While most people focus on bowl shape, style, height, and flushing technology, the material used should also be a pivotal factor. Though there are various materials used in toilets, the battle is between porcelain vs ceramic toilets.
While both are made by heating a mixture of clay, some powders, and water, they’re heated at different temperatures. Porcelain materials are heated in kilns at a higher temperature than ceramic and use finer clay during production. However, porcelain is easier to coat with enamel material, which makes it more resilient and gives it a high-gloss shine.
The article covers as much information as possible on ceramic and porcelain toilets. By the time you are done reading, you will be in a position to make the most informed decision.
Table of Contents
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Toilets – The Differences
Ceramic toilets date back to the late 19th century when Thoms Twyford created the ceramic bowl called the “Porcelain throne.” Since then, toilets have seen much improvement in terms of operation as well as material. It’s amazing how the industry has evolved since, touching on every aspect.
The following table shows some differences between the popular toilet materials; ceramic and porcelain.
| Factors | Porcelain | Ceramic |
| Manufacturing | Sintering temperature between 1200 – 1400°C| 2192 – 2552°F | Sintering temperatures between 800 – 1100°C | 1472 – 2012°F. |
| Price | Porcelain toilets cost more. | Ceramic toilets are cheaper than Porcelain. |
| Hardness | Porcelain is denser and harder. | More porous, which makes it softer |
| Sanitation | Porcelain is better resistant to stains. | More likely to be stained compared to porcelain. |
| Durability | Easy to coat for more durability. | Compared to porcelain, they have a shorter lifespan. |
If not for anything else, the above table should help you choose between porcelain and ceramic toilets. We’ve highlighted the top factors we feel should guide your selection. Remember not to focus on budget alone, as there are other equally crucial aspects to consider.
Some Toilets are Made of Ceramic
You might wonder why toilets are made with ceramic when a number of materials can be used instead. Ceramics are made by heating nonmetallic and inorganic materials like clay at high temperatures. This material offers some unmatched qualities when used as toilet material.
Other materials used to make toilets include plastic, wood, metal, and fiberglass. Ceramics are cheaper to manufacture than metal which must be stainless to be durable. Plastic and fiberglass are more prone to scratch, and each scratch would harbor germs and dirt. While wood is comfortable and warm when you need it, it’s more prone to germs, rot, and dirt, and they’re less durable.
But why are ceramics instead of porcelains? While porcelains are top-quality materials, they are a bit more expensive. Ceramic toilets also share most qualities with porcelains, like being scratch and chip-resistant. With proper maintenance, ceramic toilets can last as much time as Porcelains.
Some Toilets are Made of Porcelain
Porcelain is a top-of-the-line material for use not only in making toilets but also as tiles, bathtubs, and sinks. It’s made from heating materials like the clay mineral kaolinite, feldspar, and silica in high temperatures. Some of the qualities of porcelain are easier sanitization, affordability to make, and they’re highly hygienic. Some of the reasons toilets are made of porcelain are:
- They are easier to clean compared to other materials.
- Porcelain material is strong and doesn’t bend after years of use.
- They are durable and can last as long as your home.
- Porcelains can be made in a vast array of colors and styles.
- Easier to coat with an enamel coating like Vitreous China for a high-gloss shine.
But why porcelain for toilets instead of ceramic? While porcelains are ceramic materials, they’re made from finer soil. The material is harder, stronger, and more durable compared to ceramic.
The Better Choice
When it comes to quality, porcelain toilets edge as the better choice. They’re more durable, resistant to stains, and shinier, giving a better appeal than ceramics. Also, due to the use of fine-textured soil used in manufacturing, they are stronger and less likely to crack.
Ceramic toilets share most qualities with their close cousins, porcelain. However, they are less heavy if you’re concerned about the weight on the upper floors. If you’re undecided on exposed trapway vs concealed trapways, both materials suit either design.
As such, we cannot rule one material is better than the other. You’ll need to evaluate both based on the shared details. From there, you can choose the one meeting your needs and budget.
Most Popular in Current Times
Nowadays, porcelain toilets are more popular than other types, including ceramic. The production cost is cheaper, making it reach the market at an affordable price. Hundreds of companies worldwide manufacture porcelain toilets, which are widely available in almost every country.
Maintenance and repair, like fixing a toilet chain, is easier in porcelain toilets than in others. However, planes and trains still use stainless steel materials to make toilets. Other types of toilet materials like wood and plastic have become less popular with time.
The ultimate choice of a good toilet narrows down to an individual. Thankfully, you have a variety to choose from. You can even view various designs first before choosing. The best thing is to avoid choosing in a hurry to avoid regretting it in the future.
Key Takeaways
“If you’re uncertain what to choose in the porcelain vs ceramic toilets battle, here are the key points. Porcelain and ceramics are made in the same method, though porcelains are made from finer soils. Here is what you should know.”
In a home, a “throne” is as important as any other feature as it promotes hygiene. Choosing between porcelain and ceramic is sometimes hard since one is an improvement of the other. However, porcelains are most times considered the better option since they’re more resistant and durable than ceramic.
- Among the qualities to consider when buying a toilet, include bowl shape, style, and, importantly the material where the main battle is between Porcelain vs. ceramic toilets.
- Both materials are easy to clean and resistant to corrosion and with proper maintenance, they can serve you for a long time.
- Porcelains are most times considered the better option because they’re more durable than ceramic due to the advanced manufacturing process.