When it comes to mugs, you’ll mostly find two types in your cupboard.
Stoneware and porcelain.

Porcelain’s meant to be better for tea.
Stoneware's supposedly tougher.

Is that true?

Let’s break it down.

Stoneware shows up ready to work

Made from grittier clay. Less refined.
Fired hot - around 1,200°C.
It’s earthy. Reliable. 
You feel the weight in your hand.
Made for the kitchen table, not the shelf.

Porcelain takes its time
Made from purer clay. More refined.
Fired hotter — up to 1,400°C.
That heat changes everything.
The particles fuse together more tightly.
Makes it smooth. Fine. Almost glass-like.
It's light - but strong in the hand.

What does this mean for tea?

Porcelain is said to be best for tea.
Smooth. Non-porous.
It won't absorb flavours.
Or pass on any of it's own.
So you taste more tea. And less "cup".
The walls are thinner.
So it's ready to drink quicker. 

Stoneware is said to be more durable.
Not as smooth. More porous.
It can hold onto some flavour. And colour.
And give a subtle earthiness to your brew.
The walls are thicker.
So it'll keep your tea warmer, longer.

That said — quality stoneware, glazed well, won’t mess with taste.
Not in a way you’d notice.
Unless you’re Lou. Or a tea taster.
Or drinking something very delicate.

Which is stronger?

Porcelain is said to be the finer, higher-quality ceramic.
Stoneware is said to be more sturdy. 

But porcelain's actually stronger.
Fired hotter.
Packed tighter.
Harder.

But strength shows up in different ways.

Porcelain's tough.
But a sharp knock, and it chips.
It shatters.
Or cracks wide open.

Stoneware?
It's not packed as tightly.
It has more give.
It absorbs the bumps.
It may chip, but it keeps going.

It’s that give - that bit of softness - that helps it last.

The firmest isn't always the strongest.
Sometimes, strength is in the give.
It's what will get you through.

So,which is better for tea?

Porcelain
Clean flavour.
Feels fine.
Cools fast.
Tough — but don’t wallop it.

Stoneware
Mellow flavour.
Weighty feel.
Holds the heat.
Can take a few knocks.

Both good. Your call.

Photo by Dave Imms.
Cup - photographers own, stoneware.