Stoneware is extremely easy to care for and clean. Just cool the dish for a couple of minutes after using and then wash in hot water using soft sponge. Never use metal brush or detergents on clay cookware. Then rinse and dry thoroughly. Another option is to wash it in the dishwasher, allowing the full cycle to complete.
Remember not to put frozen dish of food in a pre–heated oven to avoid thermal shock. Place it in a cold oven instead and then set the temperature so that the oven and the stoneware will heat together.
When it comes to cookware, clay has numerous advantages over many other materials. Food cooked in ceramic vessels stays hot longer, as heat and steam circulate throughout the pot. Food doesn't get burnt and retains all vitamins and minerals because it is cooked in a moist, enclosed pot. The alkalis present in clay pots add a rich aromatic flavor that makes food spectacularly delicious. Moreover, when kept in clay pottery, dairy products and pastry stay fresh longer, compared to containers made of most other materials. Clay pots are an all-in-one soup kettle, vegetable steamer, and fish poacher.
Stoneware is made from a particular type of clay that is fired at high temperatures, generally between 2,012 and 2,372 degrees Fahrenheit. The process takes approximately 12 hours to complete. Stoneware was first produced in China, during the Shang Dynasty (circa 1,400 BC) and has been widely used all over the world ever since.
Stoneware, named after its dense, stone-like quality after firing, is prized for its durability and simple production. These qualities of stoneware traditionally made it useful for dishes used for food, for drinking vessels and for storage. Today stoneware is often used for cookware, bakeware and serving dishes. For instance clay bakeware is capable to withstand the hottest temperatures of conventional oven. Stoneware dinner sets, clay pots and ramekin dishes are chip-resistant, which makes them ideal for everyday use. If cared for well, the high-quality stoneware could become a family heirloom being passed from one generation to another.
Stoneware is a hard, chemically stable inert material. High-quality stoneware vessels are safe for cooking and completely non-toxic. So stoneware dishes, ramekins, bean pots and all kinds of clay cookware can be safely used without worrying about what is leaching at high temperatures or what little flecks of chemical coating are making their way onto your casseroles and cakes. Clay cookware also provides cleaner flavors than metallic cookware.
Nowadays many home and professional cooks prefer stoneware for its durability and ability to maintain an even temperature, which helps to prevent scorching. Stoneware heats very evenly which enables even a mediocre baker to attain excellent results. An even baking temperature ensures light and crispy texture without any burned spots. Stoneware dishes, clay casseroles and ramekins also have ability to retain heat, thereby keeping your food warm on the table. Another advantage is its naturally stick resistant surfaces, so it needs no oil to release the food.
Stoneware baking dishes are fundamental tools for a home kitchen. The beauty of clay cookware is that it can be used for anything you would bake in an oven or microwave. Stoneware dishes flow seamlessly throughout your kitchen, allowing you to take them from oven to your table and then to your refrigerator or freezer to store foods in them. They are also dishwasher-safe. Be sure, however, to avoid sudden temperature changes.
Clay was the first material used for crafting stone cookware. People have been using clay for thousands of years and it has truly stood the test of time. Stoneware massively evolved since ancient times and improved its visual appeal. However stoneware still possesses Old World feel that adds a warm accent to your dinner table, a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any occasion. Clay cookware can be beautifully decorated enhancing the results of your baking experience; there are glazed pottery and unglazed pottery options depending on your preference. Their exteriors may be enameled in a range of colors or glazed in complex designs. The artful design of stoneware sets makes them incredibly attractive for serving food.
Stoneware dishes have a smooth surface which makes them very easy to maintain and clean up. Just like cast iron, stoneware does not need to be washed with soap, but can be scraped, wiped, or rinsed well with water to clean. Some stoneware pieces can be safely put in a dishwasher, but they are also very easy to wash by hand. During cooking temperature of clay cookware rises quite high so try not to place it directly on a cold surface or fill it with anything cold while it is still hot, to prevent cracks from forming. Also do not place hot dishes on a wet surface or handle with a wet cloth. Always remember to use a heat protective mitt when removing clay pots, ramekins and other stoneware dishes from the oven or microwave.
When choosing among the different types of dinnerware, these two types are often confused.
Stoneware comes in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your baking needs. Stone ramekins are indispensable for making individual dinner or dessert pies if you want everyone to have their own little portion. Ramekins usually come in pairs or sets of 4 and 6 so that you can entertain guests with them too. Ramekin dishes are essential in the kitchen if you love to bake.
Our stoneware casseroles feature does-it-all versatility and a simple, classic style that’s great for tabletop presentation. They are perfect for lasagna, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and more. Cook chicken, meats and stews perfectly in our beautiful and sturdy clay pots. Stoneware dishes come with a stoneware lid that helps to seal in moisture while baking, producing soft, tender meats that retain their juices. Clay cookware is so versatile, you can get the same incredible results when baking cakes, cookies, pizzas, casseroles, main dishes, poultry, roasts, breads, french fries, chicken nuggets and more!
There is an endless amount of the dishes that you can cook up with stoneware available on our web-site: from cakes and pies, to casseroles and soups. Constructed of high-quality materials stoneware is designed to last year after year. Our stoneware provides an excellent balance between durability, weight, and price. View and shop our selection of individual stoneware dishes, ramekins, bean pots, casseroles, сocottes and dinnerware collections.
