stoneware dish sets

Unique stoneware

Manufacturing Stoneware Dishes

Stoneware dishes are made of natural clay that is fired at high temperatures and becomes waterproof. A decorative glaze is sometimes applied over the hardened stoneware. Dishes made of stoneware are much heavier than porcelain and have a more natural appearance. It’s currently a very popular option for casual dinnerware and dish sets and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. Stoneware is also a common material for baking stones, baking pans, and covered casseroles. Cooks claim that baked goods are lighter when baked in stoneware baking pans, and that meats are moister when baked in covered dishes made of stoneware.

Choosing Stoneware Dish Sets

When shopping for stoneware, there are several things to look for. Items made from red clay are of a better quality than white clay items, and all clay used in stoneware dishes intended for cooking or eating should be lead free. Each stoneware product should have clearly labeled manufacturers warranty information on it, which should describe the way in which the dish was made. Look for stoneware products that offer a return or replacement guarantee, since these are generally high quality products supported by reputable manufacturers.

Caring For Stoneware Dishes

Good quality stoneware should never be put in the dishwasher or immersed in soapy water unless it has a protective glaze. Unglazed stoneware, such as is found in baking dishes, needs to be seasoned just as cast iron does, and using soapy water on it can ruin the seasoning. To season new stoneware, spray it with cooking oil the first few times you use it, and eventually it will develop it’s own non-stick finish. Once a piece of stoneware has been seasoned, you should only use hot water and a nylon scrubber to wash it.

Stoneware Warnings

While stoneware can be used in the microwave, you should never place stoneware dishes or baking pans under a broiler. The intense heat or direct contact with flames can cause a crack in stoneware baking pans. You should also be very careful not to allow any plastics to come in contact with the stoneware while it is still hot, as melted plastic can ruin the dish.