Types of Dishware

Fine China

• Fine china is the standard dishware for formal dinners and is often used on holidays and special occasions. Pieces are expensive, but higher-quality materials are used to create them. Fine china is also referred to as porcelain. From simple elegance to ornate patterns, this dishware is available in many different designs. Unlike most other dishware, fine china is often used for decoration when not in use, displayed in a china cabinet.

Earthenware

• A common type of everyday dish, earthenware is considered casual dishware. It comes in two forms: glazed and unglazed. The glazed form can be placed in the dishwasher, but the unglazed cannot, as it will absorb the detergent used. As the oldest form of dishware still in use today, it has proven to be a wise choice. Earthenware is more coarse than stoneware. Some earthenware is decorated, while some is plain. Because it is fired in low-temperature kilns, it is much more porous, making it is one of the most delicate forms of dishware.

Stoneware

• Stoneware is a step up in durability. Through the use of higher-kiln temperatures and added quarts, fledspar and flint, stoneware does not suffer from the delicate nature that earthenware does. This does not mean it is not fragile, it is just not as fragile as earthenware. Stoneware is nonporous, and therefore holds liquids well. Often, stoneware is used in Chinese and Japanese dishware, as it originated in China during the Shang Dynasty (1400 B.C.). Designs on stoneware tend to be very stylish. Stoneware is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Pottery

• Stronger than both stoneware and earthenware, pottery is another form of casual dishware. Pottery, when used as dishware, if often painted with ornate designs and is commonly found in Greek, Spanish or Italian kitchens. Its durability makes it a safe choice for reheating foods in the microwave and cleaning in the dishwasher. The beautiful, decorative patterns found on pottery dishes make them multifunctional, as they look good displaying fruits on your kitchen table as well.

Bone China

• Bone china is very durable and offers a more elegant look than most of the other dishware, aside from fine china. Bone china that has not been painted on is safe to place in the microwave and dishwasher. If there is paint on your bone china, it is likely metallic paint and cannot be used in the microwave. This dishware is the perfect choice for a less casual, everyday set of dishware.

Glass

• Glass is another fragile form of dishware, but it offers ease of cleaning and adds a sharp appearance to your dinner table. Glass dishware comes in a multitude of colors and can have different designs painted on it. Glass dishware works as a casual place setting or as a semiformal place setting, depending upon the decor used. A lot of glass dishware is microwave safe, as well as dishwasher safe.

Plastic

• Plastic has many uses as dishware. Children have a tendency to drop things or knock them off of the table. Plastic dishware is more durable and can stand up to the rigorous treatment children will put it through. Plastic is also a good choice for patio dishware because of its durability. With the nature of eating on a patio, plates have an increased risk of being dropped. Remember that plastic is heat sensitive and is better maintained if hand washed and kept out of the microwave.