The correct dinnerware set is the simplest method to flaunt (or, if required, hide) our culinary prowess and is often the first thing observed when someone looks in the kitchen or at the dining table. If you like to have a nice set of dishes for company but also want to use them on a regular basis, or if you want a single set of dishes that can be dressed up or down, this article is for you.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the best dinnerware materials and go over some of the items to consider when shopping for a new set of dinnerware, including color schemes and pattern varieties. We also discuss some of the greatest dinnerware sets available, all of which are suitable for everyday use and won’t break the bank.
Best Pick
The Corelle 18-piece Winter Frost dinnerware set is ideal for individuals with limited storage space in their kitchen cabinets as it is both stackable and resistant to chips.
Budget Pick
Our top option for an affordable white porcelain dinnerware set with a contemporary branches design is the AmazonBasics 18-piece set (Branches). This set may be used in the oven, microwave, and freezer without any problems.
10 Best Dinnerware Sets
Corelle 18 Piece Winter Frost Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- An 18-piece service for six people, made in the USA
- Classy, all-white set that will go well with your current tableware
- There are six cereal bowls and six soup or salad plates in addition to the six dinner plates (10.25″). (18 oz)
- Dishwasher and oven-proof
- Be able to go through the dishwasher
- Three-year limited warranty included.
The Corelle Winter Frost 18-piece dinnerware set is a simple white set meant to add elegance to your table and match your current dinnerware. The set includes six each of dinner plates (10.25 inches), salad/dessert plates (6.75 inches), and cereal/soup bowls (8 inches) (18 oz). With its stackable construction, this set may be conveniently stashed away.
Made in the USA, this set of sturdy glasses features triple-layered glass for maximum protection against breakage. This dinnerware is microwave and oven safe (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit), and dishwasher safe after use. A limited guarantee of three years is included.
Some customers have complained that the tableware is not as chip-resistant as they had hoped or as high-quality as they had come to expect from Corelle, and that it does not perform as well as you might want in the microwave.
Pros
- Food for six people
- The Durability of Triple-Layered Glass
- Made in the USA
- Stackable
- Dishwasher and oven safe
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
Cons
- It’s possible that these aren’t as chip-resistant as you’d want for from this brand.
- It’s possible that microwaves won’t adequately heat your meal.
- Quality control may have a few minor flaws.
Amazon Basics 18 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- Eighteen pieces of white tableware decorated with a stylized tree branch pattern.
- Designed to last and used frequently, this porcelain is of the highest quality (AB).
- The set comes with six of everything below: 10.5 “the 9.5″ dinner plates, the 7.5″ salad/snack plates, and the 5.5” cereal/soup bowls
- It can be heated in an oven up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, thus it can withstand the freezer and the microwave.
- Absolutely safe to put in the dishwasher
- Include a year of limited warranty coverage.
The AB-grade porcelain used to make the AmazonBasics 18-piece dinnerware set (Branches) is strong yet surprisingly lightweight. This set is white and features a contemporary branch design on the outer rim of the plates and bowls; alternative patterns are also available.
You’ll find six 10.5″ dinner plates, six 7.5″ salad/snack plates, and six 5.5″ dessert plates “soup/cereal bowls, etc. This porcelain dinnerware set can go from freezer to oven to microwave without any damage. One year limited guarantee and dishwasher safe.
Porcelain tableware like this is heavier and more fragile than glass. It has been noted by some purchasers that the bowls do not stack neatly, which is a problem if you have limited cupboard space.
Pros
- Food for six people
- Creative, up-to-date style
- Superior quality porcelain denoting the AB grade
- Safe for use in both ovens and microwaves.
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
Cons
- This is heavier than glass tableware since it is made of porcelain.
- It’s possible that they’ll chip easily.
- You might not be able to stack the bowls as neatly as you’d want.
Gibson Home Zen 12 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- Four-person dinnerware set consisting of twelve pieces.
- This white porcelain dinnerware has a traditional square shape.
- Set serves four and features a dinner plate measuring 10.75 inches in diameter, four soup bowls measuring 8 inches in circumference, and four coffee or tea cups measuring (12 oz)
- Compatible with microwave cooking
- Be able to go through the dishwasher
The Gibson Home Zen 12 Piece Dinnerware Set is a white porcelain set with a square design that is perfect for everyday usage. Four dinner plates measuring 10.75 inches in diameter, four soup bowls measuring 8 inches in diameter, and four mugs measuring 12 ounces each are included in this set. This set can go from the microwave to the dishwasher without any problems.
If you’re buying square dinner plates, make sure they’ll fit your needs; unlike round plates and bowls, square ones are measured by their diagonal’s widest point, so they have less total surface area on which to serve food. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the quality has been a bit low for several buyers.
Pros
- Food for four
- Porcelain
- Whiteware
- a square shape
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Safe for use in microwaves
Cons
- In the form of square plates Compared to standard round plates and bowls, these are more manageable in size.
- A small number of customers have expressed dissatisfaction with them due to poor quality.
Gibson Elite Althea 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- It’s a 16-piece set, good for feeding four people.
- Traditional stoneware with a slightly squared off form.
- The reactive glaze with the colored design is painted by hand.
- Includes a set for four with four dinner plates measuring 10.75 inches, four dessert plates measuring 8.5 inches, and four cups measuring 8.5 inches (14 oz)
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
The Gibson Elite Althea 16-piece dinnerware set is a classic, and each piece is individually painted upon a reactive glaze. The shape of the tableware in this set is slightly squared, and it is made of stoneware that is black on one side and colorful on the other. Microwave and dishwasher safe, this set includes four dinner plates (10.75 inches), four dessert plates (8.5 inches), and four mugs (14 ounces).
The quality control on this tableware has left some customers unhappy, as the dishes have a tendency to chip after prolonged use. A consensus on whether or not these can be baked in has not been reached.
Pros
- Food for four
- Stoneware
- Painted by hand
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Safe for use in microwaves
Cons
- Perhaps this stoneware isn’t as high-quality as advertised.
- It’s possible that they’ll chip easily.
- Even while this design can withstand the microwave, it’s not known if it can withstand the oven.
AmazonBasics White 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- 16-piece dinnerware set for four people.
- Produced using only the finest white AB porcelain
- Designed to be stacked in a pantry or kitchen cabinet
- Packaged with four dinner plates (10.5 “Four salad plates (9.5″), four dessert plates (7.5″), four cereal/soup bowls (5.5”), and four ten-ounce cups
- Durable enough to withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven, as well as the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
The AmazonBasics white 16-piece dinnerware set contains four 10.5″ dinner plates, four 7.5″ dessert plates, four 5.5″ soup/cereal bowls, and four 5.5″ “cereal bowls, soup bowls, and four 10 oz. cups. This set is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, and the porcelain used to make it can withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t want to use them right away, you can store them in a kitchen cupboard.
Some customers have complained that the porcelain is not brilliant white and that the finish does not protect it from stains. They may be more cumbersome to use at the dinner table than sets constructed from lighter materials due to the porcelain component.
Pros
- Food for four
- Finale in white
- Superior quality porcelain denoting the AB grade
- Dishwasher and oven-proof
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Stackable
Cons
- Though it’s described as “white,” some people say it seems more beige than pure white.
- Staining is possible, despite the glazed finish on this set.
- This dinnerware, being made of porcelain, can be a bit more weighty than others.
Gibson Studio Melamine 12 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- 16-piece dinnerware set for four people.
- Produced using only the finest white AB porcelain
- Designed to be stacked in a pantry or kitchen cabinet
- Packaged with four dinner plates (10.5 “Four salad plates (9.5″), four dessert plates (7.5″), four cereal/soup bowls (5.5”), and four ten-ounce cups
- Durable enough to withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven, as well as the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
The AmazonBasics white 16-piece dinnerware set contains four 10.5″ dinner plates, four 7.5″ dessert plates, four 5.5″ soup/cereal bowls, and four 5.5″ “cereal bowls, soup bowls, and four 10 oz. cups. This set is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, and the porcelain used to make it can withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t want to use them right away, you can store them in a kitchen cupboard.
Some customers have complained that the porcelain is not brilliant white and that the finish does not protect it from stains. They may be more cumbersome to use at the dinner table than sets constructed from lighter materials due to the porcelain component.
Pros
- Food for four
- Finale in white
- Superior quality porcelain denoting the AB grade
- Dishwasher and oven-proof
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Stackable
Cons
- Though it’s described as “white,” some people say it seems more beige than pure white.
- Staining is possible, despite the glazed finish on this set.
- This dinnerware, being made of porcelain, can be a bit more weighty than others.
AmazonBasics 18-Piece Square Kitchen Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- Complete service for four with this 18-piece set of AB-grade porcelain
- Pattern of square white squares with accents of black and gray lines.
- Containing six 10.5 “set includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six bowls, all measuring 10.
- Suitable for temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 572 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven,
- This dinnerware set is dishwasher safe and with a limited warranty that protects you for a full year.
The layout is square, The AmazonBasics 18-piece Modern Beams dinnerware set is a sleek white set with black and gray striations for a modern look. Dinner plates measure 10.5″, salad plates measure 7.44″, and soup bowls measure 6.7″ “bowls. Made of porcelain with an AB grade, it can withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and may be used in the microwave, oven, and freezer. They have a limited warranty of a year and can be washed in the dishwasher.
Some customers have been let down since the squared design makes the largest measurement (on the diagonal) appear smaller than it actually is. This causes the plates and bowls to appear “smaller” than they actually are. Some owners have also voiced concerns that the porcelain is thinner than comparable dinnerware, making it more prone to chips and cracks.
Pros
- Food for six people
- Superior quality porcelain denoting the AB grade
- Incorporating cutting-edge elements
- Safe for use in both ovens and microwaves.
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
Cons
- The squared shape of the design may result in smaller-than-anticipated serving ware.
- Since this porcelain is thinner, it could crack or chip more easily.
Pfaltzgraff 5217179 Trellis White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- A 16-piece stoneware set suitable for four individuals.
- Incorporates a refined scroll design and subtle aging effects via dark marks
- These four items make up this set: 11 “Includes four 14-ounce cups, four 8-inch salad plates, four 6-inch bowls, and four dinner plates.
- Ready for both conventional and microwave cooking.
- It may be cleaned in the dishwasher.
There is a subtle scroll pattern on the white stoneware of the Pfaltzgraff Trellis 16-piece dinnerware set, and black lines give it a worn and weathered look, like a metal trellis in a summer garden that has seen better days. This stoneware can be used in both microwaves and dishwashers, in addition to regular ovens.
Dishes in the set range in size from 6 to 11 inches “the equivalent of four 14-ounce mugs and four cereal/soup bowls. There have been complaints from purchasers that they are easily chipped and marked by silverware. Additionally, there is a chance that this dinnerware set will arrive broken.
Pros
- Food for four
- Stoneware
- Traditional style
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
- In both conventional and microwave ovens, these are safe to use.
Cons
- In comparison to other types of stoneware, these may be more likely to chip.
- A possibility exists that this set will arrive broken.
- Damage to dishes and glasses from silverware is possible.
Gibson Rockaway 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- A 16-piece set suitable for a family of four
- This set comes in many hues, each denoted by the rim color.
- A variety of color combinations are possible.
- Dinner for four on these 10.5-inch plates “as well as four dinner plates (each measuring 10 inches), four bowls (each measuring 6 inches), and four cups (each measuring 8 inches)
- Valid for use in both the microwave and the dishwasher
The Gibson Rockaway 16-piece dinnerware set is a simple white set with a contrasting hue along the rim that will give your kitchen a contemporary feel. These sets are interchangeable, too. This set comprises four each of the following: four dinner plates (10.5″), four dessert plates (8″), four bowls (6″), and four cups (3.5″) “, and a set of four coffee or tea cups. These are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Buyers have reported that their silverware scratches the tableware, suggesting that quality control isn’t as thorough as it may be. Also, it’s possible that you’ll get a broken item.
Pros
- Food for four
- A glossy finish with a matte appearance
- Allows for recombining colors from different sets
- Safe for use in microwaves
- Able to be cleaned in the dishwasher
Cons
- This set could be damaged by silverware.
- Perhaps not the best quality control measures were taken.
- This dinnerware set can arrive broken.
Elama Regency 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
Key Characteristics
- Dishes that can be used for dining that are both visually striking and functional.
- To wit: a stoneware dinnerware set with 16 pieces good for four persons.
- Includes 10.5 “four 10 oz. glasses, four 6.5″ bowls, four 6.5″ salad plates, and four 8” dinner plates
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Elama Regency’s 16-piece dinnerware set was created to serve as a stylish table centerpiece because to its unique shapes. The pieces in this set are crafted of high-quality stoneware and come in either a deep red with bronze accents or a deep blue with brown highlights.
Pieces of the set measure as follows: four 10.5″ dinner plates, four 8″ salad plates, four 6.5″ “a microwave and dishwasher safe bowl set and four ten ounce cups. Some customers have reported that the ocean blue set they purchased is a paler blue than depicted online. The layout of this ceramic, according to some critics, also makes it inappropriate for use by very young children.
Pros
- Food for four
- Stoneware
- Modest Decorations
- Dishes of various shapes
- Choice of red or blue color options
Cons
- This layout could be problematic if you have young children.
- However, the actual shade of blue in the water is more pastel.
- It may break or chip easily.
Things to Consider Before Buying A Dinnerware Set
When picking for a new set of dinnerware, it’s important to take into account more than just your personal taste in terms of design and color. Think about the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or dining area and look for pieces that will go well with the current decor.
Think about how many people you often serve when shopping for new dinnerware. A typical set consists of four serves, rising to six and ultimately eight as the set progresses. A larger set can mean less dish washing in between meals if there are just the two of you at home, but it will also require more storage space.
How many cupboards do you have to keep your dishes in? Simply making sure the plates will fit is worth verifying the dimensions for. You’ll be glad you bought a stacking set, as the bowls and cups can be stored neatly away in a vertical position.
Reheating food or leftovers is a breeze with tableware that can be used in both the oven and microwave, and clean-up is a breeze with a set that can be washed in the dishwasher. The ability to pre-freeze some plates before serving cold desserts is a convenient feature of some sets.
Place a plate containing a cup of water in the microwave to see if your new dinnerware set is microwave safe. A dinner plate can be put to the test by placing a cup of water on it. Turn on the microwave and set the timer for one minute on high.
When the timer goes off, get out the plate and cup. A microwave-safe plate or dish should be cold, but the water in the cup should be warm. The center of the plate will be warmer than the edges if you had to set the cup of water there. The plate is no longer microwave safe if it has begun to heat up.
Choosing Colors and Patterns of Dinnerware Sets
White dinnerware typically ranks high on people’s priority lists when it comes to selecting the best dinnerware sets for daily usage. White dinnerware has many advantages over colored plates, including its ability to showcase food, its resistance to chipping and breaking, and the fact that it can be easily matched up with a replacement white plate rather than having to buy a new dinnerware set.
If you favor white tableware, you can always jazz things up with colorful placemats and napkins or by using colored or patterned charger plates under the white plates.
Even if you prefer colourful dinnerware, you may find it simpler to match the rest of your tableware to a pattern with fewer colors. In the event that you require more than one piece of tableware, picking for a second set in a contrasting or complementary hue can be a fun way to spice up the table.
Traditional styles like rococo and neoclassicism are typical for dinnerware patterns. A romantic one might feature depictions of birds, flowers, and other animals. Geometric or abstract styles predominate in modern and contemporary decoration.
The rule of thumb for mixing patterns with tableware is to use a ratio of 2:1, which would be two elaborate plates with one plain plate, or two plain plates with one decorative plate.
If you enjoy dinnerware with a lot of color and/or pattern, you may keep the focus on the tableware by pairing it with neutral, solid-colored linens and other decorations.
Coupe-shaped plates don’t have a rim and don’t gather juices like rimmed Western dinnerware does. Coupé-shaped plates are commonly used for Eastern cuisine since many dishes are pre-cut into bite-sized portions before being prepared (rather than at the table), making it easy to serve multiple courses at once.
The Best Dinnerware Materials for Everyday Use
While a dinnerware set made of bone china will always add a touch of class to the table, it is not usually the most functional option for daily usage. When compared to bone china, the strongest ceramic material, porcelain is the hardest. Of course, not all types of stoneware, semi-porcelain, ironstone, creamware, and faience are suitable for use in the oven, microwave, freezer, and/or dishwasher.
Vitrified glass is commonly referred to as Corelle, after the most prominent US-based vitrified glass company. Corelle and kindred vitrified glass are typically opaque because they are burned at an extremely high temperature, rendering them non-porous and nearly indestructible. With this in mind, it is a great option for parents who have young children in the house.
Vitrified glass dinnerware is typically thinner and lighter than other varieties of dinnerware, so it will take up less space in your cupboards. And you can put it in the microwave or dishwasher without worrying about it.
Corelle is made with a special blend of raw and recyclable materials called Vitrelle®. The tableware is made possible by the Vitrelle, which is composed of three layers: a core center layer, with a top and bottom layer of clear glass fused to it, resulting in a material that is both thin and translucent and yet incredibly sturdy. Vitrelle glass, unlike other varieties of glass, is neither brittle nor porous; it was originally created in the 1940s for use in television displays.
Earthenware is great for everyday usage because it is durable and usually has a more relaxed style. It also has the potential to save you a lot of money. However, it is not ideal for regular usage in the oven or microwave due to its weight and the potential for damage. Earthenware, depending on the glaze, may also be stained easily.
Because of the glaze used to smooth it out, stoneware has a finish that is impenetrable. Stoneware can also include ironware like Pfaltzgraff. Stoneware is more robust than earthenware, but it still needs to be handled with care when subjected to extreme temperatures. In most cases, yes, but it’s a good idea to double-check because some patterns can only be cleaned by hand.
Keep in mind that earthenware and stoneware are more likely to chip than porcelain, but they can still look great when paired with heavier tableware like wooden bowls and loose woven linens.
Always wash or put glazed tableware in the dishwasher after using it with acidic foods like vinegars or tomatoes, as leaving the residue on the surface might cause pitting.
Since it is fired at higher temperatures, porcelain (also known as fine china) is non-porous and typically durable. Dinnerware made of porcelain is one of the greatest options for everyday usage since it is sturdy enough to withstand repeated washings but not so heavy that it becomes a burden.
The microwave, oven, and freezer can all safely handle porcelain, but if you opt for a set with a metal accent like a silver or gold rim, you may need to hand wash the pieces. Except for when it comes to food, porcelain is usually safe for the dishwasher, making it a great choice for everyday dinnerware. The polished finish of porcelain goes well with other high-end materials like silverware, crystal glasses, and finely woven tablecloths.
When shopping for porcelain dinnerware sets, it can be useful to be aware of the porcelain’s grading, which shows the extent of faults in the finished piece. Porcelain, being a delicate and natural material, is prone to flaws including bubbles, glaze cracking, color faults, and more. A perfect piece of porcelain would have none of the flaws on a predetermined list. Porcelain of Grade B can have up to four flaws from the approved list, while ceramics of Grade C can have six or more.
Melamine tableware is ideal for indoor and outdoor use with children because it is so durable. It can be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher but cannot be used in the oven or microwave. Weight is not an issue with melamine, and it is BPA-free. As some things, like tomato sauce, might leave a stain on melamine, it’s important to think about what you’ll be serving on the dishes ahead of time.
Find plates that don’t have warped rims and will sit flat on the table when you shop for the best dinnerware material to suit your needs. There shouldn’t be any bubbles or blemishes in the glaze, and the colors shouldn’t shift (considering any lower grading for porcelain faults).
Conclusion
In this post, we have examined some of the primary materials for everyday dinnerware sets, in addition to looking at additional characteristics that you should also consider when selecting the ideal dinnerware set for everyday usage, regardless of whether you plan on using it for formal or casual eating.
Whether you want to use it in the kitchen, the dining room, or even outside by the grill or pool, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and are now well-equipped to choose one of the best dinnerware sets for your home.
