Pfaltzgraff Dinnerware – Truly Iconic American Tableware

For nearly two centuries, Pfaltzgraff dinnerware has been exemplified the highest quality in craftsmanship and design. Starting as a modest pottery shop, the company grew to become one of the most well known designers in the U.S. Nearly everyone has heard of or seen an example of Pfaltzgraff's products.

From their early salt-glazed crocks, earthenware, and flower pots, the company expanded rapidly, and now produces great glassware, dinnerware, accessories and more. In 2005, Pfaltzgraff teamed up with Lifetime Brands to offer even more options to the general public.

Pfaltzgraff is known for some of the most well loved designs in dinnerware. These include the Naturewood, Folk Art, Pistoulet and Yorktowne lines. While the earliest crocks were used as a method of food preservation, and were primarily practical, the beauty of Pfaltzgraff dinnerware graces thousands of kitchens across America today.

Interested in purchasing Pfaltzgraff online? We offer a huge selection in our Pfaltzgraff Store.

York Pennsylvania Roots

The company was started by the Pfaltzgraff family upon immigrating to the US in the early nineteenth century. They set up a small kiln and potter's studio on their homestead in York County, PA - the current home of the brand.

However, while the early market went only as far as a horse and a wagon could travel in one day, products are now available through catalogs and stores coast to coast. If you want, you can also choose to buy through the Pfaltzgraff website.

The big change came in the 1960s, when the brand, which had formerly been sold only through specialty retailers, chose to market itself through high end stores such as Macy's. That increased the availability and demand for fine dinnerware from Pfaltzgraff, and production increased.

Pfaltzgraff dinnerware is associated with a long standing tradition of service, quality, and craftsmanship. Because of the company's age and it's commitment to quality, Pfaltzgraff has a thriving, well known collector community, too. Just look online for retailers and individuals offering vintage examples of this company's high quality products.

Pfaltzgraff Collectibles

Collectible Pfaltzgraff dinnerware can command a high price in the right markets, especially older pieces. If you'd like to get started collecting vintage china, Pfaltzgraff isn't a bad brand to start with. Just make sure that you know the difference between a good deal and a bad one, and that you can identify the real thing.

If you're thinking about a dinnerware purchase, whether it's for your own home or as a gift, it's worth taking the time to check out Pfaltzgraff. Antique, vintage, or modern, there's sure to be a pattern and style that'll suit your preferences and your budget.

Dull Knives Make Cooking Difficult

The most expensive knife isn't necessarily the best. If you don't keep your knives up in good condition, they won't be easy to cook with, no matter how costly they were. It's vital to have the right knives and be able to make sure they're in good shape, if you want to have an efficient kitchen and avoid accidents.

Every cook should be sure to have a decent chef's knife. This is the familiar large handled knife with a wide base and pointed tip, and it's the knife you'll use for most of your cutting tasks. Because chef's knives are so versatile, you won't even need to invest in a full knife set. All you need is a great, very sharp chef's knife to accomplish almost everything.

Remember that not every chef's knife is the same. These blades come in many different sizes, and are measured by the length of the blade. Don't get one that's too small - the smallest knife you should buy for all purpose use is around eight inches long, not including the handle. Small knives may seem safer or easier to use, but that's not always true. Large knives can be used to cut small things, but the reverse doesn't work.

The variety of knives can be bewildering, since even an eight inch chef's knife comes in examples between fifteen and a hundred and fifty dollars. Look for a knife that's around twenty-five dollars if you're on a budget, but more money can get you a more attractive knife. A significant overhang below the handle will help you keep it sharp.

You might have heard that a costly knife will hold it's edge longer. That's not really true. Good steel does keep an edge better than the cheapest metal, but cutting any sturdy root vegetable will cause the edge to go out of true. It doesn't matter if you're using a mediocre knife or one that's top of the line. To help fix this, use a steel to straighten the edge on a daily basis. Steels are the long sticks you've probably seen with knife sets, and are traditionally made from steel. However, many are not ceramic or diamond. Using a steel is just a matter of swiping it down the side of the knife at a twenty degree angle, but this takes some experience. For those who aren't comfortable with this process, there are also a few easier options.

You can get knife and tool sharpeners that have their own built in angle, eliminating guesswork. With them, you can straighten a knife edge without needing skill. Just hold the knife with the edge up, tip hanging off the counter's edge. Swipe the sharpener over the edge a few times, and you'll get a much sharper blade. However, this kind of sharpener can reduce the life of your knife, taking metal off the edge. Still, a knife that's sharp and lasts a few years is better than a dull one for a lifetime.

No matter how you sharpen your knives, be sure to wash and dry them both before and after sharpening. Once you get used to having a sharp knife, you'll know right away when yours is losing its edge. Suddenly, cutting becomes a lot more difficult. One easy test is sliding your knife along a peach or tomato, exerting no pressure. If the knife is sharp, it'll pierce the skin right away.

Always treat your knife carefully, too. Don't use a granite or glass cutting board, because they'll hurt the edge. Instead, a plastic or wood cutting surface is preferred. Also, wash and dry the knife immediately after use to prevent a sink full of dishes from taking the edge off.

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