What's the Difference in Dinnerware Materials? Stoneware vs Porcelain (and Beyond)

Choosing a new dinner set? You’ve probably come across stoneware, porcelain, bone china and earthenware, each with a different price tag. But what are you actually paying for, and which material is worth the extra spend?

When comparing stoneware vs porcelain and other dinnerware materials, the differences go beyond appearance. We’ll explain how firing temperature affects strength and durability, why porcelain generally costs more than stoneware, and which material makes the most sense for everyday meals, entertaining or a little of both.

It comes down to how hot it's fired

The biggest difference between dinnerware materials starts in the kiln. While earthenware, stoneware, porcelain and bone china all begin with clay-based materials, the composition and firing process affect how dense, strong and chip-resistant the finished piece becomes.

Earthenware is fired at the lowest temperatures, typically around 1,000–1,150°C. It remains relatively porous after firing, so it needs glazing to create a practical surface for dinnerware. It’s also more prone to chipping than higher-fired ceramics. In practice, earthenware is the chunky, often hand-finished stuff you'll recognise from terracotta pots and rustic serving bowls with a thick, glossy glaze. Its lower firing temperature leaves it less dense than stoneware or porcelain, so it generally needs a little more care around knocks and chips.

Stoneware dinnerware is generally fired at around 1,100–1,300°C. The higher temperature produces a denser, less porous material with good resistance to everyday scratching and wear.

Porcelain dinnerware is fired at still higher temperatures, reaching roughly 1,400°C. This creates a very dense, non-porous ceramic that can be made relatively thin without sacrificing strength. That combination of strength and a finer profile is one reason porcelain is often chosen for more considered table settings.

Bone china follows a different formula. It typically contains around 30–50% bone ash and is fired at approximately 1,200°C. The bone ash contributes to its distinctive translucency and allows pieces to be made exceptionally thin while remaining strong.

Those differences also help explain the price. Porcelain involves high-temperature firing and careful production, while bone china adds a more specialised raw material and manufacturing process. You're not simply paying for a more premium-sounding name. Each material is made differently to achieve a particular balance of strength, weight, appearance and everyday practicality.

What that means for chip resistance, weight and how it feels at the table

Stoneware and porcelain are more resistant to chips than earthenware. Porcelain is also denser, which means it can be made thinner without sacrificing strength, so a porcelain set often feels lighter at the table than stoneware of a similar size. Stoneware tends to have a thicker, more substantial feel, which works well for everyday dining, while porcelain’s slimmer profile gives it a more refined look when presentation matters.

Bone china takes that strength-to-weight balance even further. Despite its thin, delicate appearance, true bone china is one of the strongest whiteware ceramics, and its bone-ash content means thin doesn’t necessarily mean fragile.
The main difference between bone china and porcelain is translucency: bone china lets more light through and can be made thinner while maintaining its strength, though both have a fine, lightweight feel. Porcelain has a harder, denser body and doesn't contain the bone ash that gives traditional bone china its characteristic appearance.

One naming distinction is worth knowing. New bone china is a commercial term used for dinnerware with a different composition from traditional bone china, often with a lower bone-ash content. It generally sits closer to porcelain in price and durability. Check the exact material listed rather than assuming anything labelled “bone china” is made the same way.
Here's how the four materials generally compare, although prices and durability can vary between individual ranges.

Dishwasher, microwave and oven safety: check the piece, not just the material

Most everyday stoneware and porcelain dinnerware is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, but the glaze, decorative finish and construction of the individual piece decide how it should be used, so check the care label on the individual set. Don’t assume all stoneware can go in the oven, all porcelain can go in the dishwasher, or all bone china needs hand washing.

Metallic details are the thing to look for. Bone china and fine porcelain with gold, platinum or other metallic trims generally shouldn’t go in the microwave, and harsh dishwasher detergents can damage those finishes, so some decorated pieces need hand washing even when the ceramic itself is durable. If you want a set for everyday reheating, a plain porcelain or stoneware set without metallic detailing is the safest pick.

Oven safety needs the same product-by-product approach. A material may cope well with heat, but that doesn’t automatically mean every plate, bowl or serving piece made from it is oven safe. Glazes, decorative finishes and sudden temperature changes can all affect what a particular product can handle.

Choosing between them for how you host

Stoneware dinnerware suits an everyday table that handles breakfast, dinner and everything in between, while porcelain is worth the extra spend for a hosting set. Stoneware dinnerware offers a practical balance of durability, weight and value, and if a piece eventually chips or breaks, replacing it tends to cost less than replacing porcelain or bone china.

Porcelain dinnerware gives the table a finer look and feel without limiting the set to special occasions. If you regularly host family dinners, celebrations or long lunches, its lighter profile is something you’ll appreciate every time you use it. Most stoneware and porcelain sets are dishwasher safe, and you can filter our Dinner Sets collection by material to compare them side by side.

You don’t have to commit to one material across the entire table, either. Mixing materials adds contrast and makes a setting feel less uniform. For example, a porcelain dinner plate might sit alongside a stoneware side bowl, letting you combine the lighter profile of porcelain with the texture and weight of stoneware.

Browse the full Dinnerware collection to compare materials and styles. Once you’ve chosen your pieces, our guide to mastering the art of table setting can help you work out how to put them together for everyday meals and occasions.

Dinnerware material FAQs

What's the difference between stoneware and porcelain?

Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than stoneware, which makes it denser, so it can be made thinner and lighter while staying strong. Stoneware is typically thicker and feels more substantial in the hand.

Is stoneware dinnerware dishwasher and microwave safe?

Most everyday stoneware dinnerware is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, but always check the care instructions for the individual product. Glazes, decorative finishes and metallic details can change how a particular piece should be cleaned or used.

Why is bone china more expensive than stoneware?

Bone china generally costs more than stoneware because of its specialised materials and manufacturing process. True bone china contains bone ash, which contributes to its combination of strength, thinness and translucency, while stoneware uses a different clay composition and firing process.

Is “new bone china” the same as bone china?

No. New bone china is a commercial term for dinnerware that differs in composition from traditional bone china, often with a lower bone-ash content. It tends to sit closer to porcelain in price and durability, so check the exact material description rather than assuming all products labelled with “bone china” are made the same way.