Is Porcelain Good? This article aims to answer this question and many more. This article will cover the different types of porcelain, including Microwave-safe, Bone china, and hard-paste porcelain. Read on for more information! Until then, you can choose your porcelain based on the look, shape, and material. But what is the difference between them? Here are some tips to help you decide!
Hard-paste porcelain
The secret to producing hard-paste porcelain large format panels was discovered in 1708 or 1709 by Johann Friedrich Bottger. He worked near the town of Dresden, Germany, where his Meissen porcelain factory was established. In the following years, Meissen porcelain quickly became the leading hard-paste porcelain in Europe, surpassing all other varieties for nearly a century. The difference between hard-paste and soft-paste porcelain is largely due to the proportion of petuntse and kaolin in the mix.
In the late 1600s, trade with the Orient increased dramatically and the popularity of porcelain spread throughout Europe. As a result, European manufacturers sought to produce their own hard-paste porcelain, but failed. They experimented with soft-paste porcelain and created the first European soft-paste porcelain in 1575. From there, European porcelain production grew substantially, and France, Germany, and Italy became major centers for porcelain manufacturing.
Early hard-paste porcelain was manufactured near the town of Limoges. The discovery of kaolin deposits in the area led to the city's emergence as a major porcelain center in Europe. In the 1840s, American David Haviland founded a factory in Limoges. This type of porcelain is known for its soft colors and small floral patterns. Today, hard-paste porcelain is the highest quality of porcelain.
Bone china
While porcelain and bone china have similar Ace Stone and Tiles porcelain panels raw materials, there are many differences. Porcelain is heavier than bone china, which is often translucent and lighter. Bone ash is also used in the manufacturing process, which reduces the vitrification threshold. The finished product also features less refractory material than porcelain. It is important to choose a quality bone china if you are buying a piece for the home.
Some products are higher in bone ash than others, so make sure you check the content on the label. China needs at least 36%, while the United States and the UK require at least 25%. The higher the percentage, the harder the process is. Interestingly, some manufacturers use more than 40% of bone ash to make their porcelain. This makes them better for creating bright and shiny items. For example, Noritake bone china contains more than 30% bone ash.
Another way to tell if a cup or plate is bone china is to look at the color of the glaze. Bone ash adds a translucent quality to the porcelain, and the translucent appearance allows more light to pass through. As bone ash is a common ingredient in ceramics, high-grade bone china should be a milk-white color with a bright glaze. Bone ash content in bone china is greater than in porcelain, and the glaze should be smooth and bright.
Microwave-safe porcelain
A good quality microwave-safe porcelain will withstand high-temperature cooking. Because it is made of ceramic material that has been sintering at high-temperatures, porcelain is non-porous and will not absorb flavors or odors from food. Because of this, it is safe to use in the microwave. If you have an older model microwave, you may want to consider using stoneware or tempered glass instead.
While ceramic is cheaper than large format porcelain panels, it may not be microwave safe. Porcelain may break or scratch if exposed to high-temperatures, but ceramic can withstand the heat of a microwave without breaking. Porcelain is also dishwasher-safe, though some types may scratch more easily than other materials. Microwave-safe porcelain is a better choice than ceramic for many reasons. Despite this disadvantage, porcelain is the most common material used in microwaves.
Conclusion
One of the best reasons to purchase microwave-safe porcelain is its heat-resistant properties. Porcelain is not susceptible to harmful chemicals, but it may break during heating. Microwaves do not have a turntable, so it is essential to follow manufacturer's instructions. To prevent uneven cooking, you need to rotate your dish a few times during cooking. Choosing a microwave-safe porcelain is essential for making healthy, nutritious meals and snacks.
