Best Dinnerware Sets For Everyday Use

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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A good dinnerware set brings a touch of class to your dinner table. Whether you're purchasing a dinnerware set for casual everyday meals or for special formal occasions to impress the guests, it's important to get a set that will remain in style and serve you for years.

We know that choosing a dinnerware set that you can use for years can be intimidating especially when you don't know where to start. That's why we've created this list of the best dinnerware sets that we think you'll love. A dinnerware set comprises multiple place settings for the whole table.

There are many types of dinnerware sets, but the most common are 20-piece sets that cater to a table of four. This type consists of a dinner plate, a teacup, a saucer, and a salad plate.

What Do You Find in a Dinnerware Set?

The best dinnerware sets will mostly include three to five place settings. The set may consist of a combination of a salad plate, soup bowl or cereal bowl, dinner plate, cup or mug, and saucer.

What Are The Best Dinnerware Sets To Buy?

Now that we've looked at the factors let's dive into the best dinnerware sets that you'll love.

1. Far And Away Dinner Set (16 Piece Set)

Starting us off is this artisan-crafted dinner set that consists of dishwasher-safe and safe microwave pieces made from locally sourced and recycled clay. Sourced from Northern Portugal, where they are passionately made in a family-owned factory, you can feel the love emanating from these pieces and a promise of a great meal.

This dinnerware set is perfect for a place setting of four. You can purchase more sets if you'd like to host a party of more than four. This dinnerware set is great for family meals, dinner parties, or even a casual afternoon brunch.

Available in four colors: ivory, rose, olive, and noir. You can carefully select the color that calls to you and suits your tableware. The semi-matte reactive glaze finish adds a touch of class to this set.

Are you annoyed when your food spills onto the tablecloth? With this Far and Away dinnerware set, you don't have to worry about that because the vertical rims prevent that from happening. Also, the rims allow you to comfortably stack the pieces in the cupboard without fear of them slipping.

2. AmazonBasics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set

Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set, Plates,...
  • 18-piece dinnerware set of plates and bowls; service for 6
  • AB-grade porcelain for everyday use; lightweight yet durable
  • Elegant modern design for easy coordinating with existing...
  • Dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and microwave-safe; plates can...
  • Includes 6 each: 10.5-inch dinner plate, 7.5-inch salad/dessert...

What's the best list without a budget-friendly option? If you're on a budget but still want to get yourself a great dinnerware set that will bring joy to your heart and serve you for years, this porcelain dinnerware set may be perfect for you.

This classic set has a timeless appeal with a modern touch that makes you feel like all is right in the world. Able to make any meal feel warm and friendly, you may enjoy serving a meal to your loved ones in this dinnerware set.

All the dinnerware pieces are dishwasher and microwave-safe, oven-proof, and freezer-proof. These qualities and the fact that they don't retain heat from the microwave that may burn your fingers make them a practical choice great for daily home use. Each set includes a dinner plate, a dessert plate, a bowl, and a mug.

Also, because they are inexpensive, blank, and lightweight, these AmazonBasics pieces are perfect for you if you want a quick option that will not dent your pocket. In fact, if you don't want to think so hard about which dinnerware set to get and also want one that you can easily replace when you want to, pick this option.

However, if you are a perfectionist or have some OCD tendencies, we strongly suggest that you steer clear of this dinnerware set as it may set off some alarms when it comes to the tiny details.

Unfortunately, because of its budget-friendly nature, you won't find the comfort of extreme durability with this dinnerware set. After enjoying these pieces for some time, you may notice some flaws and imperfections that may irk you if you are a perfectionist.

This isn't to say that you'll have to throw these pieces. Not at all! In fact, it may be perfect for you if you have children or an active family that don't take particular care of how they handle their dishes.

So, you could use this dinnerware set for everyday meals with your family and save the more classy, expensive ones for special occasions.

Finally, if you're looking for the perfect gift for your friend who's just moved into their first apartment, look no further than this AmazonBasics 16-piece dinnerware set.

3. Stone Lain Stoneware Dinnerware Set

Stone Lain Coupe Dinnerware Set, Service For 8, Black...
  • 32-Piece Dinnerware Set - Stoneware is hip, cool and trendy....
  • Dinnerware Service For 8 - Includes 8 round dinner plates, 8...
  • Black Matte Plates, Bowls, Mugs - 10.25” dinner plates, 7.5”...
  • Material: Stoneware – Stoneware has an earthy, organic feel....
  • Dishwasher and Microwave Safe - Made of high-quality, durable...

Looking for a larger everyday dinnerware set? The Stone Lain Stoneware Dinnerware Set is an affordable dinnerware set that comes with 32 pieces. You get to choose a color scheme from different colors that match your dinner table or dinner party decor.

These durable dishes provide an outstanding balance between classic and trendy pieces with their simple design. Furthermore, they provide durable construction, and all the pieces are dishwasher safe, oven safe, and microwave safe.

These incredibly durable dinner plates and cups cater to all your home essentials and ensure you can host dinner parties. The set includes eight salad plates, eight large round dinner plates, eight salad or soup bowls, and eight earthy 12oz cups.

This durable dinnerware set fits all settings. The pieces can be used on the dining table, in your kitchen or for outdoor dining.

4. Gibson Soho Lounge 16-Piece Square Reactive Glaze

Sale
Gibson Soho Lounge 16-Piece Square Reactive Glaze...
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Service for 4 that includes 4 of each of the...
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS: beautiful dishes that are also dishwasher and...
  • STONEWARE/DOUBLE REACTIVE GLAZE: reactive refers to a technique...
  • CONTEMPORARY DESIGN: artisanal reactive glaze featuring natural...
  • PERFECT FOR GIFTING: beautiful colors, trend forward design, and...

The Gibson Soho Lounge 16-Piece Square Dinnerware Set is another stylish set. As one of the best dinnerware sets in the market today, this 16 piece dinnerware set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four bowls, and four mugs for serving dishes and drinks.

These dinner plates and mugs feature a stoneware or double reactive glaze. This is a technique that describes how the multiple colors in the glaze react together to give a vibrant quality to the hues and color. It also features natural organic hues that create a modern elegance to this 16 piece dinnerware set.

All the items in this set are covered with a unique grey tone to give an appealing and contemporary feel to the set. Additionally, the dinner plates and salad plates have slightly squared edges to provide an attractive appearance without affecting their usability.

This is a perfect option for gifting people as it is available in a trend-forward design and several different colors. In addition, you have the ability to mix and match between the sets to get the best color combination ever.

5. Gibson Casa Estebana 16-piece Dinnerware Set

Sale
Gibson Casa Estebana 16-piece Dinnerware Set Service...
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Service for 4 that includes 4 of each of the...
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS: beautiful dishes that are also dishwasher and...
  • STONEWARE/REACTIVE GLAZE: reactive refers to a technique how...
  • NOSTALGIC DESIGN: Spanish inspired dinnerware set with an...
  • FAMILY OWNED: Gibson is an industry-leading producer of tabletop...

If you're looking for a dinnerware set for a practically flawless dinner party or just looking for a set to match the warm tones in your kitchen, then the Gibson Casa Estebana 16-piece Dinnerware Set fits the bill.

This set features dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe dishes that have the best pattern. In addition, it features a reactive glaze finish that provides an additional touch of class. As a result of the stoneware or reactive glaze, each of the pieces is unique.

Moreover, this dinnerware set features an intricate wax relief technique on the rim of every piece. This helps add a touch of elegance as you serve dinner on the dining table. The thick build, high firing temperature, and a combination of all-natural clays ensure that each of the four plates and cups is of superior quality.

This set comes with four dinner plates, four bowls, four mugs, and four salad plates. Looking to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen or dining area? Try out this set, and you will for sure not be disappointed.

6. Elama Embossed Stoneware Ocean Dinnerware Dish Set

Sale
Elama Embossed Stoneware Ocean Dinnerware Dish Set, 16...
  • ◈A STUNNING ACCENT TO YOUR TABLE◈ The Elama Malibu Waves 16...
  • ◈BEAUTIFULLY COLORED◈ In Tropical Turquoise, this tableware...
  • ◈A FULL SERVICE FOR 4◈ Each dish is creatively crafted into a...
  • ◈MICROWAVE SAFE◈ For easy heating
  • ◈DISHWASHER SAFE◈ For easy cleaning

The turquoise color of this Elama Embossed Stoneware Ocean Dinnerware Dish Set makes it a unique set that includes plates and cups. The set features a decorative pattern around the borders of plates and edges of the mugs provides an extra detail for a minimalistic environment.

This set serves four people as it comes with four dinner plates, four salad plates, four soup bowls or cereal bowls, and four cups or mugs. Each of the pieces in this 16 piece dinnerware set is crafted into a contemporary and unique touch of elegance during meal times.

Moreover, this microwave and dishwasher-safe set provides easy heating and easy cleaning of the pieces. Each of the sets includes four place settings which make it a perfect addition to a full course meal.

7. Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting, Turquoise

Sale
Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Place Setting, Turquoise
  • Made in the USA
  • Vitrified Ceramic body
  • Lead-Free glaze
  • Dishwasher, Microwave and Oven safe
  • 5-year chip resistance warranty

Do you want to hear your guests hum with an appreciation for your food? We know that you're a great chef, now we'd like to give your delicious meal a great background with the neatly sculpted concentric rings on these pieces. This Fiesta 4-piece dinnerware set blends well with any home decor.

The bold colors add a pop to the whole room, making your dining experience a joyous and memorable one. In addition, all the pieces are dishwasher and microwave-safe, oven-proof, freezer-proof, and lead-free. So if you are looking for a dinnerware set that you can use for multipurpose while still maintaining its quality, you can go for this 4-piece by Fiesta.

The quality of Fiesta is unmatched, and they aim to please their customers with high-quality and color-popping dinnerware pieces.

If you don't like this turquoise color, you can choose another color from the wide variety of colors that Fiesta loves to shower its customers with.

As a well-established manufacturer that has been around for decades in the United States, it's no surprise if you find your friends with a collection of these fabulous pieces. 

And the best part? You don't have to worry about patterns clashing since Fiesta maintains its patterns. So you'll always have a dashing set of matching pieces in bold colors. Go bold with Fiesta!

Fiesta prides itself on durability and proves this with a 5-year chip resistance warranty. So if you find yourself wanting to add color to your kitchen, look no further than this 4-piece Fiesta dinnerware set. Enjoy these high-quality plates and bowls.

8. M-MAX Dinnerware Set Durable Ceramic Dinner Plate Sets

M-MAX Dinnerware Set Durable Ceramic Dinner Plate Sets...
  • 【Meeting All your needs】: Three 10.2 inch dinner plates,Three...
  • 【Unique and perfect design】: It is elegant design adds a...
  • 【Beautify Your Tablescape】: stoneware material with reactive...
  • 【Healthy, sturdy and easy to care】: The dinner plates sets...
  • 【Perfect package and best gift】: Our plates set are...

The M-MAX Dinnerware Set Durable Ceramic Dinner Plate Sets bring a dramatic style to the table, especially if you're looking to achieve a darker table as well as a metallic decor. The 12 pieces in the set have a deep blue ceramic design and an offset of golden accents.

This set includes three dinner pates, three soup or salad bowls, and three dessert plates. It is designed to match all your needs, whether you're serving breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The pieces come with an elegant design which adds a visual feature to the table.

Each of the pieces is designed to have its own unique design. The stoneware material with a reactive glaze helps you set the dining table in style. The dinner plates and bowls are made from a food-grade ceramic that is non-toxic and lead-free.

This stoneware dinnerware is microwave and dishwasher safe. It is an amazing choice for a gift for family and friends with its beautiful colors. Furthermore, they come with secure packaging to ensure you get both the dinner plate and salad bowl in one piece.

9. Lenox White French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting

Sale
Lenox Off- White French Perle 4-Piece Place Setting,...
  • Material: Stoneware
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Microwave safe
  • Imported

This dishwasher and microwave-safe dinnerware set consist of a dinner plate, an accent plate, a bowl, and a mug. Also referred to as a pasta bowl by Lenox, this bowl holds a generous serving that will leave your guests licking their lips in satisfaction.

Each of these pieces is made from stoneware. Pleasing to the eye with ornate swirls, scrolls, and a strung-bead motif, these dinnerware pieces will make your food pop.

You've heard that we eat with eyes first, and this Lenox dinnerware set promises to make your beautifully cooked meal come alive. This dinnerware set can be perfect when you're entertaining formally or simply want to impress your guests with a dash of class, history, and a relaxed mood.

The hand-applied finish around the reams gives the feeling of care and dedication and will make your guests appreciate the meal you've poured your heart into.

Although this dinnerware set is a classic and complete beauty, you may experience some cons, such as visible cutting and fork marks. But don't you worry! We have a solution for that in the next chapter of this article. Scroll down to see.

Nonetheless, this dinnerware set is durable, and to prove just how much, Lenox offers a lifetime replacement of broken dishes. If you have a farmhouse or simply love the country vibe, you may want to get yourself this dinnerware set.

10. Corelle Livingware Ocean Blues 16-pc Dinnerware Set

Corelle Livingware Ocean Blues 16-pc Dinnerware Set
  • Chip, Break, Stain and Scratch resistant for carefree durability
  • Microwave, Dishwasher and Oven safe for versatility
  • Thin & Lightweight dinnerware is easy to handle
  • Compact and stackable for cupboard space efficiency
  • Set includes 4 each: 26cm Dinner Plates, 17cm Bread & Butter...

The Corelle brand has been around for decades and is widely known for its lightweight, affordable, and high-quality pieces. With the Corelle Livingware Ocean Blues 16-piece Dinnerware Set, you won't have to sacrifice style because of functionality.

This set of four includes four dinner plates, four soup or cereal bowls, four bread and butter plates or salad plates, and four stoneware mugs. The four dinner plates and four salad plates feature dots of ombre blue on the border, making it an amazing addition to your tableware.

They are scratch-resistant and safe to use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Despite their weight and affordability, the dinner and salad plates are quite sturdy. However, the cereal bowls are a bit too small, which might not be the best option if you're looking for a big capacity.

Types of Materials Used In Dinnerware Sets

When looking for the best dinnerware sets, it's crucial to consider your needs as well as the features of the material. Some materials are only designed for occasional use, while others are for every day. Here are the most common materials used;

1. Bone China

Bone china dinnerware sets are durable, lightweight, chip-resistant, and attractive pieces. These pieces are great for both special occasions and everyday use. Furthermore, the pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe.

2. Porcelain

This is a versatile, non-porous, and durable material. The porcelain dinnerware is oven safe, microwave and dishwasher safe making them a practical choice.

3. Earthenware

The earthenware material is casual and sturdy. However, this is not always the most practical material as extreme temperature changes in the oven or microwave can affect the look of earthenware.

4. Stoneware

This material is made for use by families and can also be used. It is made from a finishing glaze that delivers a smooth finish. While stoneware is strong and more durable than earthenware, most of the time, it can't be exposed to high freezing or heat temperatures.

5. Melamine

Melamine is another chip-resistant material that is shatterproof and also hard to break. This makes it ideal for families with small kids and also for outdoor dining. This material can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it is not microwave and oven safe.

6. Plastic

Plastic is another material that is preferred when it comes to toddlers' or kids' daily use. Most of them are made with child-safe plastic material and without the use of lead or BPA. However, most of them are not dishwasher and microwave-safe.

What Do You Consider When Choosing the Best Dinnerware Sets?

Choosing a dinnerware set is a great opportunity to let your individuality shine through. In addition to purchasing fabulous dinnerware sets that you can enjoy with your family and friends, you also get to choose a set that suits your personality and brings a smile to your face whenever you have a meal.

Whether you're purchasing new dinnerware sets for yourself, as a wedding gift, or replacing your current dinnerware, taking the time to find the right set that speaks to your heart will make the purchase all the more special.

Some factors to consider when purchasing dinnerware sets include the following.

1. Budget

Before you decide to purchase anything, you usually calculate how much you're willing or able to spend on it. This is no different when it comes to purchasing the best dinnerware sets. It's good to be clear about how much you want to spend on this precious commodity.

The good thing about knowing how much you'll spend is that you're able to consider the other factors that we'll look at below based on your budget. In addition, there are dinnerware sets of various price ranges, so you don't have to worry about not finding one that suits your needs within your budget.

However, we should mention that high-quality dinnerware is a great investment as it is more likely to last a very long time. Therefore, when you're setting a budget, you shouldn't feel guilty about spending an arm and a leg.

2. Number Of People

How many people are you going to be entertaining with this dinnerware set? If you're purchasing a dashing set for everyday meals, you could consider the number of people in your family and get a suitable set to fit everyone.

You will find some of the best dinnerwear sets come in the causal four-piece set, while others have the formal five-piece sets. Technically, sets will consist of a combination of a dinner plate, dessert or salad plate, soup bowl, bread plate, saucer, and a teacup or mug.

3. Purpose And Level Of Formality

Why are you getting the dinnerware set? This is a crucial question to answer because the right dinnerware is dependent on its use. Your dinnerware set determines the ambiance of your meal.

So knowing exactly what you want to use your dinnerware set for will help you choose the right one. For example, if you have children and are purchasing a set for them, you may want to choose one that is lightweight, durable, and safe to use by the little ones.

4. Material

When it comes to choosing a material for your dinnerware set, the world is your oyster. There are many materials from which dinnerware sets are made, including earthenware, stoneware, melamine, porcelain, bone china, ironstone, and glass.

Some of the materials that are great for casual occasions such as everyday meals include earthenware, stoneware, melamine, ironstone, and glass. Porcelain and bone china are suitable for more formal occasions.

5. Tableware Shape, Color, And Pattern

Choosing the right dinnerware set also comes down to choosing the set that matches your current tableware and room theme. If you're into a contemporary look, you will love bold-colored dinnerware sets with rustic patterns or square patterns.

Dinner sets often come while they are hand-painted, banded, and patterned with solid designs. The patterns and colors will help complement your home decor and express your personal style.

Neutral colors, for example, ivory or white, are preferred when it comes to formal dinnerware. On the other hand, the banded or solid white dishes are timeless and classic. If you're in search of versatility, you should consider an elegant and simple white dinnerware set that works well for both casual and formal use.

Ensuring that your dinnerware coordinates with the rest of the table setting and room theme will add to the ambiance you want to set. For example, if your dining room pops with color, a neutral-colored dinnerware set such as ivory may be great. On the other hand, if the room has a neutral design, a brightly-colored dinnerware set may just do the trick.

6. Maintenance

While most of the best dinnerware sets can be used in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven, some of the dinnerware sets are more delicate and tougher to take care of.

For instance, by putting melamine dinnerware sets in the microwave or oven, the chemicals may get into the damage or the heat mat damage the dish. If you prefer handwashing your dinner set, then using a soft sponge is important to ensure you don't scratch the surfaces.

Fortunately, most dinnerware sets will include instructions that should help you when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the sets.

How To Maintain Your Dinnerware Sets

Getting yourself one of these fantastic dinnerware sets is just one part of the puzzle. Maintaining its pristine condition is the second part. Here are some tips on how to keep your dinnerware set looking great for years to come.

  • Remove hard-water spots with vinegar. Soaking your precious pieces in white vinegar for about three minutes before you rinse and dry them will keep them looking sparkling and brand new. If you can't control the type of water you use on your set, you can control the effect it has on your precious dishes.
  • Use baking soda to remove coffee stains and fork marks on your dinnerware sets. We all love coffee. That refreshing feeling that gets you up and running is something to celebrate. However, discovering the coffee stains on your mug isn't as exciting. Therefore, rubbing a paste of baking soda mixed with water onto the areas with coffee stains or fork marks before rinsing and drying will clear them up.
  • Put a piece of fabric in between the plates and bowls to prevent scratching. The pain of chipping or scratching your dishes is excruciating. To prevent this, keep your dinnerware set pieces safe by separating them with fabric or placing them in a padded storage case.

Conclusion

We've come to the end of our review of the best dinnerware sets. We hope that you've learned something new will use the information to get yourself a dinnerware set you love. Remember to pay attention to the factors to consider when choosing a great set, including:

  • Budget
  • Number of people
  • Purpose and Level of Formality
  • Material
  • Tableware Shape, Color, and Pattern
  • Maintenance

After selecting the dinnerware set you love, ensure that you take care of it by maintaining using the points we've discussed above. Let us know which set you choose and why. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dinnerware Sets

1. How do you properly take care of dinnerware sets?

When it comes to cleaning or taking care of dinner plates and other durable dishes in a party dinnerware or everyday dinnerware, you need to be extra careful.

For pieces that can be used in the oven or microwave, you can soak them in soapy hot water but not boiling water that you put in a plastic basin or use a towel-lined sink to cushion the salad plate or cereal bowl. However, some pieces are dishwasher safe and can be cleaned in the top rack dishwasher for a durable and long-lasting experience.

2. What type of dinnerware is best for everyday use?

Although you can use most materials, including fine china, for everyday use, the best dinnerware sets for everyday use are said to be durable porcelain pieces, stoneware dinnerware and bone chine. This is because these materials come with a durable finish and are simple to clean after every use.

3. What is the most durable dinnerware?

Ideally, bone china is considered the strongest and most durable dinnerware that get. Most of them are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. However, they are not microwave and oven safe unless it has a metallic banding. Unlike porcelain, bone china can either be used daily or reserved for more formal occasional dining or parties.

4. Do stoneware dishes chip easily?

No. Stoneware dinnerware is both durable as well as chip and scratch-resistant. Unlike other materials like glazed earthenware that chips easily and they are not dishwasher safe, stoneware dishes are both dishwasher and microwave safe.

Stoneware is also a more budget-friendly option unlike fine china and porcelain materials. They also provide the same artisan and natural look as earthenware dinner plates, but they are better used for daily use. However, if you choose to handwash your stoneware dinner sets, avoid the citrus-based cleaners that may dull the glossy finish that comes with the set.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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