Ceramic

Ceramic is clay shaped, glazed and fired until it becomes permanent. It is the oldest tableware material there is, and in the SantHome range it carries the most personality: hand-painted espresso cups, serving bowls and plates where small variations in glaze and brushwork are part of the piece. A glazed ceramic surface is easy to clean and holds heat well, so coffee stays warmer in the cup and food holds its temperature on the plate.

Properties

Fired at 1,000 to 1,200°C, permanently hardening the clay body
Glaze seals the surface, making it non-porous and stain-resistant once fired
Heat retention: holds warmth well, so drinks and food stay hotter for longer
Hand-painted pieces carry natural variation in glaze and brushwork, so no two are identical
Thermal shock risk: sudden temperature change can crack the glaze or the body

Care

Plain glazed pieces generally take the dishwasher; hand-painted pieces prefer a hand wash. The one real risk is sudden temperature change. Details in our ceramic and porcelain care guide.

Caring for Ceramic and Porcelain Tableware

Ceramic FAQs

Can I put ceramic mugs in the microwave?

Plain glazed ceramic without metallic trim is microwave-safe. Pieces with a gold or silver rim are not: metallic decoration can spark. Check the rim before microwaving a decorated piece.

Why do my ceramic bowls have small variations in colour?

Hand-painted glazes are applied and fired individually, so brushwork and glaze pooling vary piece to piece. It is the mark of a handmade process, not a defect.