The Great French Porcelain Debate: Pillivuyt Vs. Apilco

Pillivuyt and Apilco are two brands of porcelain dinnerware. Both are manufactured in France and are considered to be of high quality. Pillivuyt has been described as producing dinnerware that cooks beautifully and is easier to clean, with cleaner design details, crisper edges. Apilco, on the other hand, has been described as beautiful and durable, but some users have complained about its durability, with reports of broken and chipped dishes.

Durability

Pillivuyt has a reputation for producing durable porcelain that can last for decades. The company has been manufacturing porcelain for almost 200 years and has developed its own porcelain compounds at its factory in Berry, France. The firing process involves more than 10 steps and multiple firings at high temperatures, resulting in a non-porous and highly resistant product. The pieces are also designed with functionality in mind, such as the recent development of Pillienium, a stronger and thinner "paste" that can be made into cookware and service pieces.

On the other hand, Apilco porcelain has been described as less durable by some users. One person reported experiencing multiple breaks and chips within two months of receiving a set of Apilco dishes as a wedding gift. However, it is important to note that this could be an issue with the specific brand, as another user mentioned that their Apilco dishes had lasted for years without any issues.

When comparing the two brands, Pillivuyt appears to have a stronger focus on durability, with its investment in research and development, as well as its long history of manufacturing high-quality porcelain. However, there are also users who have reported positive experiences with the durability of Apilco products, so it may depend on the specific product and usage conditions.

In conclusion, if durability is a top priority, Pillivuyt may be the better choice between the two brands, but it is always a good idea to read reviews and compare specific products to make an informed decision.

Design

When it comes to design, both Pillivuyt and Apilco offer clean, simple, and elegant porcelain dinnerware. However, there are some differences in their aesthetics.

Pillivuyt's designs have been described as having cleaner design details, crisper edges, and a less clunky feel. Their pieces often feature a classic, plain white colour, although they also offer some designs with coloured stripes. Pillivuyt's designs are also said to be less clunky and more comfortable to hold and pull out of the oven.

Apilco, on the other hand, offers a wider range of designs, including plain white porcelain as well as pieces with pale grey lines and other subtle decorations. Their designs are often described as simple and elegant, fitting well with the French love affair with white dinnerware, which is believed to make food stand out more.

In terms of durability, Pillivuyt is known for its superior quality and longevity. Their pieces are said to hold up better over long periods of use, with some users reporting that their Pillivuyt dinnerware looks as new today as when they bought it. On the other hand, some users have reported issues with the durability of Apilco, with chips and breaks occurring within a few months of use.

Overall, while both brands offer elegant and simple designs, Pillivuyt seems to be favoured for its superior durability and longevity, with users reporting fewer issues with chipping and breaking over time.

Manufacturing

Pillivuyt porcelain is manufactured in Berry, France, where the company has been developing its own porcelain compounds on-site for almost 200 years. The Pillivuyt brothers, Charles and Jean Louis, bought a brick factory in 1818 in Foëcy but decided to switch to producing culinary and table porcelain for households. The location was ideal, with neighbouring forests and water sources, and proximity to Limoges, where kaolin deposits had recently been discovered.

The porcelain-making process at Pillivuyt starts with handmade prototypes in plaster, built according to concise computer models. The firing process involves more than ten steps and takes several days or weeks to complete. The pieces are fired at 1795°F, then glazed before a second firing at 2552°F, which is higher than several of its competitors. Decorated pieces are fired a third time to make them impervious to changing colour or fading.

Apilco porcelain, on the other hand, was founded in 1826 and has been supplying restaurant-quality porcelain dishes since 1906. The brand was bought by the Deshoulieres Group in 1980, which owns Porcelaine de Sologne and Deshoulieres. Alfred Simon purchased the brand in 1945 and took over as General Manager, implementing the latest technologies and manufacturing processes. These changes improved uniformity and productivity, while the technique for creating superior porcelain wares remained much the same.

Cleaning

Pillivuyt porcelain is safe to use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. It can be transferred directly from the freezer to the oven. According to Williams-Sonoma, the porcelain is crafted from fine French porcelain, so it's perfectly smooth and does not contain any small grains of sand that might scratch a table.

Apilco porcelain is also dishwasher-safe.

Price

When it comes to price, porcelain dinnerware can vary quite a bit. For example, a five-piece place setting of bone china can cost upwards of $150, while a set of 16 pieces of stoneware can be found for as little as $150. In general, porcelain tends to be more expensive than stoneware due to its higher density and durability.

Apilco and Pillivuyt, two popular brands of porcelain dinnerware, fall into different price ranges. Apilco is considered a more affordable option and can often be found at lower price points than Pillivuyt. On the other hand, Pillivuyt is known for its higher price tag, reflecting its reputation for quality and longevity.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Apilco offers a range of prices that cater to those who want quality without breaking the bank. While prices can vary depending on the retailer and specific item, Apilco typically offers competitive rates that make it a popular choice for those seeking value for money.

Pillivuyt, on the other hand, is known for its premium pricing. The brand has established itself as a high-end option, with prices reflecting the quality and craftsmanship associated with the Pillivuyt name. While it may be more expensive than Apilco, many consider it a worthwhile investment for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

It's worth noting that both brands offer a range of products, from standard dining fare to more specialized items like soufflé dishes and tea services. The prices can vary depending on the specific item, with some pieces being more expensive than others. Additionally, factors such as sales, promotions, and discounts can also impact the price, making it important to keep an eye out for deals.

In conclusion, when comparing Apilco and Pillivuyt in terms of price, Apilco tends to be more affordable, while Pillivuyt leans towards the higher end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the decision between the two brands depends on individual preferences, budgets, and the specific needs of the consumer.

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