Setting a new table seems simple, until you discover that a dinnerware set contains too few deep plates, cutlery quickly develops marks or glasses are not dishwasher-safe. When choosing crockery and cutlery, it is therefore not just about colour and shape. The number of pieces, materials, dimensions and care requirements all determine whether your purchase remains enjoyable to use every day.
A set containing 18 or 24 pieces may sound generous, but always check how they are divided. For example, an 18-piece dinnerware set may consist of dinner plates, dessert plates and deep plates, without bowls or serving dishes. With a cutlery set, the difference between 16, 24 and 30 pieces is often the number of place settings and whether teaspoons are included.
Ceramic crockery, stoneware and porcelain have different properties. Even if an item looks sturdy, that does not automatically mean it is dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe. Check the product information for each component. A plastic lid, for example, may have different limitations from a porcelain ramekin.
Wide pasta bowls, tall bowls and decorative dinner plates can be appealing, but they take up more space than standard crockery. Measure your kitchen cupboard, dishwasher and dining table before buying. Stackability is particularly useful in smaller kitchens. For drinking glasses and wine glasses, also check the height of your cupboard shelf.
For one or two people, a compact cutlery set may be sufficient. Families generally benefit from extra spoons, forks and glasses, so the dishwasher does not need to be run immediately after every meal. A six-person set is practical if you regularly have guests.
Also check that the set contains what you actually use:
A 27 cm dinner plate is generously sized, but will not fit in every dishwasher. A deep bowl measuring 8.8 cm in height can be useful for salads, but requires more space when stacked. When buying microwave-safe crockery, also read the instructions on the packaging or on the underside of the item.
Claims about scratch resistance, durability or food safety come from product descriptions. According to information provided by the brands or manufacturers concerned, you should always use these properties alongside the stated usage and care instructions. Do not use a metal scourer on glazed crockery, and handle ceramic, porcelain and glass carefully to prevent chips and breakages.
Why it suits this profile: The set contains a knife, fork and spoon, making it suitable as an addition for a small household or as spare cutlery.
The contents are clearly stated in the product name. According to the product description, the cutlery is dishwasher-safe; check this again on the product page.
Stainless steel and a compact four-piece set.
Why it suits this profile: This cutlery set is designed for households wanting a complete table setting for six people, including teaspoons and a cutlery box.
The number of pieces and their distribution are specified: 30 pieces for six people. This makes it clear what you will receive.
Cromargan Protect stainless steel according to the product description, partly matt and partly polished, plus dishwasher-safe according to the stated specifications.
Why it suits this profile: Handy for home cooks who prepare and store desserts, dips, puddings or small portions in advance.
The usage limits are stated for each component: the porcelain ramekins are suitable for the oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer; the plastic lids must be washed by hand.
Six ramekins of approximately 8 oz with six lids featuring date indicators. According to the product information, the lids can be used in the microwave at up to 120 °C.
Why it suits this profile: These stackable 280 ml drinking glasses are suitable for water, juice and other cold drinks, while taking up less cupboard space.
The capacity, dimensions and stackable design are clearly stated. According to the product description, the glasses are dishwasher-safe.
Six glasses with a capacity of 0.28 litres and a colourful design.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Start with the number of people in your household and your everyday eating habits. For pasta and salads, wide pasta bowls or a salad bowl are more useful than extra small dishes. For families, deep plates, sturdy ceramic bowls and several drinking glasses can be practical additions.
Then choose one main material and no more than one accent. A white porcelain base combines easily with colourful kitchen table accessories. A mint-green stoneware dinnerware set creates a more distinctive style. According to the product description, the Secret de Gourmet Colorama set is suitable for six people and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe; the set is not suitable for the oven or freezer. These limitations are more important than the colour alone.
For individual additions, you could consider:
When buying individual items, look out for colour differences between collections. “White” or “green” may look different depending on the material and level of gloss.
Allow for at least one complete set per person, plus a few extra dinner plates, bowls and glasses. For a household of four, six-person sets are practical if you do not want to wash up immediately after every meal.
That depends on the product. Always check whether it is marked microwave-safe. Metal rims, decorative elements or unknown glazes are not reasons to assume automatically that a plate is suitable for microwave use.
Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Avoid harsh or abrasive products, remove cutlery from the dishwasher promptly after a cycle and dry it if water marks remain visible. This helps reduce marks and preserve the finish for longer.