How to choose porcelain that will last for generations

A beautifully set table with porcelain dishes is a symbol of family comfort and good memories, whether it is a weekday or a festive moment. In earlier times, it was very common to have two sets of china in the home, one for everyday use and the other for special occasions and holidays. Today, people often prefer to have porcelain tableware that combines both. So how do you choose china that is both durable and decorates your home?

Bet on quality

In the past, porcelain was handed down from generation to generation, so there were no problems choosing it. Today, the market offers a plethora of porcelain tableware in every conceivable colour, pattern and shape. These are all criteria that greatly influence individual taste, and therefore the quality and characteristics of porcelain are the main criteria when choosing. Each porcelain manufacturer has its own technological processes and recipes for the composition of the ceramic dough, which influence the final form and quality. If you are buying new porcelain, you do not need to study the manufacturing processes in detail. We've got some tips on how to spot quality porcelain.

If you're buying a new set of china, take a good look at all the pieces first. Quality porcelain must not have any visible blemishes or blemishes on it. The surface should be uniform and shiny and any patterns should be continuous and the same on each piece. You can detect shape defects by stacking plates or bowls on top of each other and cups side by side. You can also tell a lot from tests and certificates that guarantee, for example, health safety, or manufacturing processes that do not use heavy metals, etc.

Hard porcelain is the best quality

Among the best porcelains is the so-called high quality hard porcelain, which, unlike standard bone china, has higher strength, resistance to temperature and acid, and impermeability. As with all products, handmade is always better than mass-produced.

The Czech porcelain manufaktura Rudolf Kämpf is one of the few porcelain factories where all products are still created by hand. The company has a number of approvals for its products, so you can be sure that the products do not contain lead and cadmium leachates and the colours and prints used are guaranteed to be safe for health. Thanks to the high firing temperatures, the porcelain of Rudolf Kämpf Manufaktur is more resistant to wear and tear and is certified to not affect the taste or smell of food.

Choose timeless design

Quality porcelain will last you many years. That's why it's worth choosing a simple, timeless design that won't succumb to fashions, changes in taste, or the eventual change of décor when you move house. When it comes to shapes too, the tried and tested round classic never disappoints. And as time has shown, especially with plates, square shapes have been more of a fad. White and bright cream colours are a classic staple in porcelain tableware.

For coloured and gilded pieces, consider your washing options. Hot water and aggressive detergents cause the decor to fade, especially in the case of cheaper porcelain. For the colour and patterns to last, they must be literally fused into the glaze. Quality porcelain is easy to recognize by simply running your finger over the pattern. If you don't notice any unevenness, everything is fine.

How do you know quality porcelain?

• All pieces are flawless and blemish-free
• The surface is compact and shiny
• Individual pieces are compatible
• The tool has testing and certificates
• Porcelain made by renowned porcelain factory

Another criterion in the selection of porcelain is also the type of each type and the quantity of pieces. In this respect, the choice is very individual and depends on the specific use. For standard-use tableware, such as plates, bowls or mugs, it is recommended to get two to three more pieces than the expected number of regular tableware. In the event that one breaks, you'll still have the whole set.

When buying, also consider size and shape. Plates, for example, are normally no bigger than 30 centimetres, and dishwasher and line manufacturers take this into account. The same also applies to atypical and non-standard shapes.Deeper profiles or higher edges will in turn prevent spillage or spilling of contents on the plate.

If you are looking for quality Czech porcelain that will elevate your dining experience to a special event, take a look at our range of products. You can have an exclusive monogram, in the form of initials or a family name, added to your chosen porcelain from the HyggeLine or RoseLine line.