November 2, 2001, Newsletter Issue #62: Earthenware-Pros and Cons!

Tip of the Week

Earthenware

Pottery made of porous clay and fired at relatively low temperatures of up to 1,200ºC/2,200ºF. It does not vitrify but remains porous, unless glazed. Earthenware may be unglazed (flowerpots, wine-coolers) or glazed (most tableware); the glaze and body characteristically form quite separate layers.

Durability
Earthenware is not known for its impact/chip resistance, therefore, some preliminary design considerations may become necessary. For instance, because rims of utilitarian ware can be susceptible to chips, nesting items, like bowls and plates should be of a “hardy” design and should allow for nesting contact to be in the foot ring area as opposed to the rim area. Lids and lid galleries should be a little thicker than normal for earthenware containers.

Oven and Microwave Safety
Glazed earthenware is not normally recommended as an oven-safe material, however, it may be used in the microwave safely. There have been instances of earthenware pieces cracking in microwaves when a small food item has been placed on a large platter. In these instances, a large differential of temperature between the area that is in contact with food and the rest of the platter can be great enough to cause a fracture.

Temperature
Along with the color range, this is one of the more attractive reasons to use white earthenware. Firing to cone 06-cone 04 is well within the range of even the most geriatric kilns, and standard elements will last much longer than they will at stoneware temps!

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