You’re not sure which is better for you, greenware or bisqueware.
The most important thing to remember is that there isn’t a single right answer, but rather the perfect choice will depend on what you need it for and how much money you want to spend.
Greenware and Bisqueware are both great choices for your kitchen. They each have their own benefits and drawbacks that make them a good choice depending on what you need from them.
Here’s a quick rundown of greenware vs bisqueware so you can make an informed decision about which one might be best suited for your needs. See the difference between greenware and bisqueware here!
What is Greenware?
Greenware is items made from a mixture of different types of clay. These pots are usually very fragile, so most manufacturers will fire them in an oven before selling them to make them more durable.
They’re also called fresh ware or raw ware since these items haven’t been through any sort of extensive firing process.
They’re usually made from stoneware clay that has been pugged and extruded into their final shape before any decoration is done.
After the greenware is formed, glazes are applied to the surface with either a brush or sprayer and they’re fired at very high temperatures to make them strong enough for home use.
What is Bisqueware?
Bisqueware is similar to greenware in that they’re also made from clay, but they’ve already been placed in an oven and fired once or twice before you even get them.
That’s why these items are also called bisque ware.
These pieces are usually made with stoneware clay which has already been pugged and extruded into their final shape before any decoration is done. They’re then fired at a lower temperature to make them strong enough for use in your kitchen.
Because of the lower firing temperature, there’s less chance that these items will form gas pockets or explode in the oven, but they’re still likely to crack or become damaged if you heat them too quickly.
The Difference Between Greenware Vs Bisqueware
The most noticeable difference between these two types of clay is that bisqueware has been fired while greenware is still soft and waiting to be baked.
Since the bisqueware is already more advanced than its greenware counterpart, it’s also usually less expensive than fresh ware.
That’s why you’ll often find bisqueware on sale in most brick and mortar stores.
The downside to buying bisqueware is that it’s already been fired once or twice, so you won’t have much room for error when it comes to how high you want to heat them in the oven.
If you forget to set your oven to a lower temperature, the bisqueware can crack or explode.
It’s also harder to repair broken pieces of this clay after it has been fired, so be sure to take extra precautions with these items when they’re in storage.
Greenware, however, might be a better choice if you’re new to cooking with clay since it hasn’t been fired yet.
There’s less chance of them cracking if you make a mistake (like by over cooking them) and they’re usually softer than bisqueware, which makes it easier to work with.
Since greenware hasn’t been fired yet, it is also more fragile than bisqueware. That means that it is more likely to break if you handle it roughly.
worrying too much about whether or not it will crack. You’ll also have to watch for air pockets and other defects while you’re working on them because these things are more likely to form while the clay is still damp.
The good news about greenware is that you can fire it in your home oven without worrying about it exploding or cracking. There’s a little more room for error there, but you’ll still want to try not to overheat the pieces.
The Benefits of Using Greenware
There are a few benefits to using greenware over bisqueware.
- Greenware is less expensive than bisqueware
- Greenware is more fragile than bisqueware
- Greenware can be fired in a home oven
- Greenware is softer than bisqueware
- Greenware is easier to work with
The Benefits of Using Bisqueware
Bisqueware can be a little more expensive than greenware, but there are some other benefits to going with this type of clay.
- Bisque ware has been fired once or twice already and isn’t as fragile as greenware (which is also nice if you’re new to working with clay)
- The bisqueware can hold its shape better than greenware while you’re working on it because the clay is firmer
- Bisqueware has been fired and is less likely to crack or explode in the oven
- Bisqueware is more affordable than greenware
- Bisqueware is harder than greenware
- Bisqueware is available at most craft stores and ceramic supply shops
You’ll have to decide which one you want to try for yourself, but if you’re new to working with clay, then bisqueware might be a better choice since it’s firmer.
That way, it won’t be as easy for you to break the bisqueware accidentally while you’re trying to work on it.
When Should You Choose Greenware?
Greenware is usually a good choice for anyone who wants more of a traditional look.
Since these items haven’t been through any sort of firing process, they maintain the original clay color and texture and still have clay’s porous surface after they’re made.
So if you want to use pottery items that are much like the ones used in ancient history, then greenware is a good choice.
When Should You Choose Bisqueware?
If you want to make more durable items, then bisqueware is usually better.
Since these items have already been fired once or twice, they’re much less likely to break if you drop them or handle them roughly.
They also maintain their shape much better than greenware while you’re working on them.
Both of these items have their pros and cons when it comes to using them in cooking, but if you’re new to working with clay, then bisqueware might be a better choice since they come in more colors.
Tips for Working with Either Type of Clay
When you’re working with either type of clay, you will want to make sure that the pieces are completely dry before they go into the oven. If they’re still damp in any way when they hit the heat, then it could be disastrous for them.
You can use a wet sponge to wipe away excess moisture from greenware or bisqueware before they go into the oven.
You might also want to use a skewer or other similar instrument to pop any air bubbles that are trapped in your pieces after they’re done being molded. This will help reduce the risk of cracks forming while these items are baking.
Both types of clay should be allowed to dry completely prior to firing them.
You should never use your home oven when it’s in self-cleaning mode. That kind of extreme heat can be disastrous for the clay.
If you follow all of these tips, then working with greenware or bisqueware should be a snap!
Final Thoughts
Both greenware vs bisqueware have their own benefits and drawbacks depending on what you’re looking for in your finished product.
However, if you’re new to working with clay, bisqueware might be the better option because it comes in more colors and is less likely to break if you drop them or handle them roughly. There is no right or wrong answer here, it simply depends on how you want your end result to look. So choose whichever one you feel most comfortable with and get started on your next pottery masterpiece!
