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Buying a new dinnerware set might seem straightforward – until you discover the plates aren’t dishwasher-safe, the soup bowls are too small, or the storage containers are too big for your fridge. Marketing often focuses on colour, shape and ambience. For everyday use, however, material, dimensions, care instructions and what’s actually included in the set are what really matter.
This guide helps British households compare dinnerware with confidence. You’ll find key points to consider for an 18-piece dinner set, porcelain dinnerware, ceramic dinnerware, serving dishes and food storage containers.
An 18-piece dinner set sounds complete, but always check exactly what’s in the box. Often it’s six dinner plates, six breakfast plates and six deep plates. Bowls, serving dishes and cups aren’t always included.
According to the product information, the Green Harmony set contains:
That’s practical for a household of six, but less suitable if you’re specifically looking for a set of bowls, serving dishes or extra breakfast plates.
Porcelain and ceramic are often marketed as easy-care, but suitability varies from product to product. According to the product information, the Secret de Gourmet Jasmin set is not suitable for the dishwasher, microwave or oven. The Colorama stoneware set, according to its specifications, is suitable for the dishwasher and microwave, but not for the oven or freezer.
So don’t just look at the material. Always check the individual icons or specifications on the product page. When in doubt, hand washing is the safe option.
A 27.5 cm dinner plate needs more cupboard space than a 26.5 cm plate. Serving boards and serving dishes can also be bigger than expected. An acacia wood serving board measuring 70 × 18 cm is great for a long table setting, but won’t fit in every kitchen cupboard or dishwasher.
So measure beforehand:
Porcelain dinnerware typically has a smooth surface and a light appearance. It can be suitable for everyday use, but fragility remains a consideration. Don’t use a plate or bowl that has a crack or chip.
Ceramic dinnerware offers plenty of variety in shape, glaze and colour. The Alpina snack bowl set, for example, is made from ceramic and, according to the product information, is dishwasher-safe. Do check whether the finish can withstand sudden temperature changes.
Stoneware often feels heavier. The Colorama set weighs 9.65 kg according to the product information and consists of 18 pieces. It can sit stably on the table, but requires more storage space and makes a full dishwasher heavier.
For everyday use, the following sizes are standard:
A set with matching shapes looks tidy, while separate fruit plates, snack bowls and a serving board make the table more flexible for dinner parties.
Pay attention to the combination of material and intended use. A stainless steel serving dish with a 31 cm dome lid is, according to the product information, dishwasher-safe, but not suitable for the oven or microwave. The acacia wood serving board is not dishwasher-safe and must be cleaned by hand.
For food storage containers, these points are especially important:
According to the product information, the Mepal Cirqula containers are described as suitable for the fridge, freezer, dishwasher and microwave without the lid. The transparent lids are designed to keep the contents visible and are described as airtight and aroma-proof. Check the exact product variant, as colour and capacity can vary between sets.
Why this fits the profile: A complete 18-piece set for households that want to set six places at the table in one go.
The product information states the exact quantities and dimensions, so you’re not relying solely on colour or presentation.
Porcelain, 18 pieces and a modern green colour; suitable as a solid base set.
Why this fits the profile: Suits shoppers looking for a white porcelain dinner service with a subtle pattern for everyday use and dinner parties.
The limitations are clearly stated: not suitable for the dishwasher, microwave or oven. This means you can factor in the care requirements upfront.
18 pieces for six people, made from porcelain with a green branch pattern.
Why this fits the profile: Handy for meal prep, leftovers, soup and meals that move between the fridge, freezer and microwave.
The set states three capacities and the usage limits: the lid must be removed for microwave use.
750, 1,500 and 3,000 ml, with an airtight seal, viewing window and suitability for the dishwasher, freezer and fridge according to the product information.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
A complete table setting isn’t just about dinner plates. Also consider:
According to the product information, the Alpina snack bowl set is dishwasher-safe and designed for snacks, starters and desserts. For cheese and dips, there’s a set with a bamboo board, ceramic bowl and ceramic knife. According to the product specifications, this board is not dishwasher-safe.
Choose a set whose product information clearly states it is suitable for the dishwasher and, if needed, the microwave. Also check the weight, dimensions and fragility. Stoneware and ceramic can be practical, while porcelain offers a lighter, more refined look.
For six people, an 18-piece dinner set with dinner plates, breakfast plates and deep plates is a logical starting point. Add extra bowls and serving dishes if you often have guests or serve multiple courses. If you have limited storage space, it’s better to buy the basic set first.
This varies by model. Only use containers where this is explicitly stated. For Mepal Cirqula containers, the product information states that microwave use is possible without the lid. Heat food for a short time and always check the instructions for the specific variant.
