Dinnerware Done Right: Safe And Sustainable Made-In-Usa Tableware

Dinnerware is an important part of our daily lives, and it's essential to choose sets that are safe and non-toxic. Dinnerware made in the USA adheres to strict safety standards and regulations, ensuring that harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium are not used in the manufacturing process. By choosing American-made dinnerware, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family's health is protected.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the presence of toxic chemicals in dinnerware, particularly lead and cadmium, which can leach into food and pose serious health risks. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including reproductive disorders, heart disease, and damage to the brain and nervous system. As a result, consumers are increasingly conscious of the safety of the dinnerware they use and are seeking out non-toxic options.

The good news is that there are several reputable brands of dinnerware made in the USA that prioritize safety and quality. These brands offer stylish and elegant designs while ensuring their products are free from harmful substances. By choosing these brands, you can rest assured that your dinnerware is safe for your family and guests.

Some of the popular brands of safe dinnerware made in the USA include Anchor Hocking, Fiesta, Lenox, Corelle, HF Coors, and many others. These companies use materials like glass, ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware, which are known for their durability and non-toxic properties.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing dinnerware for your home, it's crucial to prioritize safety and opt for non-toxic options. By selecting dinnerware made in the USA, you can be confident that your dishes are free from harmful chemicals and safe for your family's well-being.

Ceramic/Porcelain Dinnerware

Ceramic and porcelain dinnerware is a versatile option for your kitchen, coming in many designs, from simple white dishes to colourful and intricate sets. Ceramic and porcelain are known for their durability and chip resistance, making them ideal for daily use. They are also excellent at retaining heat, keeping your food warmer for longer.

When choosing ceramic or porcelain dinnerware, opt for trusted brands that prioritise safety. Look for labels such as "lead-free" and "cadmium-free" and check for FDA or Proposition 65 certifications to ensure the absence of harmful chemicals. While most ceramic and porcelain options are safe for the microwave and dishwasher, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage or safety hazards.

• Fiestaware: Fiestaware offers colourful, industrial-strength ceramic dishes made in the USA. Their products are lead- and cadmium-free, meeting FDA and Proposition 65 safety standards. Fiestaware is versatile, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 500°F.
• HF Coors: HF Coors creates high-strength vitrified ceramic dishes in the USA, free from lead and most cadmium. Their dinnerware is exceptionally durable, safe for the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and even broiler, with no temperature limits. HF Coors offers unique American Indian-inspired patterns that you won't find elsewhere.
• Corelle: Corelle manufactures modern, three-layer glass laminate dinnerware in the USA. Their products are lead-safe, adhering to FDA guidelines, and are microwave, dishwasher, and oven-safe up to 350°F. Corelle offers a wide range of designs and sets to cater to different styles and needs.
• Anchor Hocking: Anchor Hocking produces dinnerware in the USA using thick tempered glass. Their products are lead-free and exceed Proposition 65 safety standards. Anchor Hocking offers various glassware options, including plates, cups, baking dishes, and storage containers, at affordable prices.
• Lenox: Lenox is known for its quality and beauty, and their commitment to creating lead- and cadmium-free dinnerware. Their fine bone china features elegant designs and is microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe. Lenox has a factory in North Carolina and has been a traditional American employer for many years.

Glass Dinnerware

Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking has been making high-quality glassware in Lancaster, Ohio, since 1905. Their products are safe, affordable, and versatile. From plates and cups to baking dishes and storage containers, Anchor Hocking offers a wide range of glass dishware that is microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Corelle

Corelle is a well-known brand that has been manufacturing dinnerware since the early 1970s. Their Vitrelle line stands out with its unique three-layer glass laminate design, resulting in thin, lightweight, and shatterproof dishes. Corelle's dinnerware is lead-safe, adhering to FDA guidelines, and is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe up to 350°F.

Bauer Pottery

Bauer Pottery is a historic brand that dates back to 1878. They hand-make beautiful dinnerware and other pottery items in Los Angeles, California. Their dinnerware comes in various colours and sizes, and each piece is made with care and attention to detail.

East Fork Pottery

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, East Fork Pottery offers a range of handcrafted and dishwasher-safe bowls, plates, and dinnerware sets. They have a lot of colours to choose from, so you can find the perfect set to match your style.

Sweetbrier and Manchester Beverage Sets by Anchor Hocking

These glassware sets by Anchor Hocking include durable and stable drinking glasses of different sizes, perfect for everyday use and special occasions.

Heavy Tumbler Drinking Glasses by Anchor Hocking

These tumblers by Anchor Hocking are weighted to prevent spills and have a design that feels great in your hand. They are ideal for juices, water, and iced tea.

Libbey Glassware

Libbey offers a range of glassware, from drinking glasses to bowls and serving dishes. Their products are stylish and durable, perfect for everyday use or special occasions.

US Acrylic Everest and Newport Dinner Plates

For something a little different, US Acrylic offers ultra-durable 10-inch and 9.75-inch dinner plates in a range of colours. These plates are made in the USA, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe.

Stainless Steel Dinnerware

When choosing stainless steel dinnerware, look for products made with food-grade 304 (18/10 or 18/8) stainless steel. This type of stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and offers good value for its price. It is important to note that very acidic foods, such as lemon juice or tomato sauce, can cause stainless steel to leach small amounts of chromium, nickel, or iron during long-duration cooking or storage. However, this should not be a concern for everyday use.

• Ahimsa Home makes pediatrician-designed stainless steel dinnerware for children. Their products are backed by a lifetime warranty and are made without harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, siloxanes, melamine, and formaldehyde.
• CleanPlanetware offers a 16-piece family pack of stainless steel dinnerware that includes four cups, four bowls, four salad plates, and four dinner plates. The set is made from food-grade 202 stainless steel, is dishwasher-safe, and resists stains and rust.
• HaWare offers stainless steel dinner plates, bowls, and utensils for kids. Their products are made from food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel and have a matte polished finish. They are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
• Kiddobloom's Children Stainless Steel Dinnerware Set includes a bowl, cup, and dinner tray. Their products are made from food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, are dishwasher-safe, and have received the prestigious Mom's Choice Award.
• Miusco's Toddler Bowls Set includes two mirror-polished stainless steel bowls that are dishwasher-safe and perfect for toddlers.
• Sumerflos offers a single stainless steel dinner plate made from food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel. It is dishwasher-safe and has a diameter of 8 inches.

Melamine-Free Bamboo Dinnerware

When choosing bamboo dinnerware, opt for trusted brands that use natural dyes and skip the melamine and other chemicals. Look for products that are FDA-certified and labelled "melamine-free" to ensure safety. Hand wash bamboo dinnerware and avoid putting it in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher to prevent warping or cracking.

• Bibol: Handcrafted in Vietnam using leftover bamboo trimmings and natural resin from cashew trees. Their products are 100% natural, free of lead, cadmium, melamine, and other harmful substances.
• Ekobo: Their bamboo dinnerware is custom-designed to be durable and versatile for indoor and outdoor use. The bamboo is responsibly sourced as sawdust waste from selected bamboo chopstick factories and combined with dry pigments and food-safe resin. Ekobo's products comply with food safety standards worldwide and are free of BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
• Bobo&Boo: This brand offers stylish and functional bamboo dinnerware for kids and adults. Their products are made from natural, renewable, and sustainable bamboo, making them non-toxic and biodegradable. The dinnerware is kid-tested and parent-approved, free of toxins, and dishwasher-safe.
• Lekoch: This brand offers a 10-piece bamboo fiber dinnerware set that is lightweight, eco-friendly, and perfect for indoor and outdoor use. The set includes plates, bowls, and cups made from bamboo fiber, corn starch, and other plant fibers. It is LFGB and EU-approved and dishwasher-safe, but not suitable for microwave or oven use.
• Bambu: They offer a range of sustainable home goods and eco-friendly dinnerware made from organic bamboo. Their disposable bamboo plates and cutlery are compostable and biodegradable, providing a natural alternative to plastic.
• Bamboo Table: This brand combines upscale dinnerware design with sustainability. Their products are made from bamboo fibers and feature original artwork, making them beautiful and eco-friendly. Bamboo Table's dinnerware is safe for the environment and will naturally return to the Earth within 20 years of proper disposal.

Natural, Unglued Wood Dinnerware

Sustainability and Aesthetics:

Wood dinnerware offers a natural and warm touch to your dining experience. When sourced responsibly, wood is a sustainable choice as it is a renewable resource. Additionally, the unique grain patterns and earthy tones of wooden plates can complement a variety of table settings, adding a rustic or modern chic aesthetic to your meals.

Safety and Durability:

High-quality wooden dinnerware is free of harmful chemicals, making it a safe option for daily use. To ensure safety, opt for dishes made from a single piece of wood, avoiding glued options that may contain weak spots or potentially toxic adhesives. Proper care is essential to maintaining the durability of wooden dinnerware. Hand washing, periodic oiling, and avoiding microwave and dishwasher use are recommended to prevent warping and cracking.

Brand Recommendations:

OHOM's Foree collection stands out in the wooden dinnerware market. Each piece is hand-carved from a solid piece of acacia wood, resulting in a unique oblong shape and distinctive grain pattern. Their collection includes plates, bowls, serving platters, and complete dinnerware sets. While wooden dinnerware requires special care, OHOM's Foree collection offers a balance of quality and affordability.

Best Practices for Choosing Safe Wooden Dinnerware:

When selecting wooden dinnerware, opt for natural finishes like beeswax or organic coconut oil to ensure no petroleum-based chemicals come into contact with your food. Look for labels such as "melamine-free" or "one-piece" to avoid potential chemical additives. Choose sustainably sourced hardwoods like maple, teak, or acacia for their durability and moisture resistance. Additionally, consider the wood type and source to ensure it meets your sustainability and aesthetic preferences.

Frequently asked questions