Composition
Porcelain combines kaolin, feldspar and quartz and is fired at more than 1 250 °C: the body becomes vitrified, white and translucent. Faience is a clayey earth fired at around 1 000-1 100 °C, covered with an opaque, decorated glaze: the body stays porous and warm to the touch.
Resistance
Porcelain is harder, lighter for the same volume and withstands knocks and variations in temperature better. Faience is less resistant to knocks on the rims and is wary of sudden thermal shock.
Care
- Porcelain: dishwasher-safe for most models, microwave-safe depending on the decoration (avoid decorations with metal rims).
- Decorated faience: hand-washing recommended, warm water and a mild detergent, to preserve the colours and the glaze.
Use and aesthetics
Porcelain suits pared-back tables and timeless white services. Faience brings colour and character (floral decoration, Gien blues, illustrated series): it gives family tables their personality.
Which to choose?
For intensive everyday use, porcelain. For a convivial, colourful table where hand-washing is not a hindrance, art faience. Many households combine the two: white porcelain for the basic service, faience for serving and presentation pieces.