Pfaltzgraff Stoneware Dinnerware Sets

What material does Pfaltzgraff use to make dinnerware?

Pfaltzgraff has used earthenware, stoneware, porcelain and bone china at some point in our history. Our current dinnerware patterns are made primarily of stoneware and earthenware. Ironstone and porcelain dinnerware may be offered less frequently.

What is the difference between bone china, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware? ?

Bone China is made from a mixture of bone ash and highly refined clay and is typically fired at over 2200° F. It is pure white or cream and translucent. Bone china is the most durable of the ceramic types that are discussed here.

Porcelain is made from highly refined white clay and can be fired at over 2300° F. It is often translucent and non-porous. Porcelain tends to be thinner and lighter than stoneware with a more delicate appearance.

Stoneware is a hard, durable ceramic made of light colored clay typically fired at over 2200° F. It is opaque and porous. Stoneware dinnerware tends to be thicker and heavier than porcelain or china. It can be glazed in a wide variety of colors and finishes (matte, satin, and shiny) for diverse designs.

Earthenware is made from a mixture of clay and sand and is usually fired at temperatures near 2100° F. Earthenware is opaque and porous and tends to be less resistant to chipping than stoneware. Earthenware is an ideal medium for hand-painted and embossed designs. The lower firing temperatures allow for more intense color than would be possible with other types of ceramics. Ironstone is a heavier, stronger type of earthenware.

What is Reactive Glaze?

Reactive Glaze is a glazing technique used on Stoneware to create unique colors and pattern variation. Once the Glaze is applied, it undergoes a reaction under extreme temperatures during the firing process. The results are beautiful multi-tonal colors and patterns like our ever popular Painted Poppies and Rustic Leaves dinnerware. The nature and hand-crafted qualities of this type of glaze, ensures that no two pieces will be exactly alike.