The Enduring Elegance Of Porcelain Dinnerware: A Comprehensive Guide

Porcelain dinnerware is a great choice for a dinnerware set, as it is less expensive than bone china while still being durable and suitable for daily use and formal dinner parties. Porcelain is also dishwasher-safe, microwavable, and sometimes oven-safe.

If you're looking for a porcelain dinnerware set, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the best ones available:

- Gibson Home Oslo 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set, White, Service for 4: This set is a great value, as it includes 12 pieces for under $70. It resisted scratches and stains in testing and can be used in the microwave and cleaned in the dishwasher.

- Gibson Home Zen Buffet Porcelain Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 (16pcs), White (Square): This set is also a great value, with 16 pieces for under $35. It has a simple white design and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

- Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Kitchen Dinnerware Set with Plates, Bowls and Mugs, Service for 4 - White: This set is very affordable and includes service for four. The pieces are lightweight and basic but get the job done. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe.

- Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This set features classic blue bands on basic white dishes, making them perfect for daily use. The wide rims allow for easy handling, and the durable porcelain can stand up to everyday use. The set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl, cup, and saucer, and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

- Fable Base Dinnerware Set: This set has a minimalist, earthy, and modern design and is made from stoneware, a durable type of ceramic. It includes four dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls, and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

- Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma 16-Piece Dinnerware Set: This set received high scores for attractiveness from consumer testers and features dinner and salad plates with wide rims and small bowls suitable for cereal or soup. The set did not stain or scratch in testing and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

Dinnerware sets are an essential part of any home, and choosing the right one can elevate your dining experience. Here are some options for durable porcelain dinnerware sets for everyday use:

Gibson Home Oslo 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This set offers a simple and elegant design. It includes dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls, service for four. It is microwave and dishwasher safe, making it convenient for everyday use. With a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on Amazon, this set is a popular choice for those seeking an affordable and functional dinnerware set.

Gibson Home Zen Buffet Porcelain Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Zen Buffet set is another great option for everyday use. It includes dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, and salad bowls, service for four. The simple white porcelain design is timeless and versatile. This set is also microwave and dishwasher safe. With a 4.7-star rating out of 5 on Amazon, this set is a popular and reliable choice.

Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for something more durable and chip-resistant, the Corelle Vitrelle set is a great option. Made with laminated glass, this set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, service for six. It is lightweight yet durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. This set is also microwave and dishwasher safe. With its resistance to breaking, chipping, and staining, it's a great choice for families.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

For a classic and elegant option, the Williams Sonoma Apilco set is a wonderful choice. This porcelain dinnerware set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and cups with saucers. The wide rims make it easy to handle, and the durable porcelain can withstand everyday use. It is microwave and dishwasher safe. This set has been a favourite among consumers and is known for its quality.

Fable Base Dinnerware Set

If you prefer a minimalist and modern aesthetic, the Fable Base Dinnerware Set is an excellent choice. This stoneware set includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls. The matte finish and muted colour options give it a unique look. The set is microwave and dishwasher safe. While it is on the pricier side, the durability and aesthetics make it a worthwhile investment.

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

For those seeking an affordable and functional option, the Amazon Basics set is a great choice. This set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, service for four. The simple white design is versatile and timeless. It is microwave and dishwasher safe. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this set offers quality and convenience at a reasonable price.

These options provide a range of styles and price points to choose from, ensuring that you can find the perfect durable porcelain dinnerware set for your everyday use.

Dinnerware sets for outdoor dining

When it comes to outdoor dining, you'll want a dinnerware set that's durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant. Here are some options that fit the bill, with a focus on style and functionality:

Corelle Vitrelle Dinnerware Set

Corelle's dinnerware set is an excellent choice for outdoor dining. Made of laminated glass, it's lightweight yet durable and resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching, and staining. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, which are all microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It's an affordable option, often coming in at under $50 for a 6-person set.

Gibson Home Zen Buffet Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a versatile and durable option, the Gibson Home Zen Buffet set is a great choice. This 30-piece porcelain set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, salad bowls, and mugs. It resists scratches and stains and is both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. At under $70 for 30 pieces, it's a fantastic value.

Fable Base Dinnerware Set

For a modern and earthy look, the Fable Base Dinnerware Set is an excellent option. Made of stoneware, one of the most durable types of ceramic, this set includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls. It performed well in scratch and stain tests and is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. While it's on the pricier side, the set is available in a range of muted colors and a speckled pattern.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This porcelain dinnerware set from Williams Sonoma is a classic choice for everyday use. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and cups with saucers, and you can choose from 5-, 16-, or 20-piece sets. The plates have wide rims, making them easy to handle, and the porcelain is scratch- and stain-resistant. The set is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and while the plates may get hot after microwaving, they cool down quickly.

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a super budget-friendly option, the Amazon Basics porcelain dinnerware set is a great choice. At around $2.25 per piece, it's hard to beat. The set includes dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls, and mugs, and it's microwave- and dishwasher-safe. While the bowls are on the smaller side, the set is a good option for those on a tight budget.

Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe Dinnerware Set

For a durable and stylish option, consider the Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe dinnerware set. This set features three concentric rings on each piece, reminiscent of their iconic Dutch oven. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and pasta or cereal bowls, and you can choose between a range of colors. The pieces are lightweight yet substantial, and the mugs are the perfect size for coffee or tea. The set is microwave-, dishwasher-, oven-, and broiler-safe.

Fiesta 4-Piece Place Setting

For a nostalgic and colorful option, the Fiesta 4-piece place setting is a great choice. This set includes a cereal bowl, salad plate, dinner plate, and mug, and it's available in a range of vibrant colors. The pieces are dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe up to 350°F. Fiesta also offers a 5-year chip-replacement warranty, making it a worry-free choice for outdoor dining.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Porcelain dinnerware is a versatile option for special occasions, offering both durability and style. Here are some recommendations for porcelain dinnerware sets that will elevate your dining experience:

Vietri Italian Lastra Collection Dinnerware Set

This elegant white stoneware set is a perfect choice for everyday use and special occasions. The four-piece collection includes a dinner plate, salad plate, pasta bowl, and cereal bowl. It is oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient and functional option. Vietri also offers matching serveware, allowing you to expand your collection with platters, canapé plates, and more.

Bernardaud Palmyre Dinnerware Collection

If you're seeking a formal dinnerware set, the Bernardaud Palmyre collection is a timeless option. This renowned French porcelain brand allows you to curate your ideal set by purchasing individual pieces. You can find dinner plates, salad plates, bread and butter plates, tea cups, saucers, and matching serveware. While the pieces are microwave-safe, they are not suitable for the dishwasher.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

The Williams Sonoma Apilco set offers a blend of durability and classic design. It features wide rims, allowing for a secure grip, and the plates and bowls stack neatly. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, cups, and saucers. It has excellent scratch and stain resistance, and the pieces are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Fable Base Dinnerware Set

For a modern yet earthy aesthetic, the Fable Base Dinnerware Set is an excellent choice. This stoneware set includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls. It showcases a smooth, matte finish and is available in muted colors and a speckled pattern. The bottom of the dinnerware has a rough texture for a secure grip, and the set is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Wedgwood Geo Gold 5-Piece Place Setting

If you're seeking a contemporary take on fine china, the Wedgwood Geo Gold set is a sophisticated option. This bone china and 24-karat gold set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, cup, and saucer. The pieces are dishwasher-safe, and you can expand your collection with accent plates, serving bowls, a teapot, and more.

Gibson Home Oslo 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Home Oslo set is a simple yet elegant porcelain option. The set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls, providing service for four. It has a classic design and is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Amazon Basics 18-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

For a budget-friendly option, the Amazon Basics porcelain set offers excellent value. The set includes six each of salad plates, dinner plates, and cereal bowls, providing service for six. The pieces are microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven-safe, making them versatile and convenient.

These recommendations offer a range of styles and price points to suit your needs for special occasions. Porcelain dinnerware sets provide a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that your dining experience is both functional and elegant.

Dinnerware sets for families with kids

When it comes to dinnerware, finding a set that suits your lifestyle and personal style is key. Here are some durable porcelain dinnerware sets that are perfect for families with kids:

Corelle Vitrelle Dinnerware Set

Corelle's dinnerware set is an excellent option for families, as it is chip, scratch, and stain-resistant. The set includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six bowls, which are all microwave and dishwasher-safe. It is also available in a variety of patterns, so you can choose one that fits your style.

Gibson Home Zen Buffet Dinnerware Set

This 30-piece porcelain dinnerware set from Gibson Home is a versatile and durable option for families. The set includes six dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, salad bowls, and mugs. It performed well in scratch and stain resistance tests and is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a super budget-friendly option, the Amazon Basics dinnerware set is a great choice. The set includes service for four, with dinner plates, dessert/salad plates, bowls, and mugs. The pieces are lightweight, basic, and safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and oven.

Fable Base Dinnerware Set

The Fable Base Dinnerware Set is a modern and earthy option made from stoneware, a durable type of ceramic. The set includes four dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls. It performed well in scratch and stain resistance tests and is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This porcelain dinnerware set from Williams Sonoma is a classic and durable option. Our Place offers a similar Classic Stacking Set that includes dinner plates, salad plates, dinner bowls, dessert plates, and soup bowls. These sets are microwave and dishwasher-safe and stack neatly for easy storage.

Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe Dinnerware Set

The Le Creuset dinnerware set is a durable and stylish option, featuring the brand's iconic three concentric rings on each piece. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and pasta or cereal bowls. The pieces are lightweight yet substantial and are safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and broiler.

Wedgwood Gio Dinnerware Set

For a more high-end option, the Wedgwood Gio dinnerware set offers a unique and subtle textural design. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, and the pieces are lightweight, thin, and stackable. The dinnerware is durable and can be used daily or for special occasions.

Dinnerware sets for small spaces

When it comes to choosing a dinnerware set for small spaces, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the number of place settings you need. If you live alone or with just one other person, a four to six-piece set should suffice, with some extra pieces for visitors. You can also opt for single sets or open-stock dinnerware to mix and match. For larger households, a six to eight-piece set is ideal, and it's a good idea to have some extra pieces in case of breakage.

The type of dishes included in the set is another important factor. A comprehensive dinnerware set typically includes two types of plates, two types of bowls, and a mug. However, if you only need to expand your collection, you can choose sets with fewer pieces or specific items that you require.

When considering small spaces, the shape and size of the dishes are key. Plates with wide, flat rims provide a comfortable grip but offer less food space. Straight-walled rims provide ample space for food and cutting, while sloped rims offer a nice middle ground. Low bowls or "blates" are a versatile option, functioning as both plates and bowls. While small plates are easy to store, they hold less food, and large plates might not fit well in compact dishwashers.

Dinnerware sets come in various materials, each with unique characteristics. Porcelain, also known as china, strikes a balance between price, durability, and weight, making it suitable for daily use and formal occasions. Stoneware has a rustic, earthy aesthetic and is typically thicker and more durable than earthenware. Laminated glass, such as Corelle's Vitrelle, is incredibly durable and resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching, and staining. Bone china, a blend of bone ash and porcelain clay, is the strongest and most delicate-looking ceramic option, perfect for formal and casual dining. Melamine is a lightweight, flexible, and glossy plastic material that is virtually unbreakable, ideal for children and outdoor use but not suitable for microwaves or ovens.

• Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-Piece Dinnerware Set: This simple white porcelain set offers excellent quality and style at a reasonable price. It includes mugs, dinner plates, dessert plates, standard bowls, and salad bowls that are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set: This lightweight yet durable set is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls that are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Our Place Classic Stacking Set: This set received high marks for attractiveness, with its off-white colour and tan rims. It comprises 20 pieces, including dinner plates, salad plates, dinner bowls, dessert plates, and soup bowls. The pieces stack neatly, saving space in small kitchens.
• Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set: This classic blue-banded porcelain set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and cups. It resists scratches and stains and is microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Fable Base Dinnerware Set: This minimalist set features an earthy yet modern design and comes in muted colours and a speckled pattern. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls. The dishes are scratch-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
• Fortessa Los Cabos Dinnerware Set: This trendy coloured glass set allows your tablecloth to show through. The plates and bowls are microwave and dishwasher-safe, and while the exact shades of clear may vary, the set adds instant personality to your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions