There are different materials that you can go for while shopping for dinnerware sets whether you are looking for a formal set or a casual one. All materials are unique in their properties, advantages, price ranges, and disadvantages. The optimum dinnerware material depends on the intended use, function, and level of durability that you desire.
Dinnerware shopping can be hard since many stores offer various options. To choose the right material for the dinnerware sets, you have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Types of Dinnerware Materials
Dinnerware sets could consist of dinner plates, dishes, or crockery, which are the key things on any dining table.
1. Bone China Dinnerware
Bone china is a kind of material that is created by fusing porcelain pieces and animal bone ash. It is fired at a slightly lower temperature than the porcelain to give it a lightweight but delicate finish.
In spite of its delicate appearance it is, surprisingly, the most robust and enduring ceramic dinnerware set. It is lightweight, transparent, and very soft with a milk-like tint.
Pros
- Most Bone china are oven, dishwasher and microwave-safe
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Pricey material compared to the regular porcelain bone china
Is Bone China For You?
Bone China might be the best dinnerware material for you if:
- You are looking for a dinnerware set that you can use every day, as well as a stage for your big occasions. Bone china is versatile in appearance and firm in nature.
- You might want to create a royal atmosphere at your restaurant.
- You crave for those subtle looks that would effortlessly radiate the glamour you want.
2. Porcelain Dinnerware
The material of porcelain or China is made from the finest particles of clay. The clay and the materials may contain quartz and kaolin, and like stoneware and China, they are fired at high temperatures.
This is what makes them not only extremely durable but also nonporous. The thinnest dishes are decorated with very fine details. Porcelain is regarded as the most common ceramic dinnerware as it is cheaper than Bone China and stoneware, and it is the perfect match of durability, weight, and price.
Pros
- Most fine china is oven, dishwasher and microwave safe
- It has an upscale appearance
- Suitable for a formal dinnerware set
Cons
- It has dishwashing detergent restrictions
- Any dishes with metal accents are best when hand-washed
Is Porcelain For You?
Porcelain might be the best dinnerware material for you if:
- You want to add a luxurious feel to your dining or kitchen area.
- You want to show an air of refinement because this material is often embellished with fine paint, metal accents and colors of precious stones.
- You want to impress your guests and turn your dinner into a formal affair.
3. Stoneware Dinnerware
The stone ware material is fired ceramic and it is fired at high temperatures more than the other materials thus increasing strength and durability. The tough stoneware is much thicker and with a very strong body. It also often has a glazed finish, which can be satin, glossy or matte.
Stoneware, in many cases, is used for casual and everyday place settings. Overall, most stoneware provides a great deal of versatility.
Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- It can help achieve a casual look
- Freezer, oven, and microwave safe
- Versatile and easy to maintain
Cons
- It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes
- It can be porous and trap flavors or stains if it’s not fully glazed
Is Stoneware For You?
Stoneware might be the best dinnerware material for you if:
- You feel like getting cozy on your couch with a cup of hot tea or coffee as the sturdy dinnerware will comfortably warm your hands.
- You want an expressive look that will be there thanks to the gloss finishing especially if you select a curved body style.
- Nervous about choosing either. A dinnerware set made of white ceramic can be a great foundation for a fashionable kitchen.
- You intend to select dramatic shapes and colors that will make a noisy announcement to make your dining room lighter and give a better mood.
- You want to choose muted colors to gradually step up from the standard white options in your dining area to create an inviting atmosphere and make it look unique and distinct.
4. Earthenware Dinnerware
Earthenware is a ceramic material that is fired and glazed, although it isn’t as hard as stoneware. It features a rusty look and is thick, weighing more than another material types.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Often incorporates hand-painted designs
- Dishwasher and microwave safe unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer
Cons
- It is not a chip-resistant dinnerware set material
- Porous material meaning it may trap flavors and stains
Is Earthenware For You?
Earthenware might be the best dinnerware material for you if:
- You aim to create al fresco dining experience at home because this distinctive style is available in natural muted colors such as sand, forest green and ocean blue.
- Earthy, natural tones that bring a sense of calm and serenity to your home environment are of your choice.
- You prefer a hand-painted option that can add some visual interest and stay simple with solids.
5. Melamine Dinnerware
Melamine dishes are made of plastic material and they possess a permanent and unyielding BPA free shiny surface.
Pros
- Suitable for outdoor dining
- Child-friendly durable dinnerware material
- Dishwasher safe on the top rack
- Affordable yet versatile
Cons
- Not microwave or oven safe
Is Melamine For You?
Melamine might be the best dinnerware material for you if:
- You are looking for a break-resistant substance.
- You are purchasing affordable, hardy dinner sets that will be torn apart by children, time and any number of guests as possible.
- A versatile dinnerware should be your priority because you may use it for both indoor and outdoor dining.
- You are looking for a daily dinnerware set in various styles, such as those that look like fine china, other in natural tones of earthenware and others in bold colors.
6. Vitrified Glass/ Laminated Glass
They are burned in different high temperatures and are non-permeable which will last a lifetime. This is the sort of thing that would not break if it fell heavily on a hard surface.
Pros
- Break-resistant and chip-resistant dinnerware
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Extremely durable
- Affordable
- Ideal for family environments, especially where there are young children
Cons
- The material is more practical than elegant making it perfect for everyday use.
Is Vitrified Glass For You?
Laminated Glass might be the best dinnerware material for you if:
- You need practical, durable, and want an enjoyable and everyday dinnerware.
- Your home is with children and you need not worry about breakages because of the hard-wearing nature of this material.
What is the Best Dinnerware Material for Everyday Use?
If you are looking for a dinnerware set that can be used everyday, choosing melamine material is a great choice. This comes in all sorts in terms of appearance and use, including different styles to suit your existing decor.
- Let’s assume that the porcelain and china dinnerware is appealing to you, but it is too expensive.Alternatively, melamine dinnerware set can look like the china pieces and fit into your interior design vision without breaking the bank.
- In fact, if you like the appearance of earthenware but avoid it due to the chipping, you can re-create the desired look by using melamine which will give you a more durable dinnerware set.
- Bone china or stoneware for everyday use, thanks to their versatility, practicality, and durability.
- In industrial environments, you can opt for cool colors like silver, brass, or slate blue.
- Melamine could be used either for indoor or outdoor dining.
- For a modern look choose a simple design with a neutral palette.
- To create a boho-inspired atmosphere, you can choose for geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
What is the Best Dinnerware Material for Formal Use?
When selecting the most long-lasting porcelain or bone china dinnerware for a formal dinner, these materials are most often used. Although they are expensive compared to conventional bulbs, the decorative effect they give makes them a worthy investment that can transform your home into a palace.
While for the people who are on a tight budget, melamine and ceramic dinnerware sets would be the best choice for a formal dinner party. Choose a functional style with an updated look, but don’t forget to add a few pieces for more formal dinners.
This collection includes a bread plate, a salad plate, butter plates, soup bowls, cups and saucers. If you will be offering a substantial amount of food, you should better shop for the extra stuff like fruit and dessert plates, pitcher, teapot and a gravy boat. Adding the extra pieces your dining table will look up to with a quality material that is budget friendly.
How to Find the Best Dinnerware Set for You?
To ensure you are choosing the best dinnerware material for your needs, there are things you should look out for:
- In case you love having guests over, pick a casual dinnerware set and a formal dinnerware set.
- For casual dinnerware go for microwave, oven, and dishwasher-friendly items.
- Depending on the number of people you are hosting, you can go with the classic sets of 12 or 8 for a slightly more intimate gathering.
- Choose shapes and colors that represent your interior style, and below is a quick cheat sheet;
- Mid-Century Modern– Choose minimal designs with refined lines.
- Scandinavian– Opt for functionality and simplicity where grey and white tones are perfect.
- Industrial– Go for metallic accents and distressed finishes.
- Farmhouse– Opt for the wood-like appearance, which you can find in melamine, and you can choose the beige base and white colors. You can choose a bright yellow or turquoise color to accent this interior style.
- Nautical– Choose sand, white or blue accents.
- Bohemian– Opt for a carefree, rich yet vibrant dinnerware set.
- Shabby Chic– Choose soft and milky colors like pastels and whites.
After you have made your mind on what you want in your dinnerware set, you must evaluate the different choices available. They include:
a). Traditional Dinnerware Sets
These packs may contain two or more servings to cover the entire dining table. Most of these sets are 20- piece sets for four persons. These are a dinner plate, a salad plate, a teacup, and a saucer for each place setting.
b). Formal Dinnerware Sets
Dinner sets, which are usually sold in place settings, consist of all the items that one person may need for his dining table. Because of this, it is ideal for people or couples who are just starting to build up their dinner set collection.
Most place settings will include five pieces: a dinner plate, bread plate, salad plate or dessert plate, teacup and a saucer. Besides, some dinner sets may contain a soup bowl as well.
c). Open Stock Dinnerware Set
An open stock dinner set is sold individually, and it is for someone who only needs a few pieces or someone who wants to creatively mix and match the collection. If buying pieces singly could be rather costly compared to buying a complete set, replacing or adding an individual piece to an open stock set can be cheaper.
On the other hand, you can buy a white dinner set that you will use for both formal and casual events. Decorate a table first by using chargers, napkins and placemat as accessories.
You can even use accessories like napkins to create some personality and color on the plain table. Not to mention, accessories can subdue the extremely bold or patterned dinnerware set.
How to Care for Each Dinnerware Type
- Porcelain and china dinnerware that contains metal accents will not survive dishwashers. Hence, if your house dishes are always in the dishwasher, it is better to not have dinnerware sets that need nicer care.
- Do not use soaps and detergents with porous materials like unglazed ceramics. They can permeate clay pores and settle in the cooking food. Rather than that to daily clean your earthenware and stoneware use hot water, a small amount of baking soda, a stiff brush, and a lot of effort.
- Bone China should not be rubbed with an abrasive substance, and a user should use a soft cloth with a mild detergent. This is why you should equally have in mind the sudden temperature changes when washing because these changes can cause your Bone China to break due to carelessness.
- The safest dinnerware materials for dishwashers are melamine dinnerware and vitrified glass, which make them the most convenient. The materials are non-porous so you will not have to deal with staining nor trapping food flavors or detergents. Furthermore, they are really multi-functional and will be suitable for any event.
