Are the bowls at home ceramic or melamine? Stop getting them mixed up!

In daily life, the choice of tableware directly impacts our dietary health. Stepping into a supermarket or tableware store, the dazzling array of bowls and plates can be overwhelming. Among them, ceramic bowls and melamine bowls are highly popular for their aesthetic appeal and durability. But did you know? There's a world of difference between the two—not only in material but also in their health implications. Today, we'll delve deep into the details, teaching you how to distinguish between ceramic bowls and imitation porcelain bowls to safeguard your family's dietary safety!

I. Appearance and Texture: A World of Difference at First Glance

When you pick up a bowl, the first sensations are its texture and weight. Ceramic bowls, as the quintessential traditional tableware, are renowned for their jade-like smoothness. Their surfaces are finely polished and smooth, with natural hues—whether the understated elegance of blue-and-white porcelain or the vibrant splendor of overglaze enamels—all exuding a classical beauty. Porcelain-look bowls, however, win modern favor with their lightweight feel and realistic appearance. Typically much lighter than ceramic bowls, they boast high surface gloss, vivid colors that resist fading, and at first glance, can almost rival genuine porcelain.

The question arises: Can we be 100% certain whether a bowl is ceramic or porcelain-like based solely on appearance and touch? The answer is no. With technological advancements, the realism of porcelain-like bowls has increased dramatically, sometimes making them difficult even for professionals to distinguish at a glance. Therefore, we must now examine them from a more specialized perspective.

II. Material Composition: Revealing Fundamental Differences

Ceramic bowls primarily use natural minerals like kaolin clay, quartz, and feldspar, fired at high temperatures. This material is non-toxic, chemically stable, and won't react with food or release harmful substances even with prolonged contact. Melamine bowls, however, are plastic products made mainly from melamine resin—commonly known as “melamine ware.” While odorless and non-toxic at room temperature, this material may release harmful substances like formaldehyde when exposed to high temperatures or acidic substances, posing health risks.

So, how can you determine the material without damaging the bowl? A simple method is to examine the markings on the bottom. Genuine ceramic bowls typically bear manufacturer information, material specifications, and temperature range details, while melamine bowls may only display a basic brand logo or no markings at all. Of course, this method isn't foolproof, as unscrupulous sellers may counterfeit labels. Therefore, it's essential to combine this approach with other methods for a comprehensive assessment.