Villeroy & Boch and the world of materials
Do you already have a clear vision of the design of your dream tableware, perfect cutlery or your new favourite glass, but no idea what material to choose? Our introduction to the world of materials will take you an important step further! Discover the differences and learn all the benefits of each material.
Crockery
Comparison of crockery materials: each crockery material has its advantages and disadvantages which must be weighed up carefully when purchasing. It is ultimately the intended use that will determine your choice.
Hard porcelain
Hard porcelain is recognisable by a typical white-grey porcelain colour, which gives porcelain its name (hard porcelain stands for ‘hard white’ porcelain). Hard porcelain also has higher burning temperatures (1,400 °C to 1,460 °C) and this limits the decors in the colour palette. As a result, the decorations contain fewer colours as certain shades would ‘burn’ at these temperatures.
Features:
- dishwasher-safe (except for decoration items in hard porcelain)
- low transparency
- high hardness and crack resistance
- white-grey appearance
- thick biscuit porcelain
Premium Porcelain
Villeroy & Boch has succeeded in combining finest porcelain white with the excellent performance features of vitro porcelain. Special additives give this porcelain its white colour. Its densely sintered body makes premium porcelain very breakproof and gives it high edge strength, allowing it to easily withstand light bumps. In view of these practical and aesthetic benefits, Villeroy & Boch produces a large proportion of its crockery series from premium porcelain. It is equally appreciated in private homes as well as in restaurants and catering.
Features:
- white colour
- very breakproof and high edge strength
- dishwasher-safe
- coordinates with a wide range of styles
Premium Bone Porcelain
Premium bone porcelain (also known as bone china) is considered the finest of all porcelains. Special feature: Calcinated cattle bone ash is used in its production along with other raw materials. The blended ingredients give the porcelain its distinctive white colour and translucent effect, together with a soft sheen and brilliantly radiant coloured decors. The very hard material makes the fine premium bone porcelain very strong.
Features:
- high level of whiteness and soft sheen
- special reflective properties -translucence
- high mechanical strength
- dishwasher-safe -microwave-safe (except for all precious metal decors)
Care information:
Precious metal decors with gold, silver and platinum are not completely insensitive to external factors, such as mechanical, chemical and thermal influences in the dishwasher. Villeroy & Boch therefore recommends appropriate care for this particularly premium and exclusive-looking tableware. In general, we recommend hand-washing using a mild washing-up liquid.
Stoneware
Like porcelain, stoneware is part of the main ceramic group. However, stoneware can only be fired at low temperatures, which means the material is rather more brittle and less robust in comparison with porcelain. The distinctive feel creates a charming crafted effect while the special reactive glaze results in individual colour gradients that are slightly different each time.
Features:
- dishwasher-safe
- microwave-safe
- ideal crockery material for country style looks
Glass
Glasses come in all shapes and colours. The wide selection can be confusing at times. Craft skills and artistic flair make it possible to produce lots of beautiful objects from glass and crystal. Villeroy & Boch is expanding its glass series with a wide variety of glass and crystal items in perfect shapes and brilliant quality.
Crystal glass
Crystal glass is distinguished by its good sound properties and clarity. The word crystal comes from rock crystal (transparent quartz). Its composition has a higher potash content than glass.
Features:
- high transparency, clarity and shine
- no added lead oxide
- crystal glass with similar shine as lead crystal, but lighter in weight
Care information:
Glass and crystal react very sensitively to extreme temperature fluctuations. You should, therefore, avoid using very hot or cold water on glass and crystal. The shock effect can make the material crack or burst.
Borosilicate glass
Borosilicate glass is a high-quality material that is being increasingly used in areas such as laboratories as well as in our homes. It is distinguished by its very low thermal expansion and resistance to high temperatures.
Features:
- Heat resistance: conventional glass shatters when exposed to heat. This is not the case with borosilicate glass, as it has very good thermal shock endurance
- Lightweight and stable: despite its light weight, borosilicate glass is extremely stable and robust. This makes the products ideal for travel (To Go/To Stay)
Cutlery
Stainless steel cutlery from Villeroy & Boch not only looks elegant, it also has a number of advantages. Our stainless steel cutlery is made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel. The exception to this is the knives. A special blade steel is always used for knives to ensure a good cutting ability. All stainless steel alloys we use are always rust-proof, tasteless and dishwasher-safe.
18/10 stainless steel
If you’re looking for durable cutlery that still meets all your design requirements, Villeroy & Boch’s stainless steel cutlery is the ideal choice. The cutlery is made from high-quality, rustproof chrome nickel steel (18/10).
Features:
- rustproof
- taste-neutral
- dishwasher-safe
Gold-plated stainless steel
Villeroy & Boch’s gold-plated cutlery collection combines urban modernity with pure elegance. As well as an elegant appearance, our gold-plated stainless steel cutlery also offers a wide range of advantages. All of which makes this cutlery a perfect companion and an eye-catching addition to your table.
Features:
- rustproof
- taste-neutral
- dishwasher-safe
