Bone China · China or Porcelain · porcelain · Porcelain Dinnerware ·Dec 14, 2022

Porcelain Dinnerware: China or Porcelain Which One is Better?

Navigation

What Are the Main Differences between Porcelain and Chinaware?
Which Material is The Best for Everyday Use in Your Kitchen?
How Do Porcelain and China Dinnerware Stack Against Each Other in Terms of Quality?
Which Dinnerware Material Will Give You a More Bang for Your Buck?
Conclusion

China dinnerware is made from kaolin clay or china, which is burned in a kiln at high temperatures. Unlike plastic-coated or low-quality metallic dinnerware, it doesn't chip or gets scratched. Porcelain, the modern chinaware, is usually mass-produced and can withstand higher temperatures, which makes it more long-lasting than China. That's not all that tells us the difference between bone China and porcelain - we will walk you through the reasons which is the winner in the battle of porcelain vs bone China.

What Are the Main Differences between Porcelain and Chinaware?

Before we learn the difference between bone china and porcelain, let's see why these two are compared. The basic reason is that both are seen as fancy dinnerware and used on special occasions. However, with time, more people are also incorporating them for daily use.

Lotus 16 Piece Bone China Dinnerware Set

1.They Have Different Composition

China dinnerware is made from kaolin clay or China as the primary ingredient, with bone ash if it is bone China (up to 40%). It may also have different ingredients added in low quantities to give it a finishing touch, such as feldspar, silica, and ball clay. On the other side, fine porcelain dinnerware varies hugely in its list of ingredients. It mostly depends on the area of origin it is made in. For example, European porcelain is made from feldspar, clay, and ground glass.

2.They Have Different Kiln Temperatures

Porcelain is much harder than China because of its high firing temperature. It is heated in the kiln to a temperature as high as 1,454 degrees Celsius. On the contrary, China has a firing temperature of only up to 1,100 degrees Celsius. The firing temperature is an important factor to make the difference between China and porcelain dinnerware, and we will see how.

3.Resistance to Wear and Tear

Because of high firing temperature and hard surface, porcelain tends to be a lot more resistant to wear and tear than China dinnerware. That means it is resistant to chips and scratches, which is impossible in China dinnerware. The porcelain vs bone China battle in terms of resistance shows porcelain as the winner.

4.Manufacture

In porcelain, raw materials get finely mixed, after which they undergo pressing, casting, and forming (stiff plastic or soft plastic). These are the forming techniques, which vary according to the type of porcelain required. In China, the clay is combined with water, after which the slurry gets molded in cylinders. These are then shaped in different utensils with the use of plaster molds.

Which Material is The Best for Everyday Use in Your Kitchen?

Elvira 30 Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

Generally, both porcelain and China are good for everyday use. However, porcelain dinnerware can be heavier to deal with in terms of casual use. That is why many prefer using China over porcelain because of its lightweight. On the other hand, porcelain rarely gets any scratches, which is not the case in China. It is not considered bad for health, but the overall look can get duller. If you want your dishes to shine through the times, getting a porcelain dinner set is a better choice.

It all comes down to your choice - while porcelain is your reliable, spotless, and resilient dinnerware, China dinnerware is all the charms regarding its low weight, fine quality, and great finish. However, make sure not to put too hot meals or use dishwashers in a setting.

How Do Porcelain and China Dinnerware Stack Against Each Other in Terms of Quality?

Quality-wise, porcelain comes as a stronger substitute for its complement. It is because it has a much higher firing temperature than China. Even bone China has not had the hardness and reliability as porcelain does. The difference between bone China and porcelain is also highlighted in terms of quality:

Hardness - When comparing the two, we can see porcelain being a much better option than China. However, it depends on the type of the two you are talking about. Bone China can be harder than porcelain since its constituents contain bone ash.

Weight - In terms of weight, China is a much lighter material than porcelain. It can go as a positive point for some people and a negative point for others. If you prefer serving your ceramics on special occasions, you want hard and sturdy dinnerware. For everyday use, go for a lighter option.

Appearance - Fine porcelain dinnerware is your go-to piece if you are looking for pure white quality dinnerware. Things are different with China dinnerware as it is finer and brittle, making the appearance of the dinnerware translucent and creamy rather than white.

Which Dinnerware Material Will Give You a More Bang for Your Buck?

When it comes to money, porcelain is a bigger investment than other dinnerware. It is mainly because of the artistic procedures required to manufacture it. Also, it exhibits a quality resistance against heat, which makes it much more reliable than China. With no scratches and chipping going on, we can say that investing in porcelain is a much-worthy choice. China dinnerware is brittle in comparison, which means you will frequently be needing to get more of those cups your children break by mistake. You also need to take extra care of them which doesn't make them as much a bang for your buck as porcelain does.

That is why we recommend you get fine porcelain dinnerware if you are looking for certain pros that come with it. You may note that mishandling the dinnerware may cost you more than you'd anticipated, so if you have children in your home or you have to use dinnerware daily, China might be the more suitable option for you in this case.

Conclusion

This was everything you need to know about China vs. porcelain dinnerware - ranging from dinnerware definition of China and fine porcelain dinnerware, the best dinnerware material and the process of making it, and much more. In the end, it all depends on your individual needs, such as the type of dishes you want to serve. Want to know where to get high-quality dinnerware that is durable and great for daily use? Head over to malacasa.com for the best dinnerware options of the finest look and quality.