The Ultimate Guide for Buying and Caring for Stoneware

The Ultimate Guide for Buying and Caring for Stoneware

TLDR: Stoneware is a durable and versatile material that can be used for cooking, baking, and serving. When choosing quality stoneware, look for pieces that are heavy, have a smooth finish, and are dishwasher-safe. Our tips for picking a quality made piece will help you pick stoneware, dinnerware, dishes, and vessels that will last a lifetime.


What is stoneware?

 

Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is made from high-fired clay that is fired in a kiln at temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Stoneware is known for its durability, heat resistance, and versatility and is used for cooking, baking, serving, and even as decorative pieces.


What to look for and how to buy quality made stoneware


If you are looking for handcrafted, quality-made stoneware, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping to ensure that the investment you make is a good one.

Weight

 

Stoneware is a dense material, so it should feel heavy and substantial in your hand. If it feels lightweight or flimsy, it's probably not made of genuine stoneware.


Color

 

Stoneware is typically white, off-white or beige, but it can also be found in other colors, such as black, brown, or red. The color should be evenly distributed throughout the finished piece and free of any blemishes.


Texture

 

Stoneware should have a smooth, matte finish unless glazed. If it feels rough or it is bumpy, then it’s not made of the best quality materials and should be avoided.


Minimal Stoneware Pasta Bowl Set
Minimal Stoneware Pasta Bowl Set

Durability

Stoneware is a very durable material with a dense clay body, so it should be able to withstand everyday use without chipping or cracking. In general, stoneware does not break easily. You can test the durability of a piece of stoneware by lightly tapping a piece on a hard surface. If it feels hollow or breaks or chips easily, then this is not a good quality stoneware piece.

Minimal Verdure Raw Stoneware Vase
Minimal Verdure Raw Stoneware Vase
Minimal Stoneware Oil Cruet
Minimal Stoneware Oil Cruet

Heat resistance

 

Stoneware is oven-safe and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can use it to cook, bake, and serve food. Just be careful not to quickly change the temperature of your stoneware. Taking a stoneware piece from hot temperatures to very cold temperatures can cause the piece to break because of the quick temperature change. It’s best to check with the manufacturer to see if your stoneware serveware can be used in the oven, but generally broiling or exposure to minimal heat in an oven is generally acceptable with stoneware pieces.


Design


Stoneware is available in a variety of designs, from simple and elegant to rustic and traditional. Choose a design that you love, and that will complement your unique style, your dining room décor, and your table and place settings.

How to care for your stoneware

 

Stoneware is easy to care for, and following these simple steps will ensure your new stoneware pieces last, and look great, for years to come.


Handwashing is always best

 

Yes, you absolutely put glazed stoneware in the dishwasher, but as with any dishwasher safe items, your stoneware dishes will last longer and look more vibrant and hold up better over time if you hand wash it. Using a mild dish detergent is preferred as well as a non-abrrasive brush or scrubber. Never use any steel wool, scrubbers, or brushes with metal pieces in them on your stoneware.

Dadasi Stoneware Dessert Plate Set
Dadasi Stoneware Dessert Plate Set

Avoid cutting cutting and scraping metal on the glaze

 

Yes, most cutlery is metal, and yes you can use metal cutlery with your glazed stoneware pieces, but be advised metal cutlery can create scraps on the stoneware glaze and the harder you dig or scrape into the glaze the more pronounced the marks will be. These marks can be polished out with a product like Barkeeper’s Friend, but it’s best to cut your meats or slice your bread on a non-stoneware surface. If you like a paninade used look then this may not be a big issue for you.

Yes, it is microwave safe, but not always oven safe

 

Stoneware is also microwave-safe, so you can use it to heat up food quickly in the microwave. While most stoneware is oven-safe you need to be careful how you use it in the oven. You never want stoneware to be in the oven for extended periods of time or at a really high heat. We recommend broiling in stoneware for a short amount of time – think getting the cheese bubbly and crunchy on a french onion soup. Avoid baking in stoneware because stoneware if heated too hot, too fast has a tendency to crack. Also if your stoneware is hot don’t dunk it in cold water to clean it. Changing the temperature of stoneware too quickly can cause it to crack.


Stoneware is dishwasher safe, but we recommend handwashing

 

Stoneware is dishwasher-safe, so you can easily clean it after every use. If you don’t have a dishwasher, then your stoneware will clean up nicely with a mild dish detergent handwashed in the sink. We always prefer to handwash our stoneware pieces because some dishwashers can get too hot and some detergents can be too abrasive, but generally you’re fine to run your stoneware in the dishwasher. But remember to never, ever use baking soda or vinegar in your dishwasher if you run out of detergent as this can permanently damage stoneware and many other types of dishes too. And again, if you are handwashing, just be sure to use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush or sponge. While stoneware dinnerware doesn’t damage easily, you never want to scratch up your stoneware’s finish with an abrasive cleaning pad or wire brush.

Where to Buy Quality Made Stoneware

The best place to buy stoneware is on Made Trade. Not only are you guaranteed an exceptional, high-quality piece of stoneware for your kitchen and home, but you also are buying stoneware that is made with 100% verified fair labor and sustainably sourced materials.

 

Want to know the difference between porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Ceramics for a deep dive into the most common types of ceramics and what to look for when making an investment in a quality made piece.


Dadasi Stoneware Dinner Set
Dadasi Stoneware Dinner Set

Our favorite sustainable stoneware pieces

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur

Minimal Stoneware Vase
Minimal Stoneware Vase
La Marsa Stoneware Goblet Set
La Marsa Stoneware Goblet Set
Minimal Stoneware Mug Set
Minimal Stoneware Mug Set
Minimal Stoneware Dinnerware Set
Minimal Stoneware Dinnerware Set

Recommended just for you

Why Made Trade?

Free shipping
$100+

Incredible
customer service

Easy
returns

Satisfaction
guaranteed

We're proudly woman-owned
We empower hundreds of small businesses
Every order is 100% carbon neutral