Lightweight Dinnerware: Heavy On Style, Light On Weight

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider not only the style but also the size and weight. While most high-quality dinnerware is made from heavy-duty materials, there are plenty of lightweight options that are also durable and elegant.

Lightweight dinnerware is especially useful for those who want to avoid the feeling of lifting dumbbells every time they put their dishes away. It's also ideal for those who want to avoid the risk of breaking their dishes, whether through frequent use, dishwasher and microwave use, or the occasional drop.

There are a variety of materials used to make lightweight, durable dinnerware, including porcelain, glass, stoneware, melamine, and laminated glass. These dishes are often microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and some are even oven-safe.

When shopping for lightweight dinnerware, it's important to consider the number of settings, the types of dishes included, the dish shape and size, care instructions, and durability.

Dinnerware sets for everyday use

When it comes to dinnerware for everyday use, you'll want a set that is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Here are some options that tick those boxes:

Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This set is a best-seller and a great option for everyday use. It includes six dinner plates, six salad plates, and six bowls—perfect for a family of six. The set is made of chip-resistant, laminated glass, which makes it durable yet lightweight. It is also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for daily use. The set comes in various patterns, so you can choose one that suits your style.

Gibson Home Zen Buffet 30-Piece Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for a versatile and durable set, the Gibson Home Zen Buffet set is a great option. It includes six dinner plates, six dessert plates, six standard bowls, six salad bowls, and six mugs—perfect for a large family or entertaining guests. The set is made of simple white porcelain that resists scratches and stains. It is also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it suitable for everyday use.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

This set is a great choice if you're looking for something classic and durable for everyday use. It comes in sets of five, 16, or 20 pieces, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The set features classic blue bands on basic white dishes, giving it a timeless look. The porcelain material is scratch- and stain-resistant and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.

AmazonBasics 18-Piece Dinnerware Set

This lightweight and durable set is perfect for everyday use, especially if you're looking for something that is safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven. The set includes six dinner plates, six dessert plates, and six bowls, and it is available in white, making it a versatile option for any decor style.

Gibson Home Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for something lightweight and colourful, the Gibson Home Dinnerware Set is a great option. It is made of sturdy melamine, which is break, chip, and scratch-resistant. The set is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, as the lightweight material makes it easy to carry plates between the kitchen and patio.

Fiesta 12-Piece Bistro Dinnerware Set

The Fiesta set is a great option if you want to add a pop of colour to your table. The set is made of porcelain, which is known for its durability and affordability. The pieces are available in a range of 13 bright colours, and the set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls. The set is dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe up to 350°F, making it convenient for everyday use.

When choosing dinnerware for everyday use, consider the number of settings you need, the types of dishes included, the shape and size of the dishes, and the care instructions. It's important to find a set that is durable, lightweight, and easy to maintain, so you can enjoy your meals without worry.

Dinnerware sets for special occasions

Dinnerware is an essential part of any dining experience, and when it comes to special occasions, you want to ensure your table setting is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable. Here are some lightweight yet durable dinnerware sets that are perfect for those memorable meals:

Corelle Vitrelle Dinnerware Set

This set is a great choice for those seeking durability without compromising on elegance. Made of Vitrelle, a type of laminated glass, this dinnerware set is chip-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, providing a complete place setting for your guests. It is available in various patterns, allowing you to choose a design that complements your table décor. Corelle is known for its lightweight yet sturdy dinnerware, ensuring your guests can handle the plates with ease while still enjoying a luxurious dining experience.

Gibson Home Noble Court Dinnerware Set

If you're looking to impress your guests, the Gibson Home Noble Court 30-piece dinnerware set will surely make a statement. With its bright colours and elegant design, your dinner guests will feel like they're dining in a restaurant. This set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, soup bowls, and mugs, providing a comprehensive table setting. Made of earthenware, this set offers a nice blend of durability and style, making it perfect for those special occasions when you want to showcase your culinary creations.

Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set

For a classic and refined look, the Williams Sonoma Apilco porcelain dinnerware set is an excellent choice. This set, which includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and cups, offers a traditional aesthetic with its classic blue bands on white dishes. The wide rims provide a functional and elegant touch, making it easy to handle the plates without getting food on your hands. This set has proven to be scratch and stain-resistant, making it a durable option for special occasions.

Fable Base Dinnerware Set

If you appreciate a minimalist aesthetic, the Fable Base Dinnerware Set will surely impress. This set, made of stoneware, offers a modern yet earthy feel to your table. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls, providing a complete dining experience. Stoneware is known for its durability, and this set has proven to be scratch and stain-resistant. The smooth, matte finish and availability in muted colours and speckled patterns make this set a stylish and functional choice for your special occasions.

Wedgwood Gio Dinnerware Set

For those seeking a blend of tradition and uniqueness, the Wedgwood Gio dinnerware set is a great option. With over 260 years of experience in crafting ceramics, Wedgwood delivers a lightweight yet durable bone china dinnerware set. This set includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs, providing a complete place setting. The subtle textural design and neat stackability make this set a classy choice for your memorable meals. While this set is more expensive, it showcases the perfect blend of durability and refinement.

Dinnerware materials

Dinnerware is available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here is a guide to help you choose the best option for your needs:

Porcelain

Porcelain, often referred to as china, is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability and affordability. It offers a good balance of price, weight, and longevity, making it suitable for both everyday use and formal occasions. Porcelain is usually safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave, and sometimes even the oven. It has a glazed, nonporous surface that contributes to its durability.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a type of ceramic known for its rustic and earthy aesthetic. It often has a speckled off-white or ivory colour, but it also comes in muted colours. Stoneware is heavy, thick, and long-lasting. However, more unique or handmade pieces may not stack uniformly, making storage a bit challenging.

Laminated Glass (Vitrelle)

Laminated glass, also known as Vitrelle, is an exclusive material used by the brand Corelle. It is incredibly durable, resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching, and staining. While it can shatter if dropped on a hard surface, it is still a versatile choice for indoor and outdoor dining.

Bone China

Bone china is a delicate and translucent type of ceramic dinnerware that is often chosen for formal occasions. It is formed by adding bone ash to porcelain, resulting in a luminous glaze. Bone china is lightweight, thin, and considered the most durable ceramic option. However, it tends to be more expensive than other materials.

Melamine

Melamine dinnerware is a popular choice for its durability, lightweight construction, and colourful options. It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, especially in homes with young children, as it is shatter-resistant. Melamine is typically safe for the dishwasher but may not be suitable for microwave use.

Other Materials

In addition to the materials mentioned above, dinnerware can also be made from wheat straw, acrylic, steel, and other innovative materials. These options offer benefits such as eco-friendliness, shatter-resistance, and affordability.

When choosing dinnerware, it is essential to consider your specific needs, such as the desired number of settings, types of dishes included, dish shape, size, and care instructions. By selecting the right material and set, you can elevate your dining experience and ensure the longevity of your dinnerware.

Dinnerware shapes

Plate Rims

Plates with wide, flat rims offer ample space for gripping, making them easy to carry. However, this design reduces the surface area available for food. Conversely, straight-walled rims maximise food space and enable neat stacking in a single column for organised storage on open shelves. However, they tend to stack taller, which may not be ideal for shorter cabinets. As a compromise, sloped rims provide a balance between the two, offering a medium-sized food surface and a convenient gripping area.

Plate Size

Smaller plates are easier to carry and store, especially in tight spaces, but they hold less food. Larger plates are great for serving generous portions but may not fit well in smaller dishwashers.

Bowl Design

Low bowls, or "blates", are a versatile hybrid of bowls and plates. They have a wide, shallow base and slightly raised sides, usually taller than a standard plate but shorter than a deep bowl. These are perfect for meals like poke or Buddha bowls, where all the food is served together.

Stackability

Some dinnerware sets stack neatly and compactly, maximising storage space. However, certain designs, like those with straight-walled rims, may not stack as efficiently due to their shape.

When choosing lightweight and durable dinnerware, consider the shape and design of the pieces to ensure they meet your functional needs and storage requirements while also complementing your aesthetic preferences.

Dinnerware care instructions

Washing and Drying

When washing your dinnerware, it is best to hand wash them with a soft sponge or cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaning solutions, as these can damage the finish and scratch the surface. If using a dishwasher, place the dishes securely in the dishwasher racks to prevent them from shifting during the wash cycle. Use a gentle wash cycle with mild detergent and avoid high-temperature settings.

After washing, dry your dinnerware thoroughly with a soft cloth or allow them to air dry completely before storing. Avoid stacking dishes on top of each other until they are completely dry, as trapped moisture can lead to the formation of water spots and promote the growth of bacteria.

Microwave and Oven Use

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before using your dinnerware in the microwave or oven. Some materials, such as melamine, are not safe for microwave use and may release harmful chemicals when heated. Porcelain and stoneware are generally safe for microwave and oven use, but it is important to follow the recommended temperature limits. Avoid placing cold dishes directly into a hot oven, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking or breakage.

Storage

To maintain the appearance and longevity of your dinnerware, store them in a safe place, such as a cabinet or hutch. Avoid stacking dishes too high, as this can increase the risk of chipping and breakage. If stacking is necessary, place a soft cloth or paper towel between each dish for added protection. Avoid displaying your dishes in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or discolouration over time.

Handling and Everyday Use

Handle your dinnerware with care to prevent chips and cracks. Avoid banging dishes together during washing or when setting the table. When serving food, use utensils that will not scratch or damage the surface, especially with glazed finishes. Always ensure that your dinnerware is properly secured when transporting it to and from the table, especially if it is made of lightweight materials.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To maintain the appearance of your dinnerware, avoid using abrasive cleansers or scouring pads, as these can scratch or dull the finish. For stubborn stains, soak the dishes in warm, soapy water before gently wiping them clean. Rinse dishes thoroughly after washing to remove any residual soap or cleaning solution, as this can leave water spots or streaks.

Repair and Replacement

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen, and your dinnerware may chip or crack over time. If a dish becomes damaged, repair or replace it as soon as possible to maintain the set's uniformity and functionality. Many manufacturers offer replacement pieces for their dinnerware sets, so be sure to explore this option before discarding a damaged item.

Final Thoughts

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your lightweight, durable dinnerware set maintains its appearance and functionality for years to come. Remember to always handle your dishes with care, wash them gently, and store them safely to prolong their lifespan and keep them looking their best.

Frequently asked questions