Handcrafted Stoneware: Elevating The American Dinner Table

American-made stoneware dinnerware is a great way to bring a cozy and earthy feel to your dinner table. Not only is it a beautiful and durable option for dinnerware, but it also has a much lower carbon footprint than imported dinnerware. When you buy American-made, you're supporting local artisans and businesses that are committed to quality and customer satisfaction.

There are several options for American-made stoneware dinnerware, each with its own unique style and features. For example, Bauer Pottery offers a fun and colourful option that is microwave and dishwasher-safe. Meanwhile, Bennington Potters provides a 10% discount when you buy four or more place settings, making it a great option for bulk purchases. HF Coors is another popular choice, known for its highly chip-resistant and non-porous dinnerware that is safe to use in the freezer, oven, and dishwasher.

American-made stoneware dinnerware is not only a practical choice but also a way to support local businesses and reduce your environmental impact. With a variety of styles and options to choose from, you can find the perfect set to gather your friends and family around the table.

Dinnerware Sets

Stoneware is a popular choice for dinnerware, and there are several American companies that produce high-quality stoneware dinnerware sets. Here is an overview of some options for American-made stoneware dinnerware sets:

Fiesta Tableware:

Fiesta Tableware is an American staple known for its fun, colourful options. The company has a long history dating back to the mid-1800s, and currently offers factory-direct sales. They produce lead-free dinnerware and have made efforts to reduce cardboard waste in their packaging. 99% of their products are made in the USA, with a factory located along the Ohio River in Newell, West Virginia. Their dinnerware is chip-resistant and safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.

Bauer Pottery:

Bauer Pottery has been handmaking dinnerware and other pottery in Los Angeles, California, since 1910. Their dinnerware comes in a variety of colours and sizes, perfect for mixing and matching. Each piece is made with earthenware clay that is hand-pressed, fired in a kiln, glazed by hand, and then fired again. Bauer Pottery's dinnerware is built to last and is both microwave and dishwasher-safe. While they recommend handwashing for the best care, their products are lead and uranium-free.

Bennington Potters:

Bennington Potters is based in Vermont and has been making stoneware pottery for nearly 70 years. Their dinnerware sets typically include a dinner plate, lunch plate, bowl, and mug, with each piece being handmade. They offer a variety of colours and designs, and you can choose to purchase sets or mix and match individual pieces. When buying four or more sets, they offer a 10% discount. Their stoneware has a natural, matte look and is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.

HF Coors:

HF Coors is a manufacturer of high-quality, commercial-grade ceramic dinnerware based in Tucson, Arizona. They have been making ceramic dinnerware in the US since 1925 and take pride in the durability and safety of their products. Their dinnerware is vitrified, lead-free, and cadmium-free, meeting FDA standards. Each piece is designed to be chip-resistant, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, oven-safe, and broiler-safe. They offer a range of colours, styles, and designs to choose from.

Emerson Creek Pottery:

Emerson Creek Pottery handcrafts its stoneware pottery in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Their ceramic pieces have been featured in notable locations such as Mt. Vernon, Monticello, and the Smithsonian Institute. They offer individual pieces, single sets, and sets for four. Each set typically includes a dinner plate, a smaller plate, a bowl, and a mug, with both matte and glossy glazes available. Their dinnerware is free of harmful chemicals and is safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.

Stoneware & Co.:

Stoneware & Co. is one of the oldest American stoneware makers, established in 1815 in Louisville, Kentucky. They use a proprietary recipe of 100% American-mined material and apply a scratch-resistant organic milk glaze that is free of lead and cadmium. Their sets range from rustic to refined, offering everyday use stoneware with matching serving ware.

These companies offer a variety of styles and designs, allowing you to choose the perfect dinnerware set to suit your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Place Settings

Place Setting Essentials

The standard place setting typically includes the following pieces:

• Dinner plate
• Salad plate
• Bowl (sometimes differentiated into soup and cereal bowls)
• Mug or cup

These pieces form the foundation of a place setting and are considered the essentials for a complete dining experience.

Place Setting Variations

While the above constitutes the basic place setting, it's worth noting that variations exist, and some stoneware dinnerware sets may include additional pieces or make substitutions. For instance, some place settings might offer:

• Smaller appetizer or bread plates
• Larger serving bowls
• Mugs of different sizes or styles
• Additional specialty pieces like tankard mugs or rice bowls

These variations allow for a more customized dining experience, catering to specific needs or preferences.

Number of Place Settings

American-made stoneware dinnerware sets typically offer service for four or six individuals. This means that a standard set will include four or six place settings, each consisting of the essential pieces mentioned earlier. However, some brands, like Corelle, offer larger sets with service for up to twelve people, providing a more comprehensive solution for larger households or those who frequently host dinners.

Customization and Expansion

Many stoneware dinnerware brands understand the importance of customization and the desire to expand one's collection. Therefore, they often offer individual pieces or the option to purchase additional place settings separately. This flexibility allows you to mix and match patterns or colours, gradually expand your collection, or replace broken or missing pieces without having to purchase an entirely new set.

Place Setting Styles

American-made stoneware dinnerware boasts a diverse range of styles to cater to different tastes and table aesthetics. From rustic charm to modern elegance, you can find place settings that align with your unique style. Some popular styles include:

• Rustic farmhouse
• Cozy matte
• Glossy finish with delicate speckles
• Minimalist matte
• Classic white
• Sophisticated two-tone

These styles can be found across various brands, ensuring that you can set the tone and ambiance for your dining experience, whether it's a casual meal or a formal gathering.

Dinner Plates

HF Coors Dinnerware:

Based in Tucson, Arizona, HF Coors has been crafting ceramic dinnerware in the US since 1925. Their dinnerware sets include dinner plates, along with other pieces like bowls, mugs, and serving dishes. HF Coors' pieces are known for their durability and are often used in restaurants. Their dinnerware is lead-free, cadmium-free, and chip-resistant. They offer a variety of colours and patterns, ranging from classic matte white to more colourful and rustic options.

Fiesta Tableware:

Fiesta Tableware has been an American staple since the mid-1800s and is known for its colourful and fun dinnerware options. Their products are accessible, as they are sold in many popular stores like Kohl's, Macy's, and J.C. Penney. Fiesta offers a five-year chip replacement warranty and their dinnerware is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. They also have a commitment to sustainability and produce lead-free dinnerware.

Bauer Pottery:

Based in Los Angeles, California, Bauer Pottery has been handmaking dinnerware and other pottery since 1910. Their dinner plates come in a variety of 18 colour options, ranging from earthy tones to bright colours. Each piece is made with care, using earthenware clay that is hand-pressed and fired in a kiln before being glazed by hand and fired again. Their dinnerware is lead-free, uranium-free, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe.

Bennington Potters:

Bennington Potters, based in Vermont, has been crafting stoneware pottery for nearly 70 years. Their sets include a dinner plate, lunch plate, bowl, and mug, and each piece is handmade. They offer 13 different colour and design options, and you can purchase sets or mix and match individual pieces. Their stoneware has a matte, natural look and feel to it. It is lead-free and safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.

Other Options:

In addition to the brands mentioned above, there are several other American companies that produce stoneware dinner plates, including:

• East Fork Pottery (Asheville, North Carolina)
• Rowe Pottery (Cambridge, Wisconsin)
• Simon Pearce (Windsor, Vermont)
• Hanselmann Pottery (Corrales, New Mexico)
• Farmhouse Pottery (Woodstock, Vermont)
• Emerson Creek Pottery (Bedford, Virginia)
• Stoneware & Co. (Louisville, Kentucky)

Stoneware Safety

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware made from stoneware clay and fired at a high temperature, making it durable and non-porous. It is generally safe to use, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure its safety:

Lead and Other Toxins

It is important to ensure that your stoneware is lead-free, as lead can be harmful if it leaches into food. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has measures in place to minimise the risk of lead contamination, it is still possible for stoneware to contain lead. This is especially true for highly decorated pieces, handcrafted stoneware, antique stoneware, and stoneware with bright orange, red, or yellow colours, as lead is often used to enhance the intensity of these colours. In addition, stoneware imported from countries with less stringent regulations, such as China, may be more likely to contain lead. To be safe, only purchase stoneware that is clearly labelled as lead-free and, if possible, purchase from reputable companies that produce stoneware in the US or Canada, as these countries have stricter regulations regarding lead.

Glazes

The glaze on stoneware should also be considered when assessing its safety. While glazes are generally applied to seal porous openings in the clay and make the stoneware food-safe, some glazes may contain harmful substances like lead. Therefore, it is important to inquire about the ingredients in the glaze and whether any leach testing has been conducted. In addition, avoid using heavy-duty metal scrubbers when cleaning your stoneware, as this can scratch the glaze and potentially expose you to harmful substances.

Proper Use and Care

Proper use and care of stoneware can also impact its safety. Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as removing stoneware from the refrigerator or freezer and placing it directly into the oven, as this can cause the stoneware to crack. It is generally recommended to wash stoneware by hand rather than placing it in the dishwasher, as the dishwasher may contribute to breakdown and increase the susceptibility of the stoneware to breakage and chipping over time.

Non-Stick Stoneware

When purchasing stoneware, be cautious of products marketed as "non-stick stoneware," as these are often aluminium pans with a non-stick coating that may contain potentially harmful chemicals like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which can give off toxic fumes if heated to high temperatures. True stoneware is semi-non-stick due to its smooth surface but is not completely non-stick.

Overall

When sourced and cared for properly, stoneware is a safe and attractive option for dinnerware. However, it is always important to be vigilant and informed about the products you bring into your home to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Dinnerware Manufacturing Process

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware made from stoneware clay fired at high temperatures, typically between 2,000°F and 2,400°F. This process gives stoneware a stone-like appearance and makes it more durable and less porous than other types of pottery and earthenware.

There are three main methods for creating stoneware: molding, slipcasting, and handcrafting.

Molding

Manufacturers use a mold with a hollow portion in the shape of the final product. A liquid slurry of clay and water is poured into the mold and hardens around the edges. Once the outer edge is solid, the liquid interior is removed, and the piece is dried and fired in a kiln. This method is typically used for mass-producing pottery and is more prone to breakage.

Slipcasting

Liquid clay is poured into a mold and left to harden and form a hollow cast. This method allows for more intricate shapes that cannot be easily handmade. However, slipcast stoneware is also fragile and may not withstand high temperatures, making it unsuitable for dishwashers, microwaves, or ovens.

Handcrafting

Artisans use a pottery wheel to shape the clay by hand, forming the desired shape with their hands and special tools. This method is more time-consuming but produces higher-quality, more durable stoneware with a better feel.

Once the stoneware has been shaped, handles and other embellishments are added to improve its strength. It is then stamped, glazed, and fired in a kiln. The glaze adds a protective layer to the stoneware, and different glazes can create various colours and finishes, such as glossy or matte.

After the final firing, the glaze on the stoneware melts and vitrifies, turning into glass and fusing with the clay. This step requires careful attention, as different glazes may react differently to high temperatures.

Frequently asked questions