Difference Between Ceramics and Porcelain: Worth Knowing and Information

Ceramics and porcelain – the difference

The difference between ceramic and porcelain is not just limited to the materials from which the two types of tableware are made. The temperatures at which the materials are processed also differ.

• Pottery is made from clay while porcelain is made from kaolin, a non-ferrous rock. Kaolin is white and gives the porcelain its pure white color. Pottery is usually brown or red, which is due to the material used, the clay. Pottery consists of a mixture of clay and quartz, feldspar, and chalk.
• Porcelain is translucent. By the way, you can also recognize high-quality porcelain by this. Ceramic is not translucent. This is because ceramics are made from a mixture of different materials and clay, while porcelain is mostly made from pure kaolin, the feldspar parts of which do not crystallize when the product cools after firing.
• Porcelain is more stable than ceramic and only needs to be coated with a clear glaze. Ceramic is less durable. It must be covered with a glass glaze that gives the ceramic different colors and protection against moisture.
• Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than ceramic. This is because kaolin has a higher melting point than ceramic components. This makes porcelain more robust overall.
• Earthenware is a special type of ceramic and its properties are very similar to ceramic. Both types of tableware are covered with a glaze that can be colored, glossy or matte. However, earthenware is a bit more robust than ceramic and therefore often a bit more expensive.

Ceramics versus porcelain – areas of application

Probably the biggest difference between ceramic and porcelain is the price. Porcelain is generally more expensive because the process of making it is more difficult and complicated.

• Everyday crockery is mostly made of ceramics. If something breaks, it’s not as bad as porcelain. The porcelain service is therefore usually only taken out of the cupboard on festive days.
• Porcelain not only appears classier because it is more translucent, but also because it is much lighter than ceramic or earthenware.
• Both porcelain and ceramics can be used in the oven. Finally, both materials are fired at far higher temperatures. The temperatures in the oven are therefore not dangerous for pots and cups. The same applies to use in the microwave.
• However, you should be careful with the dishwasher. Not everything is dishwasher safe. Porcelain is better washed by hand as it is often decorated with gold rims or intricate patterns. Nevertheless, there are cups that are suitable for use in the dishwasher. It is best to get information from the manufacturer.
• Ceramics and earthenware can generally be put in the dishwasher as long as they are glazed. However, unless your product has a glaze and is not waterproof, it should only be hand washed with extreme caution.