Ceramic has long been a favored material in the food industry due to its unique properties such as heat resistance, chemical non-reactivity, and durability. Learn about the different types of ceramics commonly used in food products and utensils, including porcelain, stoneware, ceramic, slip, and earthenware, as well as their benefits and specific uses.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a fine ceramic known for its whiteness, translucency and strength. It is mainly composed of kaolin, quartz and feldspar. Porcelain is widely used in tableware, plates, cups and bowls because of its beautiful appearance and ability to maintain food temperature. At OGO Living, you can find porcelain in the ENZO collection.
Kaolin , also known as kaolinite, is a soft, plastic, non-abrasive white clay, making it ideal for modeling and making fine ceramics.
Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth. In ceramic manufacturing, it is often used in the form of sand or powder. It provides strength to the ceramic.
Feldspar is a group of minerals that is one of the main components of igneous rocks such as granite. It is used as a flux in ceramic manufacturing, meaning it helps melt other minerals at lower temperatures.
Sandstone
Stoneware is a strong, porous ceramic, often recognizable by its grainy texture. It is made from clay with a high silica content, which gives it great strength and the ability to retain heat. Stoneware cookware, such as baking dishes and bowls, is prized for its ability to cook food evenly.
Silica is often used in the form of quartz sand in ceramic body mixes to provide strength and help control contraction during firing. It can also be used as a raw material for the production of ceramic glazes, where it contributes to the gloss and heat resistance of the glazed surface.
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Earthenware
Earthenware is a porous ceramic covered with a colored glaze. It is often used in the manufacture of decorative tableware and kitchen tiles. Although less durable than porcelain, earthenware is valued for its versatility and ability to be decorated with colorful and intricate designs.
The slip
Slip is a form of unglazed ceramic, often used in the manufacture of decorative or artistic objects. It is made from clay mixed with water to form a liquid paste, which is then shaped and fired. Although less common in food products, slip is sometimes used in the decoration of dishes and tableware.
Ceramics
The generic term Ceramics encompasses a wide variety of materials made from clay and minerals, fired at high temperatures to form solid objects.
Variety of color choices
Each ceramic has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different uses. At OGO Living, we present stoneware with our tableware and teapots, but also porcelain with specific items for tea.