Standard Bowls

Mid-grade Bowls: What You Need to Know

From ceramic to terracotta clay, mid-tier bowls come in many materials. There are several factors to consider when choosing a standard bowl material: firing temperature, longevity, overall durability, and price point. Here we'll discuss the options so you can make the best selection for your business. We'll begin with stoneware, a type of nonporous ceramic constructed of stoneware clay. These smallware pieces have been fired between 2,150 and 2,330 degrees Fahrenheit and usually are thicker than china and porcelain. Stoneware mid-grade bowls are a durable option because of their thick build, mix of vitreous ceramic and clay materials, and high firing temperature.

Because of their thick construction and material makeup, mid-tier bowls constructed of stoneware are more opaque than porcelain or china standard bowls. Stoneware standard bowls are so named because of their stone-like appearance after high-temperature firing. These pieces of smallware often have color variations and patterns similar to natural stone before being glazed, and – like other dinnerware – stoneware mid-grade bowls can be glazed for a glossy finish or colorful matte. Stoneware mid-tier bowls lend an earthy, rustic appearance to foodservice establishments, making them ideal for businesses with a farm-to-table feel. We'll go into more detail on the different standard bowls and the best care and maintenance practices below.

Common Questions About Standard Bowls

How do you clean mid-grade bowls made of stoneware?

Most stoneware mid-tier bowls are dishmachine safe, but you should avoid soaking them in water for extended periods. Leaving this smallware in water for even half an hour can break down the materials, making the standard bowls prone to chipping and breaking. You can remove stuck-on foods and stubborn stains with a paste made of baking soda and vinegar that is rubbed on the surface with a damp cloth. Never use heavy-duty metal scrubbers on your stoneware mid-grade bowls, as these will scratch glazed or painted surfaces. To remove grease from stoneware mid-tier bowls, begin by juicing half a lemon (though any citrus fruit will work), then use a damp cloth to rub this juice into the affected areas. Citrus fruits' acidity will cut through the grease, releasing it from the bowl.

How do porcelain and china mid-tier bowls compare to stoneware standard bowls?

Mid-grade bowls made of porcelain and china are fired at higher temperatures than stoneware mid-tier bowls, though all these materials are similar in their nonporous, durable constructions. China and porcelain standard bowls are made of finer particle clay than stoneware, which results in a more translucent body and thinner construction. Because of the higher firing temperature and thinner construction, porcelain and china mid-grade bowls enable special patterning and shaping. Depending on the embellishments, glaze, and manufacturing process, various porcelain mid-tier bowls can be oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. However, you should always check the manufacturer's instructions before putting this smallware in these machines.

What's different between stoneware mid-grade bowls and earthenware mid-tier bowls?

Earthenware standard bowls are derived from clay and feature a more porous surface than stoneware mid-grade bowls. Mid-tier bowls constructed of earthenware must be fired at a lower temperature and painted or glazed before use. Earthenware standard bowls are the economical alternative to stoneware varieties, but they break and chip more easily. Like stoneware mid-grade bowls, earthenware pieces have a rustic look.