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Buying new dinnerware seems simple, until you have to choose between ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, individual plates or a complete dinner set. A good-looking photo also tells you little about how something will work day to day. Will a dinner plate fit in the dishwasher? Is a deep plate large enough for soup or pasta? And does a set really include everything you need?
Use this practical guide to avoid buying the wrong thing and find tableware that suits your household, cooking habits and available cupboard space.
A striking pattern or dark colour can be appealing, but check the care information first. Not every decorative plate is suitable for the microwave or dishwasher. Some porcelain sets need to be hand-washed to keep the pattern and material in good condition for longer.
An 18-piece dinner set sounds comprehensive, but it often consists of six dinner plates, six deep plates and six side plates. Mugs, bowls or cutlery may not be included. A set for four people, on the other hand, might include dinner plates, bowls, side plates and mugs.
So always check what’s included in the box. Also look out for the difference between “18 pieces” and “suitable for 6 people”.
Ceramic and porcelain aren’t automatically microwave-safe. Even dishwasher-safe dinnerware may come with care advice, such as avoiding strong cleaning products or abrasive sponges. Check the product specifications as well as the symbols on the bottom of the dinnerware.
A standard dinner plate is often around 25 to 27 cm in diameter. A 26.5 cm plate gives you plenty of room for a main course without taking up too much cupboard space. A large plate measuring 10.25 inches, or around 26 cm, can be suitable for pasta, salad and generous meals.
A deep plate around 19 to 21 cm across is practical for soup, noodles and pasta dishes. For stackable sets, check the height of the rim and the total stack height. These will determine whether the set fits in your kitchen cupboard.
Check the following before you buy:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Information about whether a product is suitable for the dishwasher, oven or microwave comes from the relevant product description; don’t assume it applies to every item made from that material.
Why it suits this need: This set is designed for a household of four and includes plates, bowls and mugs. That means you won’t need to buy extra pieces straight away.
The contents are clearly listed: four side plates, four dinner plates, four bowls and four mugs. According to the product description, the set is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
16-piece set for four people; stoneware; dishwasher- and microwave-safe according to the product information.
Why it suits this need: This porcelain dinner set is designed for six people and pairs a white finish with a subtle pattern. It works for everyday meals as well as a table set for guests.
The set clearly lists what’s included: six dinner plates, six side plates and six deep plates. Bear in mind that you’ll need to hand-wash it: the product description doesn’t mention whether it’s suitable for the dishwasher, microwave or oven.
18 pieces for six people; porcelain; 26.5 cm dinner plates and 20 cm deep plates.
Why it suits this need: The two round trays, each with three sections, are ideal for meals where you want to keep ingredients separate, such as children’s meals, camping food and picnics.
Stainless steel avoids the risk of breakage associated with ceramic and porcelain. Please note: according to the product information, this set isn’t suitable for the microwave.
304 stainless steel; three sections; 19.5 cm diameter; dishwasher-safe according to the product description.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
You don’t always need a complete dinner set for a particular occasion. A separate plate set is useful when your existing plates are missing or damaged. The Dafuceramic set includes four ceramic dinner plates measuring 10.25 inches. According to the product description, these plates are suitable for the dishwasher, microwave, oven, fridge and freezer. When using them, check the instructions on the bottom of the plate.
For a meal featuring Asian dishes, a sushi set may be more practical than a standard plate set. The Mazali Ko dinner set includes a slate serving plate, porcelain sushi and sauce dishes, chopsticks and holders. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing, so don’t automatically put this set in the dishwasher.
For outdoor use, picnic dinnerware made from plastic or stainless steel makes more sense. The Alpina picnic set contains 21 pieces and comes in a storage box with a handle. This makes it easy to transport, as long as you follow the product specifications for food and heat use.
For everyday use, four dinner plates, four deep plates and four side plates are a practical starting point. If you often have guests, it’s worth choosing a set for six or eight people, or keeping a few spare plates to hand.
No. Ceramic dinnerware may be dishwasher-safe, but it depends on the product, glaze and decoration. Always check the product specifications and care instructions. If in doubt, hand-washing is the safer option for decorative patterns.
Its lifespan depends on the material, how it’s used and how it’s cared for. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as putting a cold plate straight into a hot oven. Don’t use dinnerware with cracks or chips, and stack plates carefully to help prevent damage to the edges.
