Vietnam
Porcelain has always been popular and widely used. They are not only practical items for daily use but also make excellent gifts, souvenirs, or keepsakes. Because of this, today’s market offers a wide variety of porcelain products, giving us plenty of choices. However, finding high-quality pieces is not always easy. Below, Long Phuong Porcelain will guide you on how to choose high-quality porcelain.
1. What is high-quality porcelain?
High-quality porcelain is characterized by its exceptional durability, low water absorption, and resistance to heat and scratches due to being fired at high temperatures (around 1,200–1,400°C) from refined clay and minerals. When learning how to choose high-quality porcelain, look for a smooth, glossy, and uniformly colored surface with minimal defects, as well as pieces that maintain their properties through temperature fluctuations, microwave use, and commercial dishwashing.
2. Why should you choose high-quality porcelain to use?
Before learning how to choose high-quality porcelain, it is helpful to understand its key benefits:
- Safe for health: Premium porcelain does not react with food, absorb colors or odors, and is free from harmful heavy metals like lead or cadmium, ensuring complete safety for users.
- Exceptional durability: Fired at high temperatures, porcelain becomes strong and resistant to impact, scratch-resistant, and longer-lasting than many other materials.
- Excellent heat retention: High-quality porcelain holds heat well, keeping food and drinks warm for longer, enhancing a cozy and enjoyable dining experience.
- Easy to clean: With a smooth, glossy surface, porcelain resists stains and is simple to clean after use, helping prevent bacterial growth.
- Elegant aesthetics: Top-quality porcelain has a refined, shiny finish that adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space.
- Microwave and dishwasher safe: Premium porcelain products can withstand high heat, making them safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers.
See more: Long Phuong Porcelain – A trusted porcelain tableware manufacturer
3. 10 tips to choose high-quality porcelain
3.1. Looking at the product’s material
When buying porcelain products, knowing how to choose high-quality porcelain can make a big difference. Tap the items gently with your fingertips: a clear, ringing sound similar to metal indicates high quality, while a dull, heavy sound suggests lower quality. For plates, bowls, and serving trays, pay attention by looking closely, turning them over, and tapping to assess their craftsmanship.
3.2. Checking the product’s glaze
Look for any pinholes, rough spots, or crazing (fine cracks), which can signal poor firing or finishing. A consistent color and shine are also good indicators of careful craftsmanship. Take a close, careful look to spot these details. This will help you tell which pieces are high quality and which are not.
3.3. Placing the product upside down
Turn the bowl or plate upside down on a flat surface, or even stack them upside down on each other, to check how perfectly round they are. If the item is well-shaped and balanced, you won’t see any warping when it’s placed down. But if the bowl or plate is warped, the edges won’t align properly, and a curve will be visible when it sits on the surface.
3.4. Tapping lightly on the product
When learning how to choose high-quality porcelain, one helpful tip is to check for reputable manufacturers’ marks. Usually, manufacturers put their brand or logo on the back of the porcelain. This allows you to research the brand’s history and expertise through trusted sources, giving you confidence in the quality of the piece.
3.5. Identifying by the decorative details
When choosing porcelain products, it’s best to go for pieces with white colors. If the porcelain is decorated, pay close attention to the patterns and design. A high-quality piece will have precise, sharp patterns without flaws. Colors should be applied carefully and accurately, even on intricate designs. Mistakes in color or imprecise details can indicate lower quality.
3.6. Considering the price carefully
The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is always true when shopping. Low-quality porcelain bowls and plates of low firing quality often contain impurities, making them unsafe for consumers. Over time, using them can even pose serious health risks. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s best not to go for the cheapest options and instead choose safe, high-quality products.
3.7. Checking the weight and thickness
High-quality porcelain is usually heavier due to the density and durability of the material, and the weight should feel evenly distributed. A heavier piece often indicates higher material density, which relates to both quality and strength. The weight should also match the size and intended use of the item. Good porcelain should be sturdy without being too thick, and it should feel solid and well-balanced when held in your hand.
3.8. Choosing reputable manufacturers
Reputable manufacturers usually put their brand or logo on their products. Check the back of the porcelain to see if it carries the manufacturer’s mark. This allows you to easily research the brand’s history and expertise in porcelain through trusted sources, giving you confidence in the quality of the piece.
3.9. Look for translucency
Hold the porcelain up to a light source. High-quality porcelain has a slight translucency that lets light pass through, giving it a gentle glow. This effect is especially noticeable in the thinner parts of the piece.
3.10. Checking the resistance to temperature change
High-quality porcelain should be able to withstand sudden temperature changes in a microwave or commercial dishwasher without any issues. This property is especially important for kitchen use.
4. Things to avoid when choosing porcelain
When you learn how to choose high-quality porcelain, it is important to know what to avoid. Certain signs can indicate low-quality or poorly made pieces, helping you avoid purchases you may later regret.
4.1. Unclear origin
Avoid porcelain without a clear maker’s mark or origin. Pieces without proper identification may be low-quality copies or made with inferior materials. Knowing the manufacturer or country of origin helps ensure authenticity and quality.
4.2. Rough, peeling glaze
Glaze should be smooth and consistent. Rough patches, peeling, or tiny cracks (crazing) can indicate poor firing or finishing. These defects not only affect appearance but also reduce durability and resistance to stains.
4.3. Suspiciously low price
Be cautious of porcelain sold at unusually low prices. While it may seem like a bargain, extremely cheap pieces often compromise on quality and safety. Investing a bit more ensures you get durable, well-made, and safe tableware.
4.4. Garish patterns
Avoid porcelain with flashy patterns or overly bright colors. While eye-catching, these pieces often contain harmful toxins because they weren’t fired at the proper temperature and may include impurities. Choose porcelain with elegant, subtle designs that are properly fired to ensure safety and long-lasting durability.
5. Important notes for porcelain use
Besides knowing how to choose high-quality porcelain, it is equally important to understand how to use and care for your porcelain items properly.
5.1. What should you do when using porcelain?
- Boil newly purchased porcelain items in salted water for 15 minutes, or soak them in vinegar to reduce any trace of lead and help preserve their durability.
- Soak in lemon water for 10–15 minutes to make porcelain shine. For stained or dull pieces, mix some yeast powder (used for baking) with water, gently wipe the surface, then rinse and polish with a soft cloth.
- When choosing porcelain bowls and plates, opt for those with white glaze, smooth texture, and a glossy finish.
5.2. What should you avoid when using porcelain?
- Avoid cleaning with strong or acidic substances like lemon, vinegar, or bleach, as they can dull the glaze.
- Do not use metal or abrasive scrubbers, as they can scratch or chip the glaze and any metallic rims. Instead, clean with a soft cloth using soap, fine ash, or sawdust. For items with gold-plated edges, avoid dishwashers and microwaves.
- Do not store pickled foods or other acidic items in unverified glazed ceramics, as the type of glaze may be unsafe.
- Pregnant women should avoid using ceramic cups for daily hot beverages and should not use bowls or plates with rapidly wearing glaze.
6. Long Phuong Porcelain – A premium porcelain supplier you can trust
Long Phuong Porcelain is known for producing high-quality porcelain that combines elegance, durability, and safety. Their products are carefully crafted, fired at the right temperatures, and use safe, non-toxic materials. Whether for tableware, decorative items, or gifts, Long Phuong porcelain offers pieces that are both beautiful and long-lasting, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking to invest in quality porcelain.
7. FAQs
7.1. How can you tell if porcelain is high quality?
You can tell high-quality porcelain by looking for smooth, even glaze, subtle translucency in thin areas, balanced weight, and a clear maker’s mark. Gently tapping the rim should produce a clean, bell-like sound, and well-made porcelain is non-porous and resistant to chipping.
7.2. What is the best brand for porcelain dinnerware?
The best brand depends on your needs and budget. Trusted brands like Long Phuong Porcelain are known for durability, craftsmanship, and safety. Choosing a reputable brand ensures consistent quality, reliable customer service, and long-lasting pieces.
7.3. What to avoid when buying porcelain dinnerware?
Some indicators that a product may be counterfeit include unusually low prices, inconsistent or poor-quality packaging, and the absence of a valid trademark. To avoid purchasing imitations, it is best to buy from official brand stores or reputable, well-established retailers. Additionally, checking the product’s manufacturing origin and verifying that the brand’s trademarks are authentic can help ensure you are buying a genuine item.
7.4. Are there different qualities of porcelain?
Porcelain is often considered the most prestigious form of pottery because of its delicate structure, durability, and brilliant whiteness. It is commonly glazed and decorated. While definitions can differ, porcelain is generally classified into three main types: hard-paste, soft-paste, and bone china.
7.6. How can you tell if porcelain has lead?
Some individuals use color-changing test kits, which can be purchased at hardware stores, to detect lead. These kits, however, cannot measure the exact amount of lead present. If the lead is below the surface of the dish, the test may not detect it. A positive result indicates that the dish should not be used for serving food or beverages.
7.7. Is porcelain waterproof?
Yes, porcelain is virtually waterproof thanks to its exceptionally dense structure and low water absorption rate. With the ability to absorb less than 0.5% of water, porcelain meets the criteria for being impervious according to the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM C373).
8. Conclusion
Choosing high-quality porcelain means more than picking a pretty piece. It ensures durability, safety, and lasting elegance for everyday use and special occasions. By understanding how to choose high-quality porcelain, you can invest in pieces that bring both beauty and practicality to your home. With careful selection and proper care, high-quality porcelain can become a timeless part of your life.
CEO of Long Phuong Group Joint Stock Company, with more than 20 years of exploration and research to obtain the best formulas and professional experience, Long Phuong Porcelain has produced more than 400 designs of all kinds of household porcelain, Significant contributions to Vietnam's ceramic industry.
