Jars Ceramistes was founded over 150 years ago by Pierre Jars, and the company continues to produce top-quality artisanal stoneware to this day. The traditional craft of potters’ skills has been passed down through the generations at Jars, and their emphasis on craftsmanship and ecological sustainability remains at the forefront. Jars Ceramistes recycle water and china clay mixes, as well as the exhaust heat from their kilns into other areas of production. They’re committed to making choices which care for the environment just as passionately as they’re committed to creating beautiful, handmade stoneware. Each piece is unique from Jars and so the products display the hand-crafted charm that many mass-produced ceramics lack.
All Jars ceramics can withstand any domestic oven temperatures, but not with severe and sudden changes. Doing so can lead to thermal shock. For example, reheating a cold dish from the fridge by putting it directly into a hot oven. It is better to put the dish into a cold oven and then switch it on to allow it to heat up gradually. When removing a dish from a hot oven, always place it onto a cork or wood mat, an oven glove or a folded tea towel for a few minutes. Thermal shock cracks can happen when a hot dish is set directly onto a cold stainless steel, marble or granite worktop. However, the steel pan rails sometimes built into such worktops are fine.
Jars Ceramistes pride themselves in the quality of each item that is produced at their factory. They are renowned for the special reactive glazes that they create. Each piece is individual and sometimes there might be a slight colour variation which is quite normal. This happens with the mix of glazes reacting together in different ways on each piece of ceramic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jars Ceramistes pieces durable?
Yes; through the firing process each piece reaches 2850°F/1565°C, allowing the clay and the glaze to become vitrified and fuse together to create a non-porous ware. The stoneware at Jars is considered some of the most resistant and natural of ceramic materials. Whilst it isn’t indestructible, it is certainly more hardwearing than other comparable ceramics.
Are Jars Ceramistes pieces dishwasher safe?
Yes, all Jars pieces are both dishwasher and microwave safe. You can also place Jars Ceramistes pieces in a low temperature oven (up to 150°C). The roasters feature a slightly different glaze, so are suitable for use in higher temperature ovens. We would suggest preheating roasters with the oven, rather than putting a cold roaster straight in to a hot environment.
Can I request a colour which you don’t currently have in stock?
Jars change their glazes seasonally, so our range is constantly changing and evolving. We can request glazes from Jars for special orders; please contact online@boroughkitchen.com to discuss this.