Elevate Your Dining Experience: The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Dinnerware Set

Dinnerware sets the table for every meal and are an essential part of our dining experience. They are an extension of our style and help create the right ambiance for any occasion. Whether you are looking for an everyday set or something for special occasions, there is a wide range of dinnerware sets available in the market.

Dinnerware sets come in a variety of materials, colours, textures and price points. They can be made from ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, bone china, melamine, glass or plastic. White dinnerware sets are classic and timeless, while colourful and patterned sets can add a touch of drama and personality to your table.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it is important to consider your lifestyle and how you intend to use it. If you are looking for an everyday set, durability and ease of care might be your top priorities. On the other hand, if you are looking for something for special occasions, you might want to consider a more elegant and sophisticated set.

It is also important to think about the number of place settings you need, the types of dishes included in the set, the shape and size of the dishes, and whether the set is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Some popular dinnerware sets include the Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting, Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Gibson Home Rockaway 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, Corelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, and the Fable Basic Dinnerware Set. These sets offer a range of styles, colours and price points to suit different needs and tastes.

Ultimately, the best dinnerware set for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget and how you intend to use it.

Best Overall

The Fiesta 4-piece Dinnerware set is a great option for those looking for a vibrant and sturdy set. The set has been manufactured in the United States for decades and offers a variety of beautiful shades, all in the classic Fiesta style. The set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug, with many more matching pieces available. The dishes are microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, and come with a five-year chip resistance warranty.

The Amazon Basics 16-piece Dinnerware set is another great option for those looking for a budget-conscious, minimalist set. The set includes dinner plates, bowls, dessert plates, and mugs, all made of durable porcelain. The dishes are safe to put in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, and arrive well-wrapped and without any breakage or shipping damage. While the set may have some minor imperfections, it is a great option for those looking for a basic and affordable dinnerware set.

The Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-piece Dinnerware set is a large and versatile set that offers great quality at an affordable price. The simple white porcelain set includes mugs, dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, and salad bowls that can be used in the microwave and cleaned in the dishwasher. The set resisted scratches and stains in testing and is a great option for those looking for a durable and stylish set.

The Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware set is a great option for those looking for scratch and stain-resistant dinnerware. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and cups, all made of durable porcelain. The wide rims on the plates allow for easy grabbing without getting food on your hand. The set withstood 14 wash cycles and steak knife cuts without showing any signs of wear, making it a great option for those looking for long-lasting dinnerware.

The Fable Base Dinnerware set is a great minimalist option made from stoneware, a dense and durable type of ceramic. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls, available in six muted colors and one speckled pattern. The dishes showed no signs of scratching after cutting with steak knives and marinara sauce washed cleanly off the plate. The plates were also cool enough to touch after two minutes in the microwave, making this set a great option for those looking for stylish and functional dinnerware.

Best Budget

If you're looking for a great dinnerware set that won't break the bank, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best budget-friendly dinnerware sets available:

Amazon Basics Dinnerware Set

The Amazon Basics 16-piece dinnerware set is an excellent choice for those seeking a simple and affordable option. This classic white dinnerware set is made of porcelain and includes dinner plates, bowls, dessert plates, and mugs. It is safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, making it a practical and durable option. While the set is lightweight, it may have minor imperfections, such as tiny pits or pinpricks in the glaze. However, at this price point, it offers good value for money.

Gibson Home Rockaway Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Rockaway 12-piece dinnerware set offers a spare, unfussy design that is currently in fashion. This stoneware set comes in a range of colours, including soft grey, slate blue, and millennial pink. The bowls are generously sized, with a capacity of more than three cups, making them perfect for chowder or cobbler. The pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe, and the rimless coupe shape of the plates makes them easy to stack. This set offers excellent value, with prices starting at $38.

Corelle Vitrelle Dinnerware Set

The Corelle Vitrelle 18-piece dinnerware set is a durable and scratch-resistant option that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, and is available in a variety of patterns. While the set is ultra-lightweight, it is surprisingly durable and chip-resistant. It is safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher, making it a convenient and low-maintenance choice. With prices starting at $40, it offers excellent value.

Gibson Home Zen Buffet Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-piece dinnerware set is a versatile and affordable option, perfect for those who want a large set without breaking the bank. This simple white porcelain set includes mugs, dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, and salad bowls. The pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe, and the set is resistant to scratches and stains. At under $70 for 30 pieces, it is a fantastic budget-friendly option.

Crate and Barrel Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware

The Crate and Barrel Aspen Rimmed Dinnerware is an excellent choice for those seeking a classic and timeless design at a budget-friendly price. This all-white porcelain set features slightly angled plate rims, giving it a clean and elegant look. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, cereal bowls, soup bowls, mugs, and teacups. The pieces stack evenly and are safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher. With prices starting at $6 per dinner plate, it is a great value option.

Best Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is popular for its rustic, earthy aesthetic. It is often speckled off-white or ivory, but it also comes in muted colours. Stoneware is heavy, thick and durable. The more unique or handmade pieces may not stack uniformly for storage.

• Fable Base Dinnerware Set - This set has a simple, organic look and is manufactured in Portugal. Each piece is hand-finished, so each one is slightly different. The set includes deep bowls for granola or yogurt and wider ones for pasta, noodles or risotto. The set is available in six muted colours and one speckled pattern. The pieces are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.
• Gibson Home Rockaway 12-Piece Dinnerware Set - This set has a simple, rounded design with a matte glaze. It is available in all-white as well as eight other colours. The bowls can hold a generous portion of food. The set is microwave and dishwasher safe.
• Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting - Fiesta is distinctive and iconic, with its bright, bold glazes and concentric circles along the rim. It has been manufactured in the USA since 1936 and is highly collectible. The set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl and mug. It is available in a range of 13 colours. The pieces are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.
• West Elm Textured Stoneware Dinnerware - This set has a warm cream colour and each piece is adorned with different textured patterns. The dinner plates and bowls feature stripes, while the side plates and mugs feature dots. The set is dishwasher safe.
• Pfaltzgraff Trellis 16-Piece Dinnerware Set - This set has a subtle scrolled pattern and random dark markings that mimic a weathered trellis. It has wide rims on the plates which contribute to the antique-y look. The mugs are large enough to hold a "tall" coffee with milk. The set is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Best Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is a great option for outdoor dining, as it is hard to break and easy to carry. Here are some of the best melamine dinnerware sets:

• Certified International Talavera 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set: This set features a charming, traditional Talavera design and is a good option for almost any situation where unbreakable plates are needed. It includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four all-purpose bowls.
• Sandia Melamine Dinnerware: This elegant set has a unique, irregular edge and a high-shine glaze. It includes pasta bowls, cereal bowls, salad plates, and main plates, making it perfect for hosting a dinner party.
• Zak Designs Confetti 12-piece Dinner Plate, Salad Plate, and Bowl Set: This lightweight and colourful set is great for picnics, camping, or for children. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls.
• The Pioneer Woman Country Splatter 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set: This inexpensive set has a fun, old-fashioned look. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, and is perfect for casual get-togethers.
• Modern Melamine Dinnerware (Set of 16): This set features a lovely deep teal colour and modern, angular shapes. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and pasta bowls. However, it is prone to smudging and scratching.
• Gufaith 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set: This set has a classic, boho-inspired aesthetic and is both lightweight and sturdy. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, but does not include cups.
• Craft & Kin Woodgrain Melamine Dinnerware Set: This set has a striking rustic wood aesthetic and is perfect for casual dining, both indoors and outdoors. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls.

Best Contemporary

• Our Place Classic Stacking Set: This set is a favourite with consumers due to its off-white colour and tan rims. The set includes 20 pieces, with the option of a 36-piece set. The plates and bowls stack neatly, and the set is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-Piece Dinnerware Set: This simple white porcelain set is durable and stylish. The set includes 30 pieces for under $70. The set is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set is made from laminated glass, making it durable and lightweight. The set includes six place settings. The set is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This set has a classic design with blue bands. The set includes five, 16 and 20-piece options. The set is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Fable Base Dinnerware Set: This set has a minimalist aesthetic and comes in six muted colours. The set includes 16 pieces and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Fortessa Los Cabos Dinnerware Set: This set is made from coloured glass and has a modern design. The set includes 16 pieces and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Lenox Blue Bay 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set has a unique, organic shape and gold rims. The set includes 12 pieces and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Fortessa Modern Coupe Dinnerware Set: This set has a simple, elegant design with sloped rims. The set includes 16 pieces and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Wedgwood Gio 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set is made from bone china and has a unique, subtle textural design. The set includes 16 pieces and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
• Fiesta 12-Piece Bistro Dinnerware Set: This set is made from porcelain and has a bright, colourful design. The set includes 12 pieces and is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.

Frequently asked questions