What Material is Best for Dinnerware for Everyday Use?

When shopping for dinnerware sets, you can choose from many materials, whether for formal or casual sets. Each material has its features, qualities, price points and drawbacks. The best dinnerware material depends on where you intend to use the dinnerware set, for what purpose and how much durability you need.

Dinnerware shopping can be tedious since there is a wide selection in the market. To make the best decision on the best material for dinnerware sets, you will need to learn the pros and cons of each material.

Types of Dinnerware Materials

Dinnerware sets can include anything from dinner plates, dishes or crockery, and they are the focal points of any dining table.

1. Bone China Dinnerware

Bone china is a material that combines porcelain pieces and bone ash derived from animals. It is fired at a slightly lower temperature than the regular porcelain to produce a lightweight yet delicate finish.

Despite its fragile look, it's the strongest and most durable ceramic dinnerware set. It is lightweight, translucent, delicate in feel with a milky appearance,

Pros

Most Bone china are oven, dishwasher and microwave safe

Durable

Versatile

Cons

Pricy material compared to the regular porcelain bone china

Is Bone China For You?

Bone China might be the best dinnerware material for you if:

You want a versatile dinnerware set that you can use every day and arrange perfectly for your special occasions. Bone China offers flexibility and offers a delicate appearance with sturdy reliability.

You want to bring a royal feel to your dining environment.

You want a toned-down look that will effortlessly emanate glamour.

2. Porcelain Dinnerware

Porcelain or China terms refer to the dinnerware material made of fine particles of clay. These materials may include quartz and kaolin, and like stoneware and China, they are fired at high temperatures.

This makes them extremely durable and non-porous, and the dishes are constructed with delicate fine details that add to the overall elegance. Porcelain qualifies as the most ubiquitous ceramic dinnerware since it is less expensive than Bone China or stoneware and offers the perfect balance between durability, weight and price.

Pros

Most fine china is oven, dishwasher and microwave safe

It has an upscale appearance

Suitable for a formal dinnerware set

Cons

It has dishwashing detergent restrictions

Any dishes with metal accents are best when hand-washed

Is Porcelain For You?

Porcelain might be the best dinnerware material for you if:

You want to add a luxurious feel to your dining or kitchen area.

You want to show an air of refinement because this material is often embellished with fine paint, metal accents and colors of precious stones.

You want to impress your guests and turn your dinner into a formal affair.

3. Stoneware Dinnerware

Stoneware material is made of fired ceramic, and it is fired at higher temperatures than some of the other materials adding durability and strength. The durable stoneware is thicker and significantly sturdier than other varieties and often has a ceramic glaze finish that can be satin, shiny or matte.

Stoneware is often used for casual and everyday place settings, and most good-quality stoneware will offer maximum versatility.

Pros

Suitable for daily use

It can help achieve a casual look

Freezer, oven, and microwave safe

Versatile and easy to maintain

Cons

It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes

It can be porous and trap flavors or stains if it's not fully glazed

Is Stoneware For You?

Stoneware might be the best dinnerware material for you if:

You love spending time snuggling on your couch with a hot cup of tea or coffee as the durable dinnerware will soothingly warm your hands.

You fancy a delicate appearance that will be there thanks to the glossy finish, especially if you choose a curved body style.

Unsure of which style to choose. A white ceramic dinnerware set can be a great starting point, and it is a staple for any chic kitchen.

You want to choose bold shapes and colors that will make a loud statement and lighten your dining room to set a bright mood.

You want to pick muted colors to step up from the classic white options while offering an inviting and unique look to your dining area.

4. Earthenware Dinnerware

Earthenware material is ceramic that is fired and glazed, and while it may sound like stoneware, it is not as durable. It has a rustic appearance and is thick, weighing more than the other material types.

Pros

Attractive design

Often incorporates hand-painted designs

Dishwasher and microwave safe unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer

Cons

It is not a chip-resistant dinnerware set material

Porous material meaning it may trap flavors and stains

Is Earthenware For You?

Earthenware might be the best dinnerware material for you if:

You want a dining al fresco organic feel to your home as it is often available in neutral muted tones such as sand, forest green and ocean blue.

You are a fan of earthy natural tones that bring a sense of peace and tranquility to your home environment.

You want to choose a hand-painted option that can add a unique accent and keep your vibe simple with solid colors.

5. Melamine Dinnerware

Melamine dinnerware is made of plastic, and it boasts of an indestructible yet inflexible BPA-free glossy finish.

Pros

Suitable for outdoor dining

Child-friendly durable dinnerware material

Dishwasher safe on the top rack

Affordable yet versatile

Cons

Not microwave or oven safe

Is Melamine For You?

Melamine might be the best dinnerware material for you if:

You want a break-resistant material

You are looking for budget-friendly, durable dinnerware sets that will stand the test of children, time and as many guests as you can handle

You need a versatile dinnerware set that you can use for indoor and outdoor dining.

You want an everyday dinnerware set that is available in various styles, mimicking fine china, others in natural tones of earthenware and others in bold colors.

6. Vitrified Glass/ Laminated Glass

This material type is fired at different high temperatures and is non-porous, which will last a lifetime. It is the material that can survive a heavy fall onto a hard surface and may not break.

Pros

Break-resistant and chip-resistant dinnerware

Dishwasher and microwave safe

Extremely durable

Affordable

Ideal for family environments, especially where there are young children

Cons

The material is more practical than elegant making it perfect for everyday use.

Is Vitrified Glass For You?

Laminated Glass might be the best dinnerware material for you if:

You want practicability durability and want a casual everyday dinnerware set

You belong to a household with kids, as this material will give you the peace of mind that you would get from a nearly indestructible plate.