Hosting? However, we hope to expand this guide in the future to include stoneware options. Try our View in Your Room feature, manage registries and save payment info. *** Learn More, Aspen Rimmed Dinner Plates 10.5", Set of Eight, Aspen Rimmed Salad Plates 8.25", Set of Eight. Dinnerware Set arrived with several shattered bowls and plates, so were concerned about its durability. Get this if: You want an inexpensive but stylish set of porcelain dinnerware with a classic design that boasts excellent quality for the price. Download on the App Store (opens in new window), Up to 30% off In Stock Kitchen & Entertaining, Up to 30% off Outdoor Entertaining & Grilling, Up to 30% off In-Stock Kitchen & Entertaining, Up to $150 off Select Wolf Gourmet Electrics. However, its also available as a 16-piece set, which includes thick ceramic mugs, but we found them too clunky compared with the thinness of the other pieces in the set. Since this dinnerware is so thin, it takes up surprisingly little space when stacked, which is great if youre short on cupboard space. Learn more. Get this if: You like to host dinner parties and want wide-rimmed dinnerware thats made from fine bone china, but that can still withstand the rigors of daily use. However, if pieces become unavailable in the future, companies such as Replacements, Ltd. specialize in selling discontinued dinnerware. However, since its not sold open stock, replacing broken pieces would be difficult. It feels a little shallow for eating soup, but we dont think this is a dealbreaker. Sign in to see items you may have added using another computer or device. *** Learn More. Their slightly angled rims, like those in the Brasserie set, make these plates easy to hold and help keep food from spilling. For a more rustic dining room, opt for artisanal pieces with plenty of character and a handcrafted look. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Since a stack of four plates would weigh nearly 8.5 pounds, we had to dismiss this set. Alternatively, add interest with white porcelain dinnerware sets that have distinctive featuresfrom wide and color-accented rims to those finished with an embossed texture. Well continue to monitor the availability of our picks, but weve confirmed with each manufacturer that if stock is low or unavailable, its only temporary. Not sure how to choose? And although we think stoneware is another great option for everyday dinnerware, it typically isnt white and varies a lot in style, so it was beyond the parameters we set for this guide. Up to 24 Months Special Financing on qualifying purchases. If none of our picks match your style, and youd rather shop around, see our Other dinnerware sets we like section or our dinnerware buying guide for more advice. An all-white porcelain or bone china dinnerware set is classic, timeless, and versatile enough to work for any occasion. Also, a Wirecutter staff member has owned this set for over five years and has chipped and broken several pieces. Although we recommend the dinner plates from the Pottery Barn Caterers set as an affordable backup for entertaining in our Thanksgiving guide, theyre typically available only in open-stock sets of 12. Weve toured the Corelle manufacturing plant in Corning, New York, and we can attest to the quality and high standards that go into making this dinnerware. The Crate and Barrel Maison Dinnerware had a balanced weight, and we especially liked the styling of the mug. Sign in to see items you may have added using another computer or device. However, if youre a fan of the flat-bottomed bowls, theyre included in the 4- and 5-piece place settings. However, the rimless plate is so big, some of our testers mistook it for a charger. The bowl is also too shallow for eating cereal. And our testers who preferred lighter bone china found the set to be too heavy overall, though most still liked its classic styling. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call (800) 967-6696 for assistance. Hosting your first dinner party may seem daunting, but we've found all the best items youll need to throw a casual, stress-free dinner. Nevertheless, this longtime American-made dinnerware may be just what youre looking for if you prefer heavier, thicker pieces that are available in a full spectrum of colors. We judged the dinnerware on its weight, size, shape, and overall design. The mugs are narrower and taller than your run-of-the-mill mug, which makes them a bit more elegant, and the set also offers a flat-bottomed teacup and saucer. (For an overview of different ceramics, see our guide to buying dinnerware.). Although we spotted some very minor inconsistencies on the surface of the glaze, this sets quality far exceeds its low price. An ivory glaze accentuates the dinner plate's seamless contours and rimmed silhouette. Although the mug is trendy now, it may go out of style in years to come. The Williams Sonoma Apilco Tuileries Porcelain Dinnerware collection felt similar to the Fitz and Floyd Nevaeh White rim set, but its typically double the price. Weve also been using this dinnerware daily (until the pandemic) in the common kitchen at our New York City offices, and its held up very well. After our test panel helped narrow down the list, we took a plate from each of our top-rated sets and scratched it with a fork and knife 50 times to see if the utensils damaged the glaze or left metal marks. As a kitchen staff writer for Wirecutter, I have reviewed all kinds of tableware items, including wine glasses, drinking glasses, and flatware, as well as other kitchen gadgets and equipment. Finally, we refrigerated a mug or teacup from each of our picks and filled each with boiling water to see if the extreme change in temperature caused them to break. I also talked to experts about what they looked for in a basic dinnerware collection. If for some reason metal marks develop after prolonged use, Noritake recommends using Bar Keepers Friend to remove them. The AmazonBasics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set had inconsistencies in the glaze, and the plates were badly scratched. Consider individual pieces to expand your collection. This set has been around for decadesone reviewer on the Williams Sonoma website says theyve used their set for 27 yearsso replacing pieces or growing your set shouldnt be a problem. The bowl was too wide and shallow for cereal. This set comes with soup bowls, but you can purchase cereal bowls open stock. Its durable for everyday use, but it still feels refined and classy enough for entertaining. Download on the App Store (opens in new window), Up to 30% off In Stock Kitchen & Entertaining, Up to 30% off Outdoor Entertaining & Grilling, Up to 30% off In-Stock Kitchen & Entertaining, Up to $150 off Select Wolf Gourmet Electrics, Dishwasher-, freezer-, microwave- and oven-safe to 350F, Flatware may leave more visible marks on matte dinnerware, removable with Bar Keepers Friend or other gentle powdered cleaner. We still think the plates, bowls, and other serving pieces are good quality, especially for the price. Or you can purchase mugs, cereal bowls, or soup bowls separately outside the main five-piece set. *** Learn More. Made of four 4-piece place settings, our dinnerware sets include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs. A good set of dinnerware will bring a touch of class to any dinner table and remain in style for years while withstanding the rigors of daily use. Earn Reward Dollars every time you shop* (excluding special financing purchases), plus get access to special offers and events. Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since 2016. The Fortessa Ilona 16 Piece Place Setting had too many areas with an inconsistent glaze and pitting, so we dismissed it. Since the set has stood the test of time, replacing any broken items or growing your collection in the years to come shouldnt be an issue. The Fiestaware 3-Piece Bistro Place Setting was more popular among our testers than the Fiestaware 3-Piece Classic Place Setting, because they preferred deeper, rounded bowls as opposed to flat-bottomed bowls (mugs or teacups and saucers are sold open stock outside of the main sets). After 160 hours of research, weve created a buying guide to help you find a set of flatware youll love. He has worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade. Since the shade of whiteware varies dramatically from set to set, we also compared the hue and brightness of each; in general, dinnerware that had a blue or gray hue was less appealing to our testers than pieces that were creamy or bright white. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The five-piece setting comes with bread-and-butter plates instead of bowls, which probably isnt as practical unless you entertain often. The H.F. Coors American White 4 Piece Place Setting and American Bistro 4 Piece Place Setting are great if you like heavier diner-style dinnerware, but we found both sets too informal and utilitarian for entertaining. *At the time of publishing, the price was $80. Plus, as mentioned earlier, Wedgwood sells a four-piece place setting that includes a bowl and mug instead of a bread-and-butter-plate and a teacup and saucer if thats more practical for your lifestyle. The cereal bowls in the Everyday White by Fitz and Floyd Coupe Dinnerware Collection were so small, they looked like they were from a different set. White porcelain dinnerware brings a clean look to the table. The Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen Dinnerware Collection was our former budget pick, but in our new round of testing, we noticed that the quality had diminished. The American Ceramic Society provided me with resources about ceramic production and terminology. Get this if: Youre partial to thicker, heavier dinnerware. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, The weight of our recommended sets, in ounces. In researching this guide, I interviewed William Carty, PhD, emeritus professor of ceramic engineering and materials science at the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University. Those experts included Eddie Ross, the co-founder and chief content creator of Maximalist Studios and the former design, decorating, and food editor for Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Martha Stewart Living, and House Beautiful; Marion Hover, former tabletop decorative gifts buyer for Macys; and chef Candy Argondizza, vice president of culinary and pastry arts at the International Culinary Center at the time of our interview. The Martha Stewart Collection Whiteware 12-Pc. To determine the durability and availability of dinnerware collections, I relied heavily on customer reviews from Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate and Barrel, Macys, and Williams Sonoma. TheMacy's Whiteware Coupe Collection had significant pitting and an inconsistent, drippy glaze. The White collection also includes bowls and several serving pieces that are sold separately. The Aspen dinnerware has been sold at Crate and Barrel for more than 20 years and has excellent owner reviews that attest to its quality and longevity. With the Aspen collection, you can even choose mugs or teacups and soup or cereal bowls, which is unusual for most dinnerware in this price range. We also ruled out any sets with bowls that were flat-bottomed, too deep, or too shallow. Our goal was to find the best whiteware for anyone who doesnt want to search endlessly for a pattern and just wants a versatile, affordable, quality set that will last. Its expensive, but youre paying for a superior-quality set that has virtually no visible flaws. Good dinnerware should be a neutral canvas for any meal: As chef Candy Argondizza noted, A simple white plate allows the food to make a statement so that the diners eye is drawn to the food with no distractions. Decorated sets can be exciting, but theyre also more likely to become dated with time, so we avoided those with any designs. But dont mistake its refinement for fragilityits still durable enough for everyday use. If you dont love the items in the five-piece place setting (which includes dinner, salad, and bread-and-butter plates, plus a teacup and saucer), Wedgwood also sells a four-piece place setting that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl, and mug (these pieces are also sold in a 16-piece set). If you entertain often, the saucers are handy for resting a demitasse spoon, holding a small cookie, and keeping coffee rings off your tablecloth. After researching more than 200 collections and evaluating 37, we have recommendations for three classic-looking whiteware sets. All of our testers disliked the oval bowl of the Villeroy & Boch For Me 16-Piece Dinnerware Set. Also, avoid subjecting your dinnerware to extreme temperature changes, such as pouring boiling water into a cold teacup, as this can cause breakage due to thermal shock. But in our tests we were impressed with the overall quality of this set, which had almost no visible pitting and an even glaze. To prevent our testers from being influenced by brand names, we covered the manufacturers marking on the bottom of each piece. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. One thing to keep in mind: Some of our testers found this set too informal for entertaining. Up to 24 Months Special Financing on qualifying purchases. In addition, this set is so off-white that matching it to other whiteware pieces would be difficult. Spoiler alert: All the dinnerware remained unscathed after we performed both tests. Try our View in Your Room feature, manage registries and save payment info. The Crate and Barrel Aspen Dinnerware set was the best-quality set we tested for the price. Flaws but not dealbreakers: At just under 2 pounds, the Brasserie dinner plate is about 8 ounces heavier than the Crate and Barrel dinner plate. If our picks dont appeal to you, weve added a section on other dinnerware sets we like. This dinnerware collection offers several serving pieces too, such as large platters and bowls, which are nice for entertaining. Whether youre prepping for an elaborate dinner party or a daily family meal, a complete 16-piece dinnerware set will help you set the table. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Earn Reward Dollars every time you shop* (excluding special financing purchases), plus get access to special offers and events. Try our View in Your Room feature, manage registries and save payment info. We think the 11-inch plates are nice to have as a backup for large holiday dinners. Our picks range in weight, design, and price, so you can find the best set for your style and budget. Our testers werent fond of any dinnerware with ridges or rings, finding the style dated, so we eliminated the Crate and Barrel Roulette Dinnerware and the Lenox Tin Can Alley Four 4-piece Place Setting. Although most dinnerware is designed to be dishwasher and microwave safe, emeritus professor of ceramic engineering and materials science William Carty told us that neither ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) nor the American National Standards Institute has a standard test. We also searched for dinnerware collections that you can purchase open stock, which allows you to customize the set to suit your needs and to replace the dish or two that will inevitably break. (Full disclosure: Carty has worked as an unpaid consultant for Buffalo China, Syracuse China, Hall China, Sterling China, Lenox China, Pfaltzgraff, and Homer-Laughlin.) But at the very minimum, we thought each set should contain the essentials: dinner and salad plates, cereal bowls, and coffee mugs (the latter two are more practical and versatile than daintier soup bowls and teacups). The Villeroy & Boch Artesano Dinnerware Collection is available open stock, but ultimately we thought it didnt look classic enough. Our testers werent bothered by these very minor flaws. For our next update, wed like to expand this guide to include stoneware. *** Learn More, Omri 16-Piece Blue and White Dinnerware Set, Maison Platinum Rim 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Marin 16-Piece Matte Black Dinnerware Set, Julo 16-Piece Blue and White Dinnerware Set, Visto 16-Piece Cream Stoneware Dinnerware Set, Visto 16-Piece Grey Stoneware Dinnerware Set, Range 16-Piece Dinnerware Set by Leanne Ford, Caspian 16-Piece Blue Reactive Glaze Dinnerware Set, Addison Grey 16-Piece Gold Rim Dinnerware Set, Lina 16-Piece Matte Blue Stripe Dinnerware Set, Primrose Gold 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, Roulette Blue Band 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, 18th Street 16-Piece Dinnerware Set with Cereal Bowl, Maison Cobalt Blue 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Caspian 16-Piece Aqua Reactive Glaze Dinnerware Set, Cove Glazed Indigo Blue 16-Piece Dinnerware Set. Theyre not picks for a variety of reasons, but you might find something that works for you. We independently review everything we recommend. Traditional white dinnerware is timeless, while colorful options can show off more personality. The Brasserie set allows you to choose mugs or teacups and soup or cereal bowls. That said, we dont think you should worry too much about your dishes being damaged in the dishwasher or microwave (unless the manufacturer explicitly advises against putting them in either appliance). Although the Aspen set is slightly bluer than our other picks, we dont think this is a problem unless you plan to use it next to creamier bone china serving pieces. Were confident that our picks will be around for years to come should you need to replace pieces. Earn Reward Dollars every time you shop* (excluding special financing purchases), plus get access to special offers and events. This thicker, heftier porcelain dinnerware has classic bistro styling. We prioritized sets that were elegant enough for fine-china occasions like a dinner party but also sturdy and casual enough for everyday use. Many manufacturers develop their own testing standards, but since everyone has a different dishwasher, uses different detergents, and operates microwaves at various power levels, its impossible to create a standardized test. Dinnerware can be made from a variety of materials, but weve limited our selection to all-white porcelain or bone china due to its aesthetic appeal, resilience, and practicality. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Aspen set has some minor inconsistencies on the surface of the glaze, but you can detect these only when you hold the pieces up to the light. Our testers werent fond of the flared bowls in the Sur La Table Bistro 24-Piece Dinnerware Set. Remarkably, the collection isnt plagued by the pitfalls of most dinnerware in this price range, such as wonky plate rims, drippy glaze, and pitting. The plates also stack surprisingly evenly, which is uncommon for such a low-cost set of dinnerware. Some testers liked the wider handle on the Aspen teacup more than the thin, dainty ones on the teacups in our upgrade pick, the Wedgwood White set. *** Learn More, Omri 4-Piece Blue and White Place Setting, Lina 4-Piece Matte Blue Stripe Place Setting, Julo 16-Piece Blue and White Dinnerware Set, Omri 16-Piece Blue and White Dinnerware Set, Maison Platinum Rim 4-Piece Place Setting, Visto 16-Piece Cream Stoneware Dinnerware Set, Ora Stoneware Dinnerware 4-Piece Place Setting, Range 16-Piece Dinnerware Set by Leanne Ford, Range 4-Piece Place Setting by Leanne Ford, Maison Platinum Rim 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Lina 16-Piece Matte Blue Stripe Dinnerware Set, Visto 4-Piece Cream Stoneware Dinnerware Set, Julo 4-Piece Blue and White Place Setting, Lira 4-Piece White Porcelain Place Setting, Maison Cobalt Blue 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Primrose Gold 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, Roulette Blue Band 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Roulette Blue Band 20-Piece Dinnerware Set, 18th Street 4-Piece Place Setting with Cereal Bowl, 18th Street 16-Piece Dinnerware Set with Cereal Bowl, Mercer Square Appetizer Plates, Set of Eight, Aspen Rimmed Dinner Plates 10.5", Set of Eight, Aspen Rimmed Salad Plates 8.25", Set of Eight, Mercer Square Dinner Plates, Set of Eight, Aspen Coupe Dinner Plates 10.5", Set of Eight. Try our View in Your Room feature, manage registries and save payment info. We still like the simplicity of this set, which includes only the essentials: a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bowl, and a mug. Why its great: Our testers liked the Crate and Barrel Aspen Dinnerware for its clean lines and simple design. The glaze was even, although we did see some minor pitting on the surface of the plates. Earn Reward Dollars every time you shop* (excluding special financing purchases), plus get access to special offers and events. Note: While writing this guide, weve seen some of our picks go in and out of stock, which is not uncommon for dinnerware. Several customer reviews on the Bed Bath & Beyond site say the mugs and teacups crack when filled with hot water. Smith, July 8, 2015, William M. Carty, PhD, emeritus professor of ceramic engineering and materials science at the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University, phone interview, January 17, 2019, Jono Pandolfi, potter and owner of Jono Pandolfi Designs in New Jersey, phone and in-person interviews, January 16, 2019, Marion Hover, former tabletop decorative gifts buyer at Macys, email interview, November 4, 2015, Candy Argondizza, chef and vice president of culinary and pastry arts at International Culinary Center, email interview, March 1, 2016, Eddie Ross, author of Modern Mix: Curating Personal Style with Chic & Accessible Finds, phone interview, March 14, 2016. Each piece is sold only as part of a place setting (online only) or in open-stock sets of four (in stores and online). Always retrieve plates from the top of a stack rather than sliding them out from the middle, to avoid unnecessary pressure that could scratch or break them. All of our dinnerware picks remained free of scuffs after our fork-and-knife tests, and any glazed dinnerware is unlikely to mark up. The Winter Frost set includes plates and bowls only. The Villeroy & Boch Royal 30-Piece Bone Porcelain Set was our former upgrade pick, but its discontinued. Not all dinnerware is oven safe, however, so always refer to the manufacturers instructions if youre unsure. Prior to joining Wirecutter, I was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York City, and I worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade. Were confident that its classic design will elevate any table setting and never go out of style. The dinner plate in the Apilco Tradition Porcelain Dinnerware Collection weighs a whopping 2 pounds, 1.6 ounces. We love its classic design and durable, superb quality. The modern coupe silhouette was popular among our testers, who liked the clean, modern lines of the rimless plates, as one person put it. Thanks to the heft of the pieces, you wont feel like you need to be gentle with them (though theyre not necessarily more durable than lighter bone chinasee our section on durability in our dinnerware buying guide for more information). We also appreciated the slight dimple around the perimeter of the dinner plates, which helps keep sauces from running aimlessly to the edge of the rim. Find out when your online purchase will arrive or schedule a delivery. When it comes time to set the table, pair this airy neutral with table linens in the same veinthink tan, cream and grey when it comes to fabric napkins and the table runner. Sign in to see items you may have added using another computer or device. Ribbed and glazed creamy white, the Farmhouse dinner plate has the casual appeal of hand-thrown pottery. The Dansk Ingram Bone China Dinnerware Collection was our former top pick, but its been consistently low in stock, so we no longer recommend it. Then, coordinate your white porcelain dinnerware with serveware in a similar shade for streamlined appeal. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. This set has a bright creamy hue and a simple yet sophisticated design. Some testers also thought the color of the Brasserie dinnerware looked muted and gray next to the bright creamy color of bone china. Wedgwood, which dates back to the mid 1700s, has a long history of making high-quality ceramics for various heads of state and royal families, including custom dinnerware for the White House during President Theodore Roosevelts term in 1903. Note: The 5-piece place setting doesnt include bowls, but both soup and cereal bowls are sold open stock. *At the time of publishing, the price was $100. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Sign in to see items you may have added using another computer or device. After more than 60 hours of research and testing, and many dropped glasses, we think the durable Bormioli Rocco Rock Bar is the best all-purpose drinking glass. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call (800) 967-6696 for assistance. Up to 24 Months Special Financing on qualifying purchases. The Nevaeh White by Fitz and Floyd Coupe Dinnerware Collection looks similar to the Dansk Ingram set, but some of our testers thought the plates were too big. Previously, he was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York. Many of our testers liked the Aspen sets wide cereal bowls because they also work well for salad and pasta. The porcelain is grayer and less creamy than some other dinnerware we tested, but it has an even glaze with no visible pitting. The longevity of patterns is important, especially if you need to replace pieces or grow your set in the future. You can, however, get the Royal 16-Piece Starter Set, which costs significantly less and is the same style as the discontinued set, except it comes with mugs in lieu of teacups and saucers. Another drawback to this set is that you cant buy individual pieces fully open stock. We wish the soup bowl were a little deeper and had more of a rounded bottom, like those in the Brasserie and Wedgwood White sets. Earn Reward Dollars every time you shop* (excluding special financing purchases), plus get access to special offers and events. If none of our picks appeal to you, and youd rather shop around, see our Other dinnerware sets we likesection or our dinnerware buying guide for more advice. Download on the App Store (opens in new window), Up to 30% off In Stock Kitchen & Entertaining, Up to 30% off Outdoor Entertaining & Grilling, Up to 30% off In-Stock Kitchen & Entertaining, Up to $150 off Select Wolf Gourmet Electrics. Wedgwoods mugs and teacups are on the small side, and some of our testers preferred ones that could hold more. For a special occasion, outfit the table with charger plates and flatware with a golden hue. View cart for details. Additional serving pieces offered outside the main place setting were a nice bonus but not a requirement for us. n/a = not applicable, Williams Sonoma Brasserie All-White Dinnerware, its still durable enough for everyday use, Our pick: Crate and Barrel Aspen Dinnerware, Our pick: Williams Sonoma Brasserie All-White Dinnerware, Upgrade pick: Wedgwood White 5-Piece Place Setting, Dansk Ingram Bone China Dinnerware Collection, Nevaeh White by Fitz and Floyd Coupe Dinnerware Collection, Corelle Winter Frost 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Nevaeh White by Fitz and Floyd Rim Dinnerware Collection, Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen Dinnerware Collection, Lenox Tin Can Alley Four 4-piece Place Setting, Fortessas Caldera 16 Piece Place Setting, Apilco Tradition Porcelain Dinnerware Collection, Everyday White by Fitz and Floyd Coupe Dinnerware Collection, H.F. Coors American White 4 Piece Place Setting, Targets Threshold Porcelain 16pc Coupe Dinnerware Set, Martha Stewart Collection Whiteware 12-Pc.