Stoneware is made to be used — every day, in the dishwasher, on the table. But a few small habits will keep your pieces looking the way they did on day one.
The basics — what you can (and can't) do
Most EBH pieces are very easy to live with. All standard pieces are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe up to 180°C (356°F). That covers almost everything in the range.
A couple of things worth knowing about the dishwasher: avoid aggressive tablets used day after day — over time, harsh detergents can gradually dull the intensity of the glaze colour. If you notice any change, switching to a milder detergent is enough. And always let pieces reach room temperature before moving them between heat extremes — from fridge to oven, for example.
Pieces with a foot: cake stands, fruit bowls and footed pieces
Cake stands, fruit bowls and other footed pieces are a different story. The foot is a separate piece, joined to the body — and that joint is sensitive to heat and water stress. For these pieces, please:
- No oven — thermal stress can weaken the joint.
- No microwave — same reason.
- No dishwasher — hand wash only, with warm water and mild soap. Repeated dishwasher cycles can loosen the joint over time.
A quick way to tell: turn the piece upside down. If the base has a raised ring or separate structure, it has a foot and needs hand washing.
The truth about matte glazes and cutlery marks
If you have a piece from the Breeze collection (or any other matte-finish piece), you may notice grey lines appearing on the surface after use. Before you worry — those are not scratches. Not even close.
What you're seeing is metal residue from cutlery deposited onto the glaze surface. The ceramic itself is completely intact. This happens because matte surfaces have a micro-textured finish that creates more friction than a glossy glaze — and under that friction, tiny metal particles transfer from the cutlery onto the piece. It affects every matte ceramic in the world, handmade or industrial. It is not a defect.
Your cutlery matters more than you think. High-quality tempered stainless steel leaves far fewer marks than cheap, non-tempered alternatives. Heavily serrated knives and old worn cutlery are the worst offenders. If your matte pieces matter to you, invest in decent cutlery — it's the single most effective thing you can do.
Already have marks? Here's the satisfying part. Those grey lines that look like permanent damage? They disappear. Completely. Get yourself a tin of The Pink Stuff cleaning paste — it's cheap, it's widely available, and it works like magic on ceramic. Apply a small amount to a damp sponge, rub in firm circular motions directly over the marks for about 20–30 seconds, and watch them lift. Rinse well and don't let the paste dry on the surface. Before and after, it looks like a different piece. No Pink Stuff? A paste of baking soda and water does the same job.
A few more things to avoid
- Direct flame or stovetop — stoneware is not made for the hob.
- Metal scourers — a soft sponge is all you need. Metal pads scratch the glaze.
- Careless stacking — when stacking, don't drag pieces across each other. The unglazed foot ring can leave marks on the glaze below. Lift, don't slide.
About the material
EBH ceramics are made from stoneware with less than 3% water absorption — fired at high temperatures until almost non-porous. The result is a material that is denser, heavier and more durable than most ceramics you'll find.
Every piece is handmade in Portugal. Small variations in colour, shape and texture between pieces are natural — they are the fingerprints of handmade craft, and part of what makes each piece yours.
Take care of them, and they'll take care of your table for years.