When you shop for handmade mugs, you will often see two words: porcelain and stoneware. Both are excellent materials for everyday drinkware, and we use both in our studio. But they feel different in the hand, and each one suits different designs. Here is a simple guide.
What is porcelain?
Porcelain is made from a very fine, smooth clay body rich in kaolin. It is fired at high temperatures, which makes it dense, hard and non-porous. Porcelain is known for:
- A smooth, refined surface that feels silky under the glaze
- A bright, clean base that makes glaze colours look vivid, from cobalt blue to sunny yellow
- Strength that allows crisp details and confident shapes
Most of our mugs and all of our citrus juicers are made from high-fired porcelain. It is the perfect canvas for bold colour and sculptural handles.
What is stoneware?
Stoneware is also fired at high temperatures and becomes strong and durable, but its clay body is coarser and often more earthy in tone. Stoneware is known for:
- A warm, natural feel with a little more texture
- A solid, substantial weight that feels cosy in the hand
- Being well suited to large, hand-built forms and textured details
We use stoneware for pieces with that rustic, sculpted character, such as our oversized pumpkin mugs with hand-shaped vine handles and the Barbed Wire mug with its raised relief.
Which one is better for everyday use?
Both. Properly fired porcelain and stoneware are durable materials for daily coffee and tea, and all of our glazes are food-safe and lead-free. Our mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe, with gentle hand washing recommended to keep them looking new. The real choice comes down to the look and feel you prefer:
- Choose porcelain if you love vivid colour, smooth surfaces and clean, graphic shapes.
- Choose stoneware if you love earthy tones, texture and a hefty, cosy mug.
How to tell which one you have
At HUE Atelier, the material is always listed in the product details on each piece, under “Material”. In general, porcelain feels smoother and looks brighter where the clay is visible, while stoneware tends to feel more textured and look warmer in tone.
Caring for both
The care is the same: rinse after use, wash with a soft sponge, and avoid sudden temperature changes and direct heat. Read our full care guide for handmade mugs for more tips.
Ready to choose? Explore all our handmade porcelain and stoneware mugs.