My product arrived damaged. What should I do?
For information on our replacements policy, please click here.
What is Stoneware? Earthenware?
Stoneware and Earthenware are two terms used to describe the density of clay and the ceramics created from that clay.
Earthenware is more porous, making for light-weight dinnerware. If you tap the edge of an Earthenware product with your nail, it will feel more "hollow." Don't be discouraged! This isn't an indication of the quality of the product, just a reflection of Earthenware's lightweight functionality.
Stoneware, in contrast, is heavier and denser. But this means it can be fired at a higher temperature, leading to products that are oven safe.
Are your products REALLY Lead and Cadmium free?
They really are! We adhere to the strict guidelines imposed by the U.S. government, which regulate all parts of the product that might come in contact with food.
Although some pigments of blue do use Cadmium, we do not use any colors that contain harmful chemicals! Additionally, the majority of our products are what is called an "in-glaze decal." This means that the decal, the part of the plate containing the pattern and color, is covered by a thick layer of transparent glaze.
In other words, not only are the colors we use totally Lead and Cadmium free, they are also separated from your food by a thick layer of neutral and non-toxic glaze.
Can I put your products in the dishwasher?
Yes, the majority of our products are dishwasher safe. Additionally, all our products are labeled on the bottom with care instructions.
Any collection with "in-glaze decal" in the title is safe for the dishwasher, because the thick layer of glaze will protect the design. The only time you might find "Hand Wash Recommended" on the bottom of one of our products is for some products that are Hand-painted. There is a chance the dishwasher could damage the artistic detailing of these products, so in this case we do not recommend dishwasher use.
Please note that Harlequin, available at retail stores, is NOT dishwasher safe due to the metallic decoration.
Do you have any advice for dishwasher use or to increase the lifespan of my dishes?
Yes! We've put together some tips and tricks to help make sure your dishes and appliance get along as well as possible:
- Don't soak dishes in water overnight
- Don't use right after washing (the dishes are still "soft" from the water and could chip!)
- Allow time to dry completely in open air if possible
- Don't stack or put away the dishes while wet
- Don't use dishwashing detergents that are overly abrasive / acidic
- Use the lightest dishwasher setting
This may sound like a lot of care, but remember, our dinnerware is made of 100% real clay! We have done our best to bring you traditional ceramics suitable for modern life. If you follow our care instructions above, your new dishes should last you for years to come.
I put my plate in the microwave and it got really hot! Is this normal?
All of the products listed on our website are completely safe for use in the microwave.* This means use in your appliance will not cause damage to it or to the product. HOWEVER, please do observe that all ceramic goods will be hot after use in this way! We advise caution when removing products from the microwave!
How hot your product becomes depends on a variety of factors, including how long it was in the microwave, the strength of your microwave, and the density of the clay. Earthenware products like Zanzibar will probably get warmer than Stoneware or Porcelain, so please exercise the appropriate amount of caution.
*Please note that Harlequin, available at retail stores, is NOT safe for the microwave due to the metallic decorations.
I dropped my plate/bowl/mug and it broke! What should I do?
We're sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, we do not offer free replacements for items that are damaged after delivery, but we can help you acquire a singular item from within a dinnerware set at an individual rate. Just send us an email at replacement@euroceramicainc.com and we'll be happy to help!
Are your products durable and long-lasting?
We believe so! Many of us at Euro Ceramica use our dinnerware sets every night, and have for years. We wouldn't be making and selling it if we didn't love it!
On the other hand, all of our products are made from clay, using processes and formulas that have been around for decades, or even hundreds of years. We believe in holding to these traditions within ceramics whenever we can, creating a product that calls back to a shared human heritage and history of crafting.
The downside of using traditional clay materials is that our products aren't invincible. Chipping can occur.
For more information on our Replacements Policy, please click here.