Porcelain Dinnerware

What is porcelain and how does it differ from earthenware and stoneware?

Porcelain is a very finely fired, bright ceramic with a dense surface that can be made thin-walled, lets light shine through and gives a clear ring when tapped.

Porcelain dinnerware therefore feels lighter and more delicate than other ceramics. Earthenware is denser than terracotta, has a warm look and relies on reactive glazes with small differences from piece to piece. You can read more under Earthenware. Stoneware is fired at a higher temperature, is very robust and often shows matt or shimmering glazes, as you'll see under Stoneware. Porcelain, by contrast, is all about brightness, fine edges and understatement.

Porcelain or earthenware: which suits you?

Porcelain is the right choice if you want slim, bright dinnerware with a classic feel; earthenware suits you if you prefer warmth, texture and lively glazes.

Which porcelain collections does Töpferkunst offer?

Our porcelain dinnerware comes in five collections: Nordic, Nordic Frost, Japan, Mandala and Riviera, each with its own character, from understated to decorative.

• Nordic: Bright, simple dinnerware with a marble look that gives every plate its own pattern. With 13 pieces, it's our largest range.
• Nordic Frost: A cooler, frosty variation that brings a calm, modern feel to the table.
• Japan: Japanese-inspired designs with delicate motifs that make the table feel light and picturesque.
• Mandala: Ornamental patterns reminiscent of mandalas that turn plates into small eye-catchers.

Riviera rounds off the selection with plates, bowls, platters, gourmet plates and dessert plates, ideal for mixing and matching. If you'd rather put together a complete porcelain dinner set straight away, take a look at our Dinner Sets. A porcelain dinner service for several people can be put together from them too.

What occasions is porcelain dinnerware suited to?

Porcelain dinnerware suits festive occasions just as well as everyday life, because its bright, simple shape can look both celebratory and understated.

For holidays, dinner parties and tasting-menu evenings, white porcelain dinnerware brings a sense of calm to the table. Gourmet plates and platters showcase dishes in style. In daily life, the smooth surface and easy cleaning really prove their worth. If you'd like to mix natural and bright, combine porcelain with pieces in Earthenware. The result is a lively, harmonious look.

How do you care for porcelain dinnerware properly?

The best way to care for porcelain dinnerware is with a soft sponge and mild washing-up liquid; all sets in this selection are also dishwasher safe, which keeps everyday life simple.

Avoid knocking the delicate edges and don't stack the pieces too high. Nearly all items are microwave safe; any exceptions are noted on the relevant product page. Designs stay prettier if you avoid abrasive sponges and let the dinnerware dry completely after washing.