Dinner Plates: Unbreakable And Indestructible

Durable dinner plates are an essential component of any kitchen setup, and there are a variety of options available to suit different preferences and budgets. Porcelain is a popular choice for dinner plates due to its durability, scratch resistance, and sleek appearance. Some porcelain dinnerware sets, such as those from Amazon Basics and Snowe, offer classic white designs that are timeless and elegant. For those seeking a more rustic or colourful aesthetic, options like the Fable New York bamboo dinnerware set or the Crow Canyon splatter dinnerware set might be preferable. Additionally, for those who prioritise lightweight and chip-resistant dinnerware, Corelle's glass dinnerware line or melamine-based plates could be ideal. Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual needs and tastes, but with the wide range of durable dinner plates available, there is something for everyone.

Durability and chip-resistance

When it comes to durability and chip-resistance, there are several dinnerware sets that stand out. Here are some options to consider:

Corelle Dinnerware Sets

Corelle offers a range of durable and chip-resistant dinnerware sets that are both stylish and functional. The Corelle Everyday Expressions 12-Piece Dinnerware Set is an eco-friendly and microwave and dishwasher-safe option, with a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews on Amazon. The set includes six plates, six bread plates, and six bowls, providing service for four people.

Another popular option is the Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, which is also chip-resistant and lightweight. This set has a 4.7-star rating from over 12,000 reviews and is available in different colours, including Winter Frost White and Mystic Gray.

Amazon Basics Dinnerware Sets

Amazon Basics offers a range of dinnerware sets that are not only affordable but also highly rated for their durability. The Amazon Basics 16-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set in white porcelain has a 4.7-star rating from over 8,000 reviews and is microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe.

The Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set in stoneware, available in various colours, is also a popular choice, with a 4.6-star rating from over 7,000 reviews. It includes dinner plates, dishes, and bowls, providing service for six people.

Gibson Home Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Ultra Break and Chip Resistant Dinnerware Set is an 18-piece set that includes plates, bowls, and cups, providing service for six people. It has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, with reviewers praising its durability and modern design.

Fiesta Dinnerware Set

The Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Set is a colourful and chip-resistant option, available in various shades. It has a 4.8-star rating from over 400 reviews at Bed Bath and Beyond, and it comes with a five-year warranty.

Fable New York Dinnerware Set

The Fable New York dinnerware set is an eco-friendly option made from organic bamboo fibre, corn starch, and melamine. It has a modern and cheerful aesthetic, offering a clean and contemporary look. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and cereal bowls, and it is dishwasher-safe.

Le Creuset Dinnerware Set

The Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is a durable and lightweight option, featuring the brand's iconic three concentric rings on each piece. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and bowls, and it is dishwasher, microwave, oven, and broiler-safe.

Stone + Lain Dinnerware Set

The Stone + Lain Esmeralda Porcelain Dinnerware Set is a 16-piece square grey brushed design set that includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, providing service for four people. It has a 4.2-star rating from over 400 reviews, with many reviewers praising its durability and modern design.

Wedgwood Dinnerware Set

For a luxurious option, the Wedgwood white 5-piece place setting is an elegant and durable choice. It includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, teacup, and tea saucer, making it perfect for entertaining. Despite being thin and light, it is also quite durable.

Our Place Dinnerware Set

The Our Place Dinnerware Set is a stylish and contemporary option that has made waves in the home cooking scene. The set includes full plates, midi plates, demi plates, midi bowls, and demi bowls, and it is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe.

These options offer a range of durable and chip-resistant dinnerware sets to choose from, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Dishwasher and microwave safety

When it comes to dishwasher and microwave safety, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, not all materials are created equal when it comes to durability and resistance to scratching, staining, and chipping. Porcelain, for example, tends to perform well in scratching tests and is often dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Stoneware, on the other hand, is generally heavier and more opaque than porcelain, and while it can be finished with a glossy glaze, it is also more prone to chipping. Earthenware is another option, but it is less durable and more expensive.

When it comes to specific brands and products, here are some options that are both dishwasher- and microwave-safe:

• Corelle Everyday Expressions 12-Pc Dinnerware Set: This set is made of durable and eco-friendly glass, and it is safe for both the dishwasher and microwave. It has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews.
• Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Kitchen Dinnerware Set: This set is made of porcelain and has a 4.7-star rating from over 8,000 reviews. It is safe for the dishwasher and microwave, and subscribers can get it at a discounted price.
• Gibson Home Ultra Break and Chip Resistant Dinnerware Set: This set is made of opal glass and is break- and chip-resistant. It has a 4.4-star rating from nearly 700 reviews and is safe for both the dishwasher and microwave.
• Our Place Dinnerware Set: This set is made of recycled and sustainably sourced porcelain and has a modern, minimalistic design. It is safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven.
• Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting: This set is made of ceramic and comes in a variety of beautiful shades. It is safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and even the oven. It also comes with a five-year chip resistance warranty.
• Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This classic white porcelain set is lightweight yet sturdy and perfect for those looking for a budget-conscious option. It is safe for the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer.

Materials and manufacturing

When it comes to materials and manufacturing, there are several options to consider for durable dinner plates. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Materials:

• Porcelain: A popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability and elegant appearance. It is made from clay fired at high temperatures, resulting in a white and shiny finish. Porcelain is often used in bone china, which has bone mixed in, giving it a slightly translucent look and making it lighter in weight.
• Stoneware: Made from fired clay, stoneware is usually heavier and more opaque than porcelain. It can be finished with matte or glossy glazes and may have a more organic, handmade feel.
• Ceramic: A broad category that includes porcelain and stoneware. Ceramic dinnerware can vary widely in quality and price, ranging from inexpensive earthenware to handcrafted, artisanal pieces.
• Melamine: A lightweight, non-porous plastic that is durable, shatter-proof, and chip-resistant. Melamine dinnerware is a popular choice for outdoor dining and families with young children.
• Other materials: Enamel, glass, and plastic dinnerware are also available but are less common due to being higher maintenance or prone to warping/staining.

Manufacturing:

• Durability: Look for dinnerware that is chip-resistant, scratch-resistant, and shatter-proof. Bone china, for example, is highly durable due to its high-heat firing process.
• Safety: Ensure that the dinnerware is safe for use in the microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer. Some materials, like stoneware and ceramic, may not be microwave-safe, so always check the product specifications.
• Design: Consider the shape, size, and weight of the plates. Rimless plates with a slight lip are more modern, while square plates can also update the look of your dinnerware. Deeper bowls may be more versatile for different types of meals.
• Sets: Dinnerware sets typically include a dinner plate, a bowl, and a salad plate or mug. Larger sets may include additional plates, bowls, and mugs, as well as serving platters or bowls. Open stock dinnerware allows you to purchase individual pieces separately, which is useful for replacing broken items or expanding your collection.

Design and aesthetics

When it comes to the design and aesthetics of durable dinner plates, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, colour is an important aspect. While classic white dinnerware sets are versatile and timeless, adding a pop of colour or a speckled finish can make your table setting more interesting and unique. For example, the Honeycomb Studio dinnerware set from Etsy features handmade porcelain plates with decorative, hand-drawn 22k gold lines, while the Our Place dinnerware set offers plates in colours like spice, steam, and char.

Another design element to consider is the shape of the plates. Traditional dinner plates are typically round, but square plates can add a modern touch to your table setting. The Amazon Basics 18-piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set, for instance, features square plates, bowls, and service for six. You can also find plates with unique, imperfect edges, such as the Mercer collection from Crate and Barrel, which gives a rustic feel to your table.

The rim or lip of the plate is another design feature that can impact both the aesthetics and functionality of the dinnerware. A rimmed plate can help keep food from sliding off, while rimless plates with a slight lip often have a more modern look. The Fiesta 4-piece Dinnerware Place Setting is a great example of a classic set with rimmed plates, while the Red Vanilla Extreme Bone China Dinnerware Set features rimless plates with a sleek, modern design.

The weight and thickness of the plates can also impact their appearance and functionality. Heavyweight plates, like the West Elm Textured Stoneware Dinnerware set, can add a sense of elegance and sturdiness to your table. However, lightweight plates, such as those from the Amazon Basics 16-piece Dinnerware Set, are easy to handle and stack, making them ideal for everyday use.

Finally, consider the overall style and ambiance you want to create with your dinnerware. For a casual, everyday look, you may prefer a simple, minimalist design. If you're hosting a formal dinner party, you might opt for something more elegant and ornate. The Lenox French Perle 4-piece Place Setting, for example, features a textured design on the rims, adding a touch of sophistication to your table.

Ultimately, the design and aesthetics of durable dinner plates depend on your personal preferences and the occasion for which you'll be using them. Whether you choose a colourful or classic set, with unique edges or traditional shapes, the right dinnerware can elevate your dining experience and make every meal a masterpiece.

Value for money

When it comes to value for money, there are a few things to consider when looking for durable dinner plates. Firstly, the materials used can impact the durability and longevity of the plates. Porcelain, stoneware, and bone china are all popular choices for dinnerware due to their strength and non-porous surfaces. These materials are often microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe, making them convenient for everyday use. While bone china is the most durable option, it is important to note that melamine-based plates are also highly durable and virtually indestructible when dropped.

Another factor to consider is the number of pieces included in the set. A typical dinnerware set includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, and a bowl, with some sets also offering a mug or an additional bowl. If you are looking for the best value for your money, look for sets that include more pieces, such as those with mugs or extra bowls. Additionally, some brands offer coordinating serving ware, such as platters and serving bowls, which can be purchased separately to expand your collection.

When it comes to specific brands, Corelle is often mentioned as a durable and lightweight option that is dishwasher and microwave safe. Their glass dinnerware is challenging to chip, and they also offer stoneware options with various beautiful patterns. Amazon Basics is another brand that offers good value for money, with their 16-piece dinnerware set receiving positive reviews for its durability and functionality. For those looking for something more budget-friendly, IKEA offers an 18-piece dinnerware set that is highly rated for its size and microwave and dishwasher-safe stoneware material.

Overall, when considering value for money, look for dinnerware sets made from durable materials like porcelain, stoneware, or bone china. Opt for sets with more pieces, and consider brands like Corelle, Amazon Basics, and IKEA, which offer a range of durable and affordable options.

Frequently asked questions