Stoneware is a dense ceramic material made from a mixture of kaolin, ball clay, feldspar, and quartz, fired at high temperatures, usually between 1180 and 1280°C. This firing process produces a high degree of vitrification in the material, which gives it: very good mechanical strength, low water absorption (typically below 3%) high durability in daily and professional use. Stoneware is frequently used for premium tableware, particularly in restaurants, cafes, and HoReCa projects.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about POEMI ceramics—from the materials we use to care, everyday use, shipping, and partnerships.

Products & raw materials

What are POEMI products?

POEMI products are handcrafted at our ceramics factory in Sibiu, Romania, using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary production techniques. Every piece is individually shaped, finished, and glazed, giving it its own character and subtle variations in texture and colour.

What materials are POEMI products made from?

Our products are crafted from high-quality stoneware, fired at high temperatures to ensure exceptional strength, durability, and suitability for both everyday home use and professional hospitality environments.

What is stoneware?

Ceramic stoneware is a dense ceramic material obtained from a mixture of kaolin, plastic clay (ball clay), feldspar, and quartz, fired at high temperatures, usually between 1180 and 1280°C.

Stoneware offers:

Excellent mechanical strength
Low water absorption (typically below 3%)
Exceptional durability for everyday and professional use

Because of these qualities, stoneware is widely used for premium tableware in restaurants, cafés, hotels, and hospitality projects.

What is the difference between the main ceramic materials?

Feature	Earthenware	Stoneware	Semi-porcelain	Porcelain	Bone China
Composition	Natural clay	Kaolin, ball clay, feldspar & quartz	Standard industrial ceramic body	Pure kaolin, feldspar & silica	Porcelain with bone ash
Firing Temperature	~900-1100°C	~1180-1300°C	~1180-1250°C	~1200-1400°C	~1200-1250°C
Water Absorption	High	Very low (<3%)	Very low (~0.5-3%)	Extremely low (<0.5%)	Extremely low (<0.5%)
Density	Low	High	Very high	Very high	Very high
Appearance	Rustic	Natural, organic	Uniform, bright white	Elegant white	Warm white, translucent
Translucency	No	No	Very low	Medium-high	High
Mechanical Strength	Low-medium	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Chip Strength	Low	Good	Excellent	Good	Medium
Weight	Medium	Medium-heavy	Medium	Medium-light	Very light
Level of Industrialization	Low	Medium	Very high	Medium-high	Medium

Craftsmanship & Natural Variations

Is every product identical?

No. Since all products are handmade, there may be slight variations in shape, size (±5%), color, texture, or glaze. These differences are part of the authenticity of handmade ceramics.

Why do colours vary between products?

Each piece is individually glazed by hand. The final appearance is influenced by factors such as glaze consistency, firing temperature, and its position inside the kiln. These natural variables create subtle differences that make every piece unique.

Are the glazes standardized?

POEMI uses reactive and effect glazes, while some collections feature sustainable glazes created from reclaimed stoneware and locally sourced wood ash. As a result, slight variations between production batches and individual pieces are a natural characteristic of our ceramics

Safety & care

Are POEMI products food-safe?

Yes. All glazes are food-safe and comply with applicable standards for food contact. They are free from lead and cadmium.

Are the products dishwasher safe?

Yes. All POEMI products are dishwasher safe. We recommend arranging them carefully inside the dishwasher to prevent direct contact between pieces and minimise the risk of mechanical damage.

Are the products microwave safe?

Yes. Our ceramics are suitable for reheating food and beverages in a microwave oven.

Are the products resistant to high temperatures?

Yes. High-fired stoneware offers excellent resistance to the temperature changes encountered during normal domestic and professional use.

How should I care for handmade ceramics?

Wash the product before first use
Avoid knocking pieces against each other
Remove stains from unglazed surfaces as soon as possible
Avoid sudden thermal shock (rapid changes between hot and cold)
Allow hot pieces to cool naturally before washing

For bakeware:

Always use oven gloves
Do not use on direct flame or stovetops
Avoid transferring directly from the refrigerator into a preheated oven

Shipping & delivery

How are the products packed?

Each product is individually wrapped in protective honeycomb paper. The shipping cartons are further protected using recycled cardboard packaging materials to minimise the risk of damage during transport.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! Besides Romania, we now ship internationally via FedEx. We currently ship to the following countries:

Europe Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Great Britain, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Hungary.

The rest of the world Canada, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Japan, Singapore, United States of America, Taiwan, Turkey.

For any questions related to international deliveries, you can write to us at [email protected].

What if my order arrives damaged?

If your order is damaged during transport, please contact us at [email protected] and include photographs of both the damaged product and its packaging. Replacement products will be provided free of charge in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.

How can I check product availability?

Current stock availability is displayed on each product page. For large-volume or custom orders, please contact us directly at [email protected].

Hospitality & Wholesale

Do you work with restaurants and hotels?

Yes. POEMI develops ceramic collections for restaurants, hotels, cafés, and hospitality projects looking for authentic handcrafted tableware.

Is handmade ceramics suitable for professional use?

Absolutely. Our products are designed to combine artisanal aesthetics with the durability and functionality required for professional hospitality environments.

How do I choose the right tableware for my restaurant?

The ideal collection depends on your restaurant concept, menu, plating style, and overall dining experience. Our team will be happy to help you select the most suitable collections, shapes, and sizes.

Can I order custom-made products?

Yes. We welcome bespoke projects for hospitality and interior design clients. Every request is evaluated individually based on design, production volume, and lead time.

Brand & gifting

Why choose handmade ceramics?

Handmade ceramics offer individuality, character, and authenticity. No two pieces are exactly alike, making every table setting feel more personal and meaningful.