Hearth And Hand Stoneware

Stoneware is making a major comeback in home decor and kitchenware. This durable ceramic is an ideal material for dishes, mugs, and serving pieces that get used on a daily basis. Hearth and Hand with Magnolia is a popular stoneware brand created through a partnership between Chip and Joanna Gaines‘ Magnolia company and big box retailer Target.

With its simple designs, muted color palette, and rustic aesthetic, Hearth and Hand stoneware has become a favorite among those looking to add farmhouse charm to their kitchens. If you’re considering investing in some quality stoneware for your home, this comprehensive buying guide will give you all the details on Hearth and Hand’s offerings.

What Exactly is Stoneware?

Before diving into the specifics on Hearth and Hand, let’s quickly cover what makes stoneware different from other types of ceramic dinnerware. Stoneware is fired at extremely high temperatures, which causes the clay to become vitrified and non-porous. This makes it more durable and less prone to chipping than earthenware pottery.

Stoneware has excellent thermal properties that allow it to retain heat well, making it great for oven-to-table serving. Unlike porcelain, it does not require delicate handling – stoneware is sturdy enough for everyday use and easy cleaning. The clay can be molded into a variety of shapes while still retaining a pleasing heft and artisanal quality.

With all of these advantages, it’s easy to see why stoneware is a smart choice for furnishing busy kitchens and dining spaces. Now let’s explore the Hearth and Hand stoneware line and what sets it apart.

The Hearth and Hand Aesthetic

The Hearth and Hand brand promises “thoughtful, beautiful essentials for comfortable gathering places” – words that sum up their products perfectly. The stoneware collection focuses on simple, modern silhouettes with subtle detailing like imprinted designs and distressed finishes.

Neutral shades like cream, slate, and graphite keep each piece versatile enough for any decor. Pops of muted color like pale blue, olive, and terracotta add just enough personality. The overall effect is understated yet interesting – a balance that Chip and Joanna have perfected.

In addition to stoneware, the Hearth and Hand line includes textiles, furniture, and home accents ranging from rustic to contemporary-industrial in style. But for the essentials that really withstand daily use, stoneware is the core material.

Where to Buy Hearth and Hand Stoneware

Since Hearth and Hand is a Target exclusive brand, the primary place to purchase their stoneware is in Target stores. The collection first launched in 2017, and has expanded each holiday season since with additional pieces and new color options.

Larger Target locations will have wider Hearth and Hand assortments, but you can also browse and order online for home delivery or in-store pickup. Target.com makes it easy to search for specific stoneware items, compare colors, and read reviews from other buyers.

Occasionally you may spot Hearth and Hand stoneware secondhand on resale sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace if you don’t mind pre-owned pieces. But for the widest selection of current styles, Target is your number one stop for this brand.

Hearth and Hand Stoneware Collections

Within the broader Hearth and Hand line, there are a few distinct stoneware collections to choose from:

Wood Bowl Collection

This signature group of mixing, serving, and prep bowls has the homey look of hand-turned wood but with the durability of stoneware. Available in a range of neutral hues that resemble natural wood tones, the bowls have ribbed detailing and distressed edges. Sizes range from small dip bowls to large salad toss bowls.

Organic Collection

A bit more modern and polished looking, this range has free-form, asymmetrical shapes with reactive glazing that gives pieces an earthy, handmade feel. Muted blues, greens, browns, and greys resemble landscapes found in nature.

Textured Collection

The textured collection features stoneware with visible grooves, cracks, and imprints for added visual interest. Creamy white and pale blue glazes have a timeworn look. Subtle patterning makes these pieces ideal for relaxed farmhouse decor.

Classic Collection

As the name suggests, this line sticks to traditional silhouettes like canisters, pitchers, baking dishes, and mugs with minimal ornamentation – simple designs for everyday use. Neutral solid glazes let the clean shapes speak for themselves.

This just scratches the surface of Hearth and Hand’s offerings that now encompass well over 100 stoneware products and grow each season. The range gives you plenty of options to mix and match or collect within a favorite aesthetic.

Hearth and Hand Stoneware Materials

Hearth and Hand stoneware is made from thick, durable stoneware clay that is fired to 2200°F. This high temperature vitrifies the clay so that it becomes non-porous and chip-resistant. The stoneware clay is combined with coloring agents and finishes to achieve the signature Hearth and Hand glazes and designs.

The brand states that all of their stoneware is hand-finished, which refers to steps like hand-pressing textures, wiping edges, and handling pieces as they come out of molds. These small touches give each item slight variations that reflect the artisanal production process.

To ensure safety, Hearth and Hand stoneware is lead-free and does not contain chemicals like cadmium or phthalates. As with any stoneware, there may be low levels of naturally occurring heavy metals from the clay ingredients. But the collection easily meets standards for lead-free ceramic dinnerware.

Is Hearth and Hand Dishwasher and Microwave Safe?

The short answer is yes – Hearth and Hand stoneware is designed to be durable enough for daily use, so it can absolutely handle the dishwasher and microwave.

However, hand washing is still recommended when possible to preserve the finishes and visual details on Hearth and Hand pieces. The distressed edges may soften slightly over time in the dishwasher.

For microwave use, it’s best to consult the care instructions for specific items. Most are microwave-safe, but stoneware with metal bases or details like knobs should be avoided. As long as you check first, you can comfortably use Hearth and Hand to reheat leftovers.

Hearth and Hand Stoneware Price Points

Here’s a general overview of price ranges for key Hearth and Hand stoneware categories:

• Mugs and Tumblers: $5 to $10 each
• Bowls: $8 to $30 depending on size
• Baking Dishes: $12 to $50 depending on size
• Canisters: $20 to $30
• Large Serving Platters/Boards: $30 to $60

So you can easily build a basic Hearth and Hand stoneware collection for $100 to $200 for everyday dishes, mugs, and serving essentials. Larger statement pieces and full dish sets will cost more. But the brand offers plenty of options at reasonable price points compared to artisan ceramic brands.

Top Tips for Buying Hearth and Hand Stoneware

Ready to shop? Keep these tips in mind as you browse:

• Feel the weight – Pick pieces up to get a sense of the substantial heft of stoneware. Thicker walls withstand years of regular use.
• Inspect finishes – Look closely at the textures and wipe marks that make each piece unique. Subtle imperfections reflect the handmade process.
• Consider care – Choose muted glazes if you plan to use the dishwasher frequently so finishes stay looking new. Opt for bolder reactive glazes only for occasional or hand washing.
• Mix and match – Hearth and Hand’s color palettes are designed to coordinate across collections. Feel free to combine different styles to suit your taste.
• Buy in person if possible – While online shopping is convenient, you’ll get the best sense of size, shape, and weight seeing Hearth and Hand in person before purchasing.

Now that you know what sets this brand’s stoneware apart, it’s time to start picking favorites to elevate your own gatherings. Built to stand the test of time and trends, Hearth and Hand offers an array of stoneware styles that effortlessly create an inviting, lived-in look for your home.