Differences Between China, Porcelain, & Ceramic Dishes Explained

If you're in the market for new restaurant dinnerware, you're likely to see different pieces described as "china," "porcelain," "ceramic," and maybe even "bone china" or "stoneware." You may have wondered about the differences between these materials and which would be the best restaurant dishes for your establishment. Here, we'll explain what those terms mean, cover the differences between them, and provide helpful tips to determine the best choice for dressing up your dining room tables.

Table of Contents

• What Is Ceramic Dinnerware Made Of?
• How Is Ceramic Processed?
• What Does Vitrified Mean?
• Earthenware vs Stoneware vs Ceramic
• Bone China vs Porcelain vs China
• Choosing Ceramic Dinnerware for Your Restaurant

What Is Ceramic Made Of?

Ceramic is an umbrella term for the hard and durable but relatively brittle substance that all traditional pottery and dinnerware are made of, no matter the specific process or the combination of ingredients used. All ceramic materials (including earthenware, stoneware, china, porcelain, and bone china) start with clay, which is comprised mostly of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and water.¹

Other metals, such as potassium oxide and iron oxide, may naturally be present depending on the type of clay in question. Manufacturers also may add these and other minerals or substances to the clay mixture to give it specific characteristics, such as a smoother texture or improved break resistance. These additions are commonly called inclusions. Everything from the size of the clay's individual grains to its water content will have an impact on its physical characteristics, including its color, plasticity, porosity, and reaction to being fired. The combination of ingredients that go into a specific type of clay is called the clay body.

Many types of ceramic are fired to high temperatures and held there long enough for the clay to become partially or fully vitrified. Vitrification is a process by which the ceramic is brought to its melting point. At that extremely high temperature, the clay and minerals fuse together and form a crystalline structure.2 The term is derived from the Latin "vitreum," which means glass, because the process gives the clay properties very similar to glass. The transformation strengthens the material dramatically and makes it much less porous than non-vitrified ceramics, sometimes so much so that manufacturers choose to forgo glazing ceramic pieces that have been fully vitrified.

One of the most important distinctions between different ceramic types is porosity. ASTM International standards define the test that measures how porous a certain piece of ceramic is.3 The procedure generally involves immersing the ware in boiling water for several minutes and then soaking the piece in room-temperature water for several hours. The difference in the piece's dry and wet weights will help testers determine how much water it absorbed. A piece of ceramic's porosity will partially determine whether it's classified as earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain. These definitions are based on the amount of water in proportion to a piece's weight that it absorbs when tested using the ASTM method described here.

• Both porcelain and fine china are defined as ceramicware that won't absorb more than half a percent of its weight in water.
• Stoneware is defined as ceramic that won't absorb more than three percent of its weight in water.
• Earthenware will absorb more than three percent of its weight in water.

These measurements are considered significant because the amount of water that a piece of crockery absorbs is one of the strongest indicators of its durability, as well as a reliable standard to ensure lower grades of ceramic aren't labeled in a way that's misleading to consumers.

Here's a rundown of two types of ceramic you might see in the kitchen or dining room.

Earthenware

Earthenware is the simplest type of ceramic available. Compared to other types, it's generally made with the least refined clay body and fired to the lowest temperatures in a process that's very similar to the ones employed by prehistoric humans to make rudimentary ceramics. This simple process yields wares that must be made relatively thick in order to remain durable. This type of ceramic also is very porous, so manufacturers must cover it with a full coat of glaze if it's intended to hold food or liquid.

Terracotta pottery is a common example of earthenware ceramic. If you've ever dropped a terracotta pot, you know how fragile it can be and why it's not often used to present food. Additionally, earthenware's porous nature means that a cracked or chipped piece can quickly absorb water and food residue, enabling microbial buildup. You're unlikely to find earthenware at any commercial foodservice establishment unless it's being used to decorate the dining room, although residential dinnerware is sometimes made of glazed earthenware.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a step up from earthenware in terms of durability and is considerably less porous. Pieces made of this material can be made thinner and lighter but still must be glazed to prevent the material from soaking up water. Nearly all restaurant dinnerware that isn't classified as porcelain is made of stoneware.

Stoneware is fired into a vitreous or semi-vitreous state and tends to be a creamy or off-white color. Manufacturers may apply a transparent glaze that lets the natural color shine through. Alternatively, they may apply a colored glaze and any number of decorative decals. Stoneware can usually be purchased at a lower price than porcelain or bone china, making it a common choice for restaurant dinnerware at semi-casual, sit-down restaurants. For the most durable stoneware, look for options marked as "fully vitrified."

So what's the difference between stoneware and ceramic? Simply put, stoneware is a type of ceramic – one of the most common types used to make dinnerware such as plates, bowls, and mugs.

Although the word "china" often is used generically to refer to all types of ceramic dinnerware, regardless of its quality or physical characteristics, most formal definitions include the quality of being partially or fully vitrified, as well as being primarily made of smooth, white kaolin clay.4 Since kaolin clay was first discovered and used in China, and because China was the world's primary producer of fine porcelain for many years, the name "china" has become synonymous with most higher grades of ceramic dinnerware.

Crockery made of kaolin clay is usually white after it's fired, whereas earthenware and some types of stoneware are often brown, gray, or reddish in appearance. Unfortunately, because so much dinnerware is finished with opaque glazes, it can be hard to tell the color of a piece of ceramic unless it breaks or chips. This makes understanding the terminology surrounding ceramic dinnerware vitally important when shopping for your home or business to ensure you're paying a fair price for the product you choose.

What is bone china?

Bone china is a special type of porcelain made with a clay body that includes bone ash – typically from cow bones – among its primary ingredients. In the United States, a clay body must contain at least 25 percent bone ash by weight to be classified as bone china,⁵ but other nations may have different definitions. The inclusion of bone ash (also known as calcium phosphate) in ceramics imbues the resulting china with enhanced mechanical and physical strength, making it less brittle and more resistant to breaking. It also gives this type of porcelain its distinctive milky white and translucent appearance.

What is fine china?

Typically, when people refer to "fine china," what they actually mean is "porcelain," a term that refers to the highest grades of ceramic, typically found in upscale locations. In actuality, fine china and porcelain are sisters, not twins. Products labeled as fine china are typically made of the same high-quality materials as porcelain but are fired at a slightly lower temperature, meaning they're not quite as hard as true porcelain.^{6 This distinction, however, is irrelevant to most buyers; there's very little practical difference between the appearance and function of contemporary fine china and porcelain, and the two terms are often used interchangeably by manufacturers.}

Traditional fine china often is decorated with painted or glazed designs, has a lightweight, almost delicate feel, and may be gilded to enhance its elegant appearance. Modern fine china can be made in a variety of shapes, with or without decoration, and is available from a number of manufacturers. Although they're no longer the rare commodities they once were, fine china, porcelain, and bone china are still the strongest types of ceramicware available and typically command a premium price compared to other types of ceramic.

What is porcelain made of?

The word "porcelain" is synonymous with the finest dinnerware money can buy. That's because the material can be formed into the strongest, thinnest, and most elegant dinnerware available. The difference between porcelain and ceramic starts with its clay body. As noted above, porcelain differs from other types of ceramic in that it's made primarily of kaolin, a smooth, fine-grained clay that gets its name from the village in China where the practice of making porcelain developed.7 The combination of kaolin and inclusions such as alumina and calcium phosphate make porcelain strong enough that it can be formed into pieces so thin as to be translucent. It's this combination of delicacy and strength, along with its typically bright white color, that makes porcelain ubiquitous on white tablecloths.

Traditional porcelain is often divided into two categories based on the clay body and procedure used to create it. The original Chinese version of the substance became known as hard paste because of the dense minerals used in its formulation. For decades, European manufacturers tried and failed to recreate the strength and elegance of true Chinese hard paste porcelain, and many resorted to using alternative formulations that took advantage of milder inclusions. Those mixtures became known collectively as soft paste.

Differentiating between hard paste and soft paste porcelain is now the work of antique china collectors. Today, commercial-grade porcelain is made with materials and processes that make pieces incredibly durable compared even to the finest china produced in the past.

• Earthenware is considered the lowest grade of ceramic and isn't often used in commercial settings. For themed locations, such as Mexican restaurants, glazed earthenware pieces may be used as decorations for the table top or dining area. This ceramic type is prone to breakage and can absorb moisture and bacteria if it's cracked. For casual locations wanting to save money, purchasing melamine dinnerware is a better choice than looking for earthenware options. Many melamine plates and bowls resemble stoneware and are durable enough to withstand use in a busy, fast-paced environment, making them a popular choice among economy dinnerware options. Unlike genuine ceramic, however, melamine plates aren't suitable for use with microwaves, ovens, cheese melters, or salamander broilers.
• Stoneware, a ceramic type that's typically partially or fully vitrified, is more durable and moisture resistant than earthenware. Many stoneware options are economically priced, making them a common choice for semi-casual, sit-down locations. Although it isn't quite as break resistant as porcelain, stoneware's lower price point means that even with the cost of replacement, it's an affordable standard dinnerware choice for many locations. Many stoneware pieces have a rustic look that blends in well with earthy, natural decor, such as that found at a farm-to-table restaurant or trendy bistro. Stoneware tends be a bit thicker and heavier than porcelain, and it's typically safe for use with heat lamps, microwaves, ovens, and other heating equipment.
• Porcelain, also known as fine china, is considered the highest grade of ceramic and has a distinctive look and feel – featuring thinner walls and lightweight construction – that isn't found in most stoneware. For upscale restaurants, event halls, and hotels, porcelain often provides the look and feel that many customers expect when paying a premium for a fine dining experience. Porcelain is the most durable type of ceramicware, meaning it can have a longer service life and lower replacement costs than other options if it's handled with care. It's typically dishwasher safe and isn't damaged by heat from broilers, microwaves, ovens, or heat lamps. (Note – porcelain that's decorated with metal gilding isn't safe for use with microwaves because it typically is made with real gold.) For venues catering to more discerning patrons, fully vitrified china or porcelain makes an excellent complement to refined, elegant decor and ambiance.
• Some manufacturers simply label their dinnerware as ceramic without specifying which type. When considering products labeled as ceramic, it's important to check the product details carefully and note the item's construction to make sure you're getting what you want. Pieces labeled as partially vitrified are usually stoneware, and fully vitrified pieces can be stoneware or porcelain, depending on their construction. Additionally, manufacturers may use the terms "porcelain" or "bone china" to describe the color of the dinnerware; that doesn't necessarily mean that it's made of genuine porcelain or bone china. If you have questions about a specific item or brand, you can contact our helpful sales team at (865) 821-1545 or sales@katom.com for assistance.

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References

1. Clay Minerals. Ceramic Arts Network. Accessed July 2021.
2. Traditional Ceramics - Vitrification. Britannica. Accessed July 2021.
3. Standard Test Methods for Determination of Water Absorption and Associated Properties by Vacuum Method for Pressed Ceramic Tiles and Glass Tiles and Boil Method for Extruded Ceramic Tiles and Non-tile Fired Ceramic Whiteware Products. ASTM International. Accessed July 2021.
4. The Difference Between Fine China, Porcelain, and Dinnerware. The Spruce. Accessed July 2021.
5. Bone China Is Made from Actual Bone—And We Are Officially Fascinated and a Little Creeped Out. Southern Living. Accessed July 2021.
6. Porcelain. Made How. Accessed July 2021.
7. The European Obsession with Porcelain. The New Yorker. Accessed July 2021.