Which material is ideal for dining in your restaurant?
When it comes to choosing tableware for your restaurant or café, the decision between porcelain and stoneware can significantly impact both aesthetics and functionality. Let’s dive into the characteristics of each material to help you make an informed choice.
How are porcelain and stoneware actually made?
1.Stoneware:
Stoneware clay is carefully selected. It’s a non-porous clay that withstands high temperatures. To improve specific properties, additional ingredients like feldspar, silica, and kaolin can be added. The clay is mixed with water to create a workable plastic consistency. Potters shape the clay into various forms, such as plates, bowls, mugs, or vases. The shaped pieces are left to partially dry in the air. This reduces moisture content and prevents cracking during firing. The dried pieces are placed into a kiln and fired at a temperature of 1100°C. This initial firing, known as bisque firing, hardens the clay and removes any remaining water. Stoneware glazes are typically made from minerals like feldspar, silica, and metal oxides. Glaze is applied to the fired pieces. It can be brushed, dipped, or sprayed on. The glaze adds color, texture, and a protective layer. The glazed pieces are fired again at the same high temperature. During this firing, the clay vitrifies, turning to stone, and the glaze bonds to a glassy surface. Stoneware becomes non-porous and durable. After firing, the kiln is gradually cooled to prevent thermal shock. Each piece is inspected for defects, cracks, or imperfections. The result is beautiful, functional stoneware ready for use in restaurants, homes, or cafés. Its earthy appeal, durability, and heat resistance make stoneware a popular choic
2.But how is porcelain different?
The first difference is the material itself. Porcelain is made from refined clay, primarily kaolin, which has low impurity content. The addition of feldspar or silica improves the properties of porcelain. The clay is mixed with water to a workable plastic consistency. Shaped pieces are partially air-dried to reduce moisture content. The dried shaped clay is fired in a kiln at around 1300°C to harden it. This initial firing removes water and prepares the clay for glazing. Porcelain glazes are mostly the same as those used for stoneware. Some manufacturers add titanium to the white glaze to improve its hardness and enhance the white color shade. The glazed pieces undergo a second firing at temperatures over 1300°C. After this firing, the clay becomes translucent and resembles glass.
But what are the main differences in the manufacturing process?
- Firing temperature:
Porcelain is fired at temperatures of 1300°C and above, while stoneware is fired at lower temperatures (between 1100°C and 1300°C).
- Texture and weight:
Porcelain is thinner, lighter, and finer due to the high firing temperature. This adds a high level of practicality for daily use and serving food in restaurants.
Stoneware is thicker, heavier, and has a rustic texture.
- Translucency:
Porcelán je vždy priesvitný a prepúšťa svetlo.
Kamenina je nepriehľadná a chýba jej priesvitnosť.
- Trvanlivosť:
Porcelain is always translucent and lets light pass through.
Stoneware is opaque and lacks translucency.
- Absorption rate:
Porcelain has minimal moisture absorption, making it almost impervious to water damage.
Stoneware is also non-porous, but it can absorb slightly more moisture, which might make it more susceptible to damage.
Material durability
Strength: Porcelain appears delicate but is surprisingly strong. It is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and durable material resistant to chipping. It is less prone to damage during use in restaurants compared to stoneware. However, extreme impacts can still cause damage. There are various products available globally that address this issue. You can find porcelain with a chipping warranty in our assortment. We have prepared a separate blog for these products. If you are more interested in this topic, click here.
Scratch resistance: Porcelain tends to resist scratching much better than stoneware due to its smoother surface. Stoneware is thicker and heavier, but in this case, it cannot be considered an indicator of durability and strength.
Stoneware is also adapted for professional use in restaurants, but its susceptibility to chipping, cracking, or scratching is much higher. This is not an ideal characteristic for daily operation in practice. A guide on how to avoid frequent replacements of porcelain due to damage can be found here.
Scratches: Stoneware can cause scratches on the surface of the bottom plate over time when stacked, due to its slightly rougher texture. It can also damage wooden or lacquered tables in restaurants over time.
Aesthetics
Porcelain:
Elegance: Porcelain exudes elegance and sophistication. Its translucent quality, smooth surface, and perfect material processing provide the right experience for the customer.
Color options: Porcelain comes in various colors, but classic white remains a popular choice for luxury dining establishments.
Fine details: Porcelain dishes allow creatives to design intricate and delicate patterns on their glaze. Therefore, the color selection is much wider than with stoneware dishes. Find your tableware among our colorful porcelain today!
Stoneware:
Rustic charm: Stoneware has a rustic, earthy appearance. Its natural variations in color and texture add warmth to the table.
Neutral tones: Stoneware often comes in neutral tones, such as beige, brown, or gray.
Handcrafted feel: The imperfections in stoneware give it a handcrafted, artisanal vibe.
Let’s take a look at the practical considerations. What is the right choice for you?
Porcelain:
Temperature tolerance: Porcelain handles extreme temperatures well, making it suitable for both oven-to-table dishes. It is also microwave and dishwasher safe. Dishes with a chipping warranty are exclusively porcelain.
It is the ideal assistant for all types of restaurants, events, or elegant presentations
Stoneware:
Heat retention: Stoneware perfectly retains heat and keeps food warm longer. However, this is negligible in the case of regular restaurant service. Porcelain is also an excellent heat insulator. It is oven-safe, making it great for baked dishes like lasagna.
Casual dining: Ideal for informal restaurants, cafés, and family meals with less frequent use.
So what is the conclusion? Which product should you choose?
In summary, choose porcelain if you prefer elegance, fine details, a delicate appearance, and if durability is a priority for you. Are you a countryside farm with a local restaurant? Stoneware, with its earthy colors and imperfect processing, can complete your concept. If you want a rustic, robust variant that adds warmth to your dining experience, definitely go for stoneware. However, we recommend also exploring the color variations of porcelain products in earthy tones. You might find your golden middle ground. When deciding, consider the style, menu, and especially the practical needs of your restaurant. Both materials have their unique charm, so choose the one that best matches the personality of your establishment!
Did you find this article interesting and would you like to learn more about porcelain with a chipping warranty? If so, click here to continue
