, mugs, bowls
Downside: Less refined than porcelain, usually heavier
Stoneware gets its name from its stone-like qualities.
Stoneware is dense pottery fired at high temperatures to make it resistant to liquids, or non-porous. It is made from clay, but is more durable than other kinds of pottery and earthenware.
Stoneware has a denser, stronger structure than earthenware and is non-porous, making it perfect for dinnerware and kitchenware. It also retains a beautiful, organic aesthetic, making it ideal for handmade pieces that balance form and function.
Stoneware is tough. It can take a beating, which is why a lot of commercial dinnerware is made from it. But it lacks the fine detail and smooth finish of porcelain.
Porcelain: The Refined and Delicate Choice
Firing Temperature: Extremely high temperatures (1,300–1,400°C or 2,372–2,552°F)
Durability: Extremely strong yet delicate in appearance
Appearance: Bright white, often with a smooth and glossy finish
Common Uses:high-end restaurant dinnerware, Fine china,
Downside:More complex to work with (for us) but worth it, better for you!
Porcelain is the most refined of the three, known for its smooth, often translucent quality. It is frequently used in high-end restaurants and fine dining because of its elegant, minimalist aesthetic.
There’s a myth floating around on Reddit and Google that porcelain is delicate—but that’s not always true. Not all porcelain dinnerware is created equal. Some are crafted purely for aesthetics, while others are designed to withstand daily use. It’s like assuming every coffee bean makes the same strong brew, or that every recipe follows the same formula—ingredients, technique, and time all make a difference. The same goes for porcelain; the way it's made determines its strength and durability.
We exclusively use high-fire porcelain because it’s the best of both worlds—timeless yet incredibly strong. Unlike mass-produced porcelain, our pieces are more durable and retain a handmade feel with organic edges and artistic glaze variations.
Why We Choose Porcelain for Our Signature Collection
Our Signature Collection is made exclusively from high-fire porcelain because it offers the best combination of beauty, durability, and craftsmanship. It’s strong enough for professional kitchens, yet refined enough to elevate any dining experience. Porcelain allows us to achieve the smooth, natural edges and stunning glaze finishes that define our work.
That said, we also love working with stoneware. Due to our limited kiln capacity, we only produce a few small batches of our stoneware collection throughout the year. Explore our stoneware collection here.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece at a discount, you can also find stoneware at our Seconds & Overstock Sale. These are pieces with minor glaze variations or tiny imperfections that don’t meet our Signature Collection standards—but they’re still fully functional and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Next time you pick up a ceramic piece, give it a second look. Feel the texture, check the glaze, and see if you can tell the difference. And remember—whether it's earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain, every piece carries the history of fire, clay, and craftsmanship.
We choose porcelain for our signature collection because it lets us create dinnerware that’s not just functional but full of soul. Because a plate isn’t just a plate—it’s a part of the story you’re telling at the table.
