Dinnerware Delights: Finding The Perfect Set For Arthritic Hands

Adaptive dinnerware can improve the dining experience for people with arthritis by making it easier to get food onto utensils. There are many innovative products available, such as plates with guards, scoop bowls, and cups with special handles that make them easier to hold.

When choosing a dinnerware set, it is important to consider the number of settings, the types of dishes included, the dish shape, size, and care instructions. For people with arthritis, it is also essential to select a set that is lightweight and durable. Materials such as laminated glass or melamine are good options for their durability and ease of use.

- Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

- Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-Piece Dinnerware Set

- Our Place Classic Stacking Set

- Fable Base Dinnerware Set

Adaptive tableware

Adaptive Plates and Bowls

• Ableware Scooper Eating Plate
• Round-Up Eating Plate
• Patterson Medical Hi-Lo Scoop Plate
• Parson’s Scoop Plate
• Partitioned Scoop Dish with Lid
• Scooper Dish with Non-Skid Base
• Ableware Scooper Bowl with Suction Cup Base
• Scooping Bowl with Suction, Anti-Spill Tableware

Adaptive Drinking Cups

• Weighted Insulated Mug
• Ableware Hand to Hand Mug
• No-Slip Easy Grip Cup 12oz Set of 4
• Dual Handled Mug – 11oz / 325ml

Other Adaptive Tableware

• Providence Spillproof 9
• Spillproof Partitioned Plate – 9
• Power of Red Table Setting
• High-Sided Scoop Adaptive Plate
• Inner Lip Adaptive Plate with Skid-Proof Rubber Base to Prevent Plate from Slipping
• 3 Piece Super Easy Grip Red Flatware Set – Bendable Built Up Large Fork, Knife, and Spoon

Dinnerware materials

Dinnerware sets are made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common materials used in dinnerware sets, along with their pros and cons:

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is widely used in dinnerware sets. It is known for its durability, making it suitable for both daily use and formal occasions. Porcelain dinnerware sets are usually dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and they come in a variety of colours and designs to suit different tastes. However, some porcelain dinnerware sets may not be oven-safe, so it is important to check the care instructions before purchase.

Stoneware

Stoneware is another type of ceramic that is popular for its rustic and earthy aesthetic. It is known for its durability and thickness, and it is often dishwasher- and microwave-safe. However, stoneware dinnerware sets can be heavy and prone to chipping, and they may not stack uniformly due to their unique or handmade designs.

Bone China

Bone china is a type of ceramic that is formed by adding bone ash to porcelain. It is known for its delicate appearance, durability, and luminous glaze. Bone china dinnerware sets are usually lightweight, thin, and stackable, making them suitable for both formal and casual dining. However, bone china is more expensive than other types of dinnerware, and not all sets are dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass, also known as Vitrelle, is a type of glass dinnerware that is known for its durability and scratch resistance. It is a good option for indoor and outdoor dining, and it is usually dishwasher- and microwave-safe. However, laminated glass dinnerware can shatter if dropped on a hard surface, and it may not have the same aesthetic appeal as other materials.

When choosing a dinnerware set for arthritis, it is important to consider the weight and ease of handling. Lightweight and durable materials such as laminated glass or melamine can be a good option for those with arthritis, as they reduce the risk of breakage and are easier to handle. Additionally, look for dinnerware sets with ergonomic designs, such as plates with high rims or bowls with suction bases, which can make it easier to scoop food and prevent spills.

Dinnerware shapes

Flat Plates:

Flat plates are a classic choice and are often included in dinnerware sets. They provide a large space for food and typically have wide, flat rims that make them easy to carry. However, flat plates may not be ideal for individuals with arthritis as they require a firmer grip and can be challenging to hold for extended periods.

Straight-Walled Rims:

Straight-walled rims offer ample space for cutting and maneuvering food. Dinnerware with these rims tends to stack neatly in a single column, looking organised on open shelves. However, they may not be as comfortable to hold for those with arthritis.

Sloped Rims:

Dinnerware with sloped rims offers a stylish and elegant look while also providing some functionality. The sloped sides give a good balance between flat rims and straight-walled rims, offering a place to grip the plate while still providing ample space for food.

Low Bowls or "Blates":

Low bowls, also known as "blates," are a cross between a bowl and a plate. They have a wide, shallow bottom with slightly raised sides, making them versatile for use as either a plate or a bowl. These are an excellent choice for individuals with arthritis as they provide a stable surface and reduce the need for firm gripping.

Deep Bowls:

Deep bowls are ideal for meals with more liquid content, such as soups or meals with sauces. They help contain the food and prevent spills. However, for individuals with arthritis, deep bowls might be challenging to hold, especially when full.

Mugs:

Mugs are a standard inclusion in dinnerware sets and are perfect for hot beverages. Look for mugs with comfortable handles that are easy to grip for individuals with arthritis. Some mugs even come with adaptive features, such as double handles, for improved stability.

When choosing dinnerware shapes, it is essential to consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the functionality and ease of use, especially if you or your loved ones have arthritis.

Dinnerware sizes

Dinnerware sets typically include dinner plates, salad or dessert plates, and soup or cereal bowls. More comprehensive sets may also include teacups and saucers, serving dishes, and platters. The number of pieces in a set varies, with some sets catering to a single diner, while others are designed for families or larger groups.

A three-piece place setting consists of a dinner plate, cup, and saucer. A four-piece setting contains a dinner plate, cup, saucer, and salad plate. A five-piece place setting includes a dinner plate, cup, saucer, salad plate, and bread-and-butter plate or soup bowl.

The diameter of a coupe-shaped dinner plate is typically about one inch larger than that of a rim-shaped dinner plate. Coupe-shaped plates have no rim and are better suited for food that is cut into bite-size pieces in the kitchen, while rim-shaped plates feature a well that collects juices from food cut at the table.

When selecting dinnerware, it is important to consider how it will be used. Daily use dinnerware is more susceptible to damage, so materials like porcelain, bone china, stoneware, semi-porcelain, ironstone, creamware, and majolica or faience are recommended for their durability. For special occasions, dinnerware may be ornamented with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, but these cannot be used in a microwave and should be hand-washed.

Dinnerware sets also vary in terms of pattern and colour. Romantic patterns feature designs reminiscent of living things like birds, shells, flowers, and fruit, while classic designs draw from historical periods, such as the straight lines of neoclassicism or the curving asymmetry of rococo. Modern patterns often feature abstract, geometric motifs.

When choosing a dinnerware set for everyday use, it is important to select a durable material like fine china or bone china, which are resistant to cracks and chips. It is also advisable to choose a set that accommodates the number of people in your household.

Dinnerware care instructions

To keep your dinnerware in good condition, it's important to follow some basic care and handling guidelines. Here are some tips to help you prolong the life of your dinnerware and maintain its appearance:

• Avoid using dinnerware to cook food directly. Exposure to high temperatures or direct contact with an open flame can crack or shatter ceramic, porcelain, and melamine dishes.
• Don't use scrubbing pads or abrasive cleaners to clean your dinnerware, as they can cause scratches. Instead, opt for soft sponges, cloths, or soft-bristled brushes.
• Never wash dinnerware and metal cutlery together. Metal utensils can leave scratch marks on dishes.
• Always check if your dinnerware is dishwasher-safe before putting it in the dishwasher. Older or antique porcelain dishes are often delicate and should be hand-washed.
• When using a dishwasher, avoid placing dishes too close to each other to prevent chipping or cracking. Also, set the dishwasher at the appropriate temperature and use the settings as stated in the manual.
• Use mild dishwashing detergent and follow the instructions for the correct amount. Concentrated detergents usually require a smaller amount.
• Allow the dishes to cool completely before removing them from the dishwasher.
• If hand washing, always use a sponge to avoid scratches. Use a mild liquid dish detergent and a metal cleaner to remove scratches left by metal utensils.
• Place a plastic dishwashing container in the sink to cushion the dishes and prevent damage. Fill it halfway with lukewarm water.
• Wash only one or two dishes at a time to avoid overloading the container.
• Rinse the dishes with lukewarm running water or use another container for rinsing.
• Dry the dishes carefully using a soft dish towel or let them air dry.
• Store dinnerware in a closed cabinet if possible.
• When stacking plates, stack similar sizes together but don't stack them too high. For bowls and dishes, stacking in columns of four to six is generally safe.
• Place a paper towel or fabric between crockery during storage to protect the under-rims, which are often unglazed, from chips and cracks.
• Hang cups by their handles or store them in protector cases with foam separators instead of stacking them.

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your dinnerware remains in good condition and maintains its appearance for a long time.

Frequently asked questions