What is the Difference Between Stoneware and Ceramic

The main difference between stoneware and ceramic is that stoneware is made at very high firing temperatures while other ceramics are made at relatively low temperatures. This high firing temperature makes stoneware strong and durable.

The word ceramics refer to various items made from clay that have been heated to very high temperature and hardened. Ceramic is a broad category which includes earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Therefore, stoneware is a type of ceramic.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Stoneware 
     – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Ceramic
     – Definition, Features, Uses
3. What is the Difference Between Stoneware and Ceramic
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware, Earthenware, Pottery

What is Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of non-porous ceramic that has been fired at relatively high temperatures (usually between 2150 – 2330° Fahrenheit). It is more durable than earthenware since it goes through high temperatures and has vitreous material added. Stoneware dinnerware is typically thicker and opaquer than porcelain. Furthermore, it gets its name from its stone-like appearance and dense, stone-like quality.

Like other ceramics, we can glaze stoneware to give it a colourful matte or glossy finish. Before the glazing, stoneware will often have colour patterns and variations similar to natural stone. Generally, stoneware has a rustic and earthy appearance.

We can use stoneware items in ovens, microwaves, freezers, and dishwashers. However, it’s advisable to check the manufacturer’s information as well. Generally, stoneware retains as well as distribute heat more evenly than other types of ceramics.

What is Ceramic

Ceramic is a general term that refers to various objects made from clay that have been heated to very high temperature and hardened. Ceramic has three basic categories as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Since we already discussed stoneware in the above section, this section will look at earthenware and porcelain.

Earthenware

Earthenware is pottery that has been fired at relatively low temperatures. Although earthenware has a thick and rustic look, it is not strong or durable stoneware. It is porous, absorbs water and is prone to chipping. However, it is not as expensive as porcelain.

Porcelain

Porcelain is pottery made by heating materials like kaolin in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 and 1,400 °C. Moreover, porcelain is very hard, shiny, often white and translucent. It is usually is more expensive than both stoneware and earthenware. We manufacture various items from porcelain, including dinnerware, decorative figurine, and tiles. Porcelain dinnerware has a very delicate and thin design and has an upscale appearance when compared to stoneware.

Difference Between Stoneware and Ceramic

Definition

Stoneware is a type of non-porous ceramic that has been fired at relatively high temperatures while ceramic is a general term that refers to various objects made from clay that have been heated to very high temperature and hardened.

Firing Temperature

Stoneware involves very high firing temperatures while other ceramics involve relatively low firing temperatures.

Appearance

Moreover, stoneware has a thick and opaque, stone-like look while most other ceramics (usual porcelain) have a translucent appearance.

Durability

In addition to these, stoneware is more durable than earthenware and as durable as porcelain.

Conclusion

Ceramic is a broad category which includes earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Stoneware is more durable than earthenware, and not as expensive as porcelain. Stoneware has a thick and opaque, stone-like look, unlike porcelain, which has a delicate and translucent look. Hence, this is the main difference between stoneware and ceramic.

Reference:

1. “What Is Stoneware?” WebstaurantStore, Available here.
2. “What Is Stoneware?” Sunset Hill Stoneware, 17 Feb. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “5532602” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Tableware, plate, lunch, canteen, dish, kitchen, ceramics, restaurant, breakfast, white, porcelain” (CC0) via Pikist