Porcelain

Porcelain is ceramic taken further: a finer clay fired at much higher temperatures until it vitrifies, becoming glass-like all the way through. The result is thinner walls, more strength and the clean white surface that has defined formal tableware for centuries. In the SantHome range porcelain appears in dinner plates and plate sets, where its durability makes it the everyday choice as much as the occasion one.

Properties

Fired at 1,200 to 1,400°C, higher than standard ceramic, hot enough to vitrify the clay body fully
Vitrified structure: glass-like all the way through, not just on the glazed surface
Thinner walls than earthenware for the same strength, since the fired body itself is denser
Naturally white body, needing less glaze colour to read clean
Still vulnerable to thermal shock and chipped edges despite its strength

Care

Everyday porcelain handles the dishwasher well. Decorated or metallic-rimmed pieces should be hand washed, and no fired clay likes thermal shock. Full routine in our ceramic and porcelain care guide.

Caring for Ceramic and Porcelain Tableware

Porcelain FAQs

What's the actual difference between ceramic and porcelain?

Porcelain is ceramic fired at a higher temperature, 1,200 to 1,400°C, until the clay body vitrifies and turns glass-like. That gives porcelain thinner walls and more strength for the same weight.

Is porcelain more fragile than ceramic?

Less, not more. The higher firing temperature makes the fired body denser and stronger, which lets porcelain be shaped into thinner walls than ceramic while staying just as durable.