What Type Of Dinnerware Is Best For Everyday Use?

Selecting the right dinnerware is an important decision when outfitting your kitchen. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the key factors to consider when choosing dinnerware for everyday use. We will explore the durability, design, weight, care requirements, safety, cost, and availability of dinnerware sets vs open stock options. By the end, you’ll have the information needed to select the best dinnerware to meet your needs.

Durability

When choosing dinnerware for everyday use, it’s important to consider durability. Porcelain is one of the most durable and long-lasting dinnerware materials. According to Far and Away, “Porcelain qualifies as the most ubiquitous ceramic dinnerware since it is less expensive than Bone China or stoneware and offers the perfect balance of refined beauty and superior strength” (source). Porcelain resists chipping, cracking, and breaking better than many other ceramic materials.

Melamine dinnerware is another extremely durable option. As Mala Casa explains, “Melamine dinnerware is virtually indestructible and chip-resistant, yet it can be used for formal events such as weddings and dinner gatherings” (source). Made from melamine resin, it’s lightweight and shatterproof. Melamine can be a great choice for families with young children.

Stoneware is heavier and thicker than porcelain, giving it added durability. According to the New York Times, “It’s less likely to crack or chip than porcelain and it’s more durable than earthenware” (source). Stoneware comes in a variety of styles and can be very durable for everyday use.

Design

The design of dinnerware sets can vary greatly in terms of aesthetics. Two key factors to consider are whether the set has a simple versus ornate design, and whether it is patterned or solid in color.The New York Times notes that simple, minimalist dinnerware often looks more high-end and goes well in a variety of kitchen decors. Ornate designs with detailed borders or accent patterns can also look elegant, but may clash with some kitchen styles. Patterned dinnerware adds visual interest, but solid colored sets are versatile and easy to mix and match.

The choice between simple versus ornate and patterned versus solid often comes down to personal style. Those wanting an understated, modern look may prefer simple solid color dinnerware. Vintage or cottage-style kitchens can suit more ornate or floral patterned sets. The Serious Eats review recommends choosing dinnerware with a style you love, as you’ll be using it daily for years.

Care

When caring for your dinnerware, the key things to consider are using the dishwasher versus handwashing and preventing breakage. According to Bzyoo, most quality dinnerware is dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended to prevent chipping and fading over time. Use a mild detergent and avoid abrasive sponges that could scratch. Etiquette Scholar advises rinsing ornate dinnerware soon after use since decoration is prone to damage. Let air dry completely before stacking to prevent cracking. Handle gently to prevent chips and breaks – avoid banging pieces together. Wrap in paper or bubblewrap for storage. With proper care, quality dinnerware can last for years.

Weight

The weight of dinnerware is an important consideration, as heavier dishes can feel more durable and high quality, while lighter dishes are easier to handle and transport. According to the Silver Superstore, the average weight for a 5-piece place setting of flatware is about 20 ounces. Individual dinner plates tend to range from around 8-16 ounces on average, with heavier ceramic and porcelain plates towards the higher end.

Heavier dinnerware is often seen as more elegant and luxurious for formal dining situations. Materials like bone china or precious metals like sterling silver will be on the heavier side. However, lighter dinnerware made from plastic, melamine, or lightweight stoneware can be a better choice for casual everyday use. Lighter dishes reduce hand and arm fatigue from lifting, holding, and carrying dishes. They are also less prone to breaking if dropped and generally more affordable. The right balance depends on your priorities – heavier for aesthetics and durability or lighter for functionality and convenience.

Microwave & Oven Safety

When selecting dinnerware for everyday use, it’s important to choose pieces that are safe for both the microwave and oven so they provide maximum convenience. Many modern dishes are designed to go from the freezer or fridge directly into the oven or microwave without cracking or warping. Oven safe dinnerware sets are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, glass, and stoneware which can withstand high temperatures.

Porcelain is an excellent choice for microwave and oven safe dinnerware. It’s a type of ceramic made from kaolin clay that can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F. High-quality porcelain won’t absorb odors or flavors and maintains its bright white color even after repeated use and washing. Sturdy porcelain dishes have smooth finishes that clean up easily.

Stoneware is another versatile option, made from natural clay that’s fired at high temperatures. It’s less prone to chipping than porcelain and can be very durable. Many popular dinnerware brands such as Corelle and Le Creuset use a type of stoneware that’s safe up to 500°F in the oven. Stoneware comes in a variety of colors and unfinished, natural looks.

Glass dishes labeled oven safe are tempered to withstand high heat. Pyrex and Anchor Hocking are reputable glass dinnerware brands that not only work well for baking casseroles but also hold up over time in the microwave. With proper care, glass provides a versatile and lightweight option.

No matter what material is chosen, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for microwave and oven maximum temperatures.

Non-Toxic

When selecting dinnerware for everyday use, it’s important to choose items that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Many conventional dinnerware pieces contain concerning materials like lead, cadmium, PFOA, and BPA. Exposure to these substances can pose health risks, especially for children.

Look for dinnerware advertised as lead-free and cadmium-free. Lead is a neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body over time. Cadmium is also highly toxic and associated with kidney, bone, and respiratory damage (source).

BPA-free is another key label to look for. BPA is an industrial chemical used to make some plastics and resins. It’s a suspected endocrine disruptor that may negatively impact hormones and development (source).

Choosing dinnerware made from natural materials like bamboo, wood, stainless steel, and glass is an easy way to avoid hazardous chemicals. If opting for ceramics or porcelain, look for pieces certified non-toxic by organizations like the FDA, Prop 65, and GreenGuard Gold (source). This ensures dinnerware doesn’t leach concerning levels of lead, cadmium, or other toxins with regular use.

Cost

Dinnerware can range drastically in price from budget options under $30 for a basic 4-piece set to premium porcelain sets over $500. According to Dwell, budget dinnerware starts around $30 for a 4-piece set or $35 for 4 plates. Some good budget brands are Unison Home and Cost Plus World Market.

Mid-range dinnerware is around $50-150 for a 16-piece set. Brands like Corelle and Gibson offer stylish dinnerware in this range. On the premium end, brands like Williams Sonoma and Crate & Barrel offer porcelain dinnerware from $150-500+ for a 16-piece set.

The main tradeoff with budget dinnerware is that it may be less durable and have a cheaper look and feel. However, there are some good quality basic options. Premium dinnerware will have very durable restaurant-quality porcelain that can last decades. The high end also offers more design styles and artisan looks. Consider how often you will use the dinnerware and your budget when deciding between bargain or luxury sets.

Sets vs. Open Stock

When it comes to choosing dinnerware, you have two main options – buying a complete set or going with open stock pieces. There are pros and cons to each approach.

Dinnerware sets provide a cohesive look with matching plates, bowls, and other pieces all in the same pattern. Sets are convenient, allowing you to get everything you need in one purchase. However, sets also lack flexibility. You may end up with certain pieces you don’t need or want. And if a piece breaks, it can be hard to find a replacement that exactly matches the set. According to The Knot forums, open stock can sometimes cost about the same as a set depending on what you choose.

With open stock, you hand pick each piece individually. This allows you to get only the items you really want. You can start small and add on later. Open stock also makes it easy to replace a broken or damaged piece since retailers sell them individually. However, mixing and matching pieces means your dinnerware may lack cohesion. And you’ll have to invest more time into choosing each element. As Wirecutter notes, open stock offers more flexibility in designing your own customized dinnerware collection.

There are good reasons to choose both complete sets or open stock. Consider your own needs and style preferences when deciding which option may work best for you. Both can allow you to create an everyday dinnerware collection that is functional and reflects your tastes.

Recommendations

Here are some top recommendations for the best everyday dinnerware sets based on durability, design, and value:

Crate and Barrel everyday white 10-piece dinnerware set

This affordable porcelain set from Crate and Barrel (https://www.crateandbarrel.com/everyday-white-10-piece-dinnerware-set/s583280) features a simple, clean white design perfect for both formal and casual settings. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. Pros are the minimalist look, oven and microwave-safe porcelain, and low price point around $50. Cons are the porcelain may chip over time.

Gibson Home Handpainted Azalea 16-piece Dinnerware set

For a colorful painted design, the Gibson Home Azalea set (https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Elite-Handpainted-16-Piece-Dinnerware/dp/B07TYWQG5Z) includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs. The stoneware is durable and chip-resistant. Pros are the eye-catching floral pattern and lower cost around $70. Cons are hand-washing is recommended which takes more time.

Corelle Vitrelle 10-piece Dinnerware Set

Known for durability, the Corelle Vitrelle set (https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/corelle-reg-10-piece-vitrelle-trade-dinnerware-set-in-winter-frost-white/5543904) features a simple white design in lightweight, break-resistant glass material. The stackable set can go in the microwave and is dishwasher safe. Pros are the very durable glass material and 10 year warranty. Cons are the simple design may not appeal to all.