Chip-Resistant Revolution: The Rise Of Unbreakable Dinnerware

Chip-resistant plates are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, stoneware, vitrelle tempered glass, and melamine. Porcelain plates are double-glazed and fired at high temperatures, giving them a glossy, translucent finish. They are also good insulators, helping food retain its temperature. Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and chip-resistant. Vitrelle tempered glass is made from thermally bonded laminated layers, making it strong, light, and thin. Melamine is a lightweight, hard plastic that is durable and unlikely to shatter or chip.

Porcelain plates

Sure! Here is some information on porcelain plates that are chip-proof:

Crafted from a specific type of clay known as kaolin, porcelain has an inherent strength and toughness that sets it apart from other materials. The clay is fired at extremely high temperatures, typically reaching up to 2600°F, which gives porcelain its renowned hardness and durability. This high-firing process also results in a non-porous surface, meaning that porcelain plates are less susceptible to chipping and cracking compared to other types of ceramic or stoneware plates.

The secret to achieving chip-proof porcelain plates lies in the glazing process. A protective layer of glaze is applied to the surface of the plate, which not only adds a beautiful shine but also enhances its strength. This glaze acts as a barrier, providing an extra layer of protection against chips and scratches. The glazing process involves firing the plates a second time at a lower temperature, ensuring that the glaze melts and fuses with the porcelain body, creating a strong and durable finish.

When it comes to caring for your porcelain plates to maintain their chip-proof qualities, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, while porcelain is known for its strength, it's important to avoid subjecting the plates to extreme temperature changes. Placing a hot plate on a cold, wet surface, for example, can cause thermal shock, which may result in cracking or chipping. Therefore, it's always best to allow hot plates to cool gradually and to avoid abrupt temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, while porcelain plates are durable, it's still important to handle them with care. Avoid stacking them too high or placing heavy items on top, as this can put excessive pressure on the plates and increase the risk of chipping. When storing your porcelain plates, consider using plate protectors or felt pads between each plate to provide a soft cushion and prevent chips and scratches.

With the right care and attention, porcelain plates can last for many years, maintaining their beauty and chip-proof qualities throughout. Their elegant appearance, coupled with their durability, makes them a popular and reliable choice for anyone seeking long-lasting and stylish dinnerware.

Stoneware

There are many stoneware dinnerware sets available on the market that offer service for four to six people. These sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and mugs. Some sets feature more unique shapes, such as square plates and bowls, adding a modern touch to your table setting. Stoneware is often available in a variety of colours and designs, allowing you to choose a set that matches your personal style and tableware preferences.

When caring for your stoneware, it is important to avoid using citrus-based cleaners, as they can dull the material's glossy finish. Instead, opt for mild detergents or soap and water when hand washing. Stoneware is generally dishwasher and microwave safe, but it is always a good idea to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of your tableware.

Vitrelle tempered glass

Vitrelle is a brand name for a specific type of three-layered glass material used in Corelle dishware. It was introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1970 and is now manufactured and sold by Corelle Brands. The unique 3-layered glass makes Corelle dinnerware thin, lightweight, and dramatically stronger than fine china.

The three layers of Vitrelle glass are thermally bonded together by laminating a top and bottom layer of clear skin glass to a core centre layer. The outer layers are clear glass, while the inner layer is opaque white. The resulting tableware is strong, lightweight, and resistant to chipping, breaking, staining, and scratching. The tempered glass is also non-toxic, lead-free, and does not impart flavour to food.

The lamination process makes each layer have a stress opposite to the stress of the adjacent layer. The skin on the top and bottom are in compression, while the core is in tension. This makes the plate impact-resistant. However, this is not enough to eliminate delayed breakage, so the product also undergoes a tempering process to deepen the compressive stress layer and make the product more durable.

Corelle dinnerware is perfect for outdoor and indoor dining, proving that beauty can be tough. It is also more versatile than melamine dinnerware, which tends to scratch and stain easily.

Melamine

However, melamine tableware should not be used in the microwave as high temperatures can cause the plastic to melt and leak into food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using melamine products for heating food and instead recommends transferring food to melamine dishes after heating. This is because melamine can migrate into food, especially when heated for long periods, and more so with acidic foods. While the FDA considers the levels of migration to be safe for human consumption, there have been concerns about the potential health risks of melamine exposure.

There have been incidents of deliberate melamine contamination in food products, particularly in China, to artificially increase the apparent protein content. This has led to severe health issues, including kidney damage and kidney stones, especially in children. As a result, the FDA and other organizations have set acceptable intake levels of melamine and recommended maximum amounts in food products.

Fine china

To increase the longevity of your fine china, it is recommended to avoid sudden temperature changes. Additionally, flatware may leave silver or grey deposit marks over time, which can be minimised by using a mild abrasive cleaner.

Frequently asked questions