Joybuy Insights

Choosing dinnerware and servingware: practical tips for every kitchen

Choosing a new dinnerware set or serving board seems simple, until you need to consider size, material, care and intended use. A plate may look beautiful, but be too large for your dishwasher. A serving board may seem spacious enough, but not be suitable for everyday cleaning. And with food storage containers, a well-sealing lid only means something if the specifications clearly confirm it.

With this guide to dinnerware and servingware, you can avoid disappointing purchases. Discover what to look for in a dinnerware set, bowl set, serving dish, sharing board and meal prep containers.

Common pitfalls when choosing dinnerware and servingware

1. Focusing only on colour and shape

A green finish or handmade look can be appealing, but check the practical features first. Is the dinnerware microwave-safe? Is it dishwasher-safe? Can it be used in the oven or freezer? These features vary from one product to another, even when two sets look similar.

For example, the Secret de Gourmet Colorama set is suitable for use in the microwave and dishwasher, but not in the oven or freezer. According to the product information, the Jasmin set from the same brand is not suitable for use in the microwave, dishwasher or oven.

2. Buying a set without checking what it contains

An 18-piece dinnerware set sounds generous, but always check the breakdown. For 6 people, a complete set often contains:

  • 6 dinner plates;
  • 6 side plates or dessert plates;
  • 6 soup plates.

Also check the diameter. A 27.5 cm dinner plate requires more cupboard space than a 24 cm plate. If you mainly serve small portions, breakfast or snacks, a bowl set or side plates may be more useful than a large dinnerware package.

3. Skipping the care instructions

Not every serving item is dishwasher-safe. Wooden boards, bamboo and some decorative ceramic products need to be washed by hand. For example, the Secret de Gourmet acacia wood presentation board is not suitable for the dishwasher. The Koopman cheese board with bowl and ceramic knife must also be cleaned by hand.

An item used only for special occasions may be perfectly suitable even if it requires hand washing. For everyday use, dishwasher-safe dinnerware is often more practical.

Important specifications to check

Material: porcelain, stoneware, ceramic or plastic

Porcelain generally has a refined appearance and is well suited to formal dining. However, it remains breakable. Stoneware and ceramic offer a heavier, more robust feel, but should also be checked for cracks and resistance to changes in temperature. Do not continue using damaged plates or bowls.

Polypropylene is a commonly used plastic for food storage containers. Pay attention to the stated applications and do not use a lid in the microwave if this is not permitted. According to the product description, the Mepal Cirqula containers are suitable for the fridge, freezer, microwave without the lid and dishwasher. They have capacities of 750 ml, 1,500 ml and 3,000 ml.

Size and capacity

Choose the size to suit your household and the space available:

  • Dinner plate: suitable for main meals; check the diameter and stacking height.
  • Side plate: useful for bread, fruit and small meals.
  • Soup plates: practical for soup, pasta and rice dishes.
  • Bowl set: useful for breakfast, desserts, snacks and side dishes.
  • Serving dish: choose a size that fits on your table and in your cupboard.
  • Fruit bowl: consider ventilation, stability and the space around the bowl.
  • Meal prep containers: check the capacity, seal and suitability for the fridge, freezer and microwave.

A large 70 cm serving board provides plenty of space for cheese, tapas and bread, but will not fit on every dining table. Measure the available space beforehand.

Cleaning and everyday use

Do not just look for the phrase ‘easy to clean’; check the specific instructions. Confirm whether the item is dishwasher-safe and whether there are exceptions for the lid, wood, handles or decorative finish. With microwave-safe dinnerware, you should also look out for metal details and sudden changes in temperature.

Recommended choices for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Secret de Gourmet Colorama Dinnerware Set - 18-piece, Glossy Mint Green

Secret de Gourmet Colorama Dinnerware Set - 18-piece, Glossy Mint Green

Why it suits this profile: A complete dinnerware set for 6 people, with dinner plates, side plates and soup plates in one package.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that it is suitable for the microwave and dishwasher. Use in the oven and freezer is excluded, so you know the limitations in advance.

Key benefit & advantages

18-piece set for 6 people; 27.5 cm dinner plate and microwave- and dishwasher-safe according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
WMF Nuova Serving Set - 4-Piece, Stainless Steel, Grey

WMF Nuova Serving Set - 4-Piece, Stainless Steel, Grey

Why it suits this profile: Ideal for anyone looking for serving cutlery that works equally well for everyday dining and entertaining.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This is not a decorative item without a clear purpose: the set contains two salad servers, a serving spoon and a serving fork.

Key benefit & advantages

Stainless steel; 4-piece set; dishwasher-safe according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Mepal Cirqula Rectangular Multi Bowl Set - 750 mL, 1500 mL, 3000 mL, Nordic Black

Mepal Cirqula Rectangular Multi Bowl Set - 750 mL, 1500 mL, 3000 mL, Nordic Black

Why it suits this profile: Handy for leftovers, soup, meal prep and taking food to work or university.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacities are clearly specified, and the lid must be removed before microwave use. This makes it clear how to use the containers safely.

Key benefit & advantages

Three sizes from 750 ml to 3,000 ml; suitable for the fridge, freezer, microwave without the lid and dishwasher; airtight lid according to the product specifications.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Which servingware is suitable for sharing?

For drinks and nibbles, you can choose a tapas serving set, sharing board or individual serving dishes. A bamboo serving board with four stoneware bowls is suitable for dips, snacks and small side dishes. The board has a diameter of 26 cm and contains five pieces. Hand washing is recommended to help extend the life of the material.

For a larger group, an 18 × 70 cm acacia wood presentation board offers more space for cheese, tapas and bread. Bear in mind that this board is not dishwasher-safe. A cheese board with sauce bowl and ceramic knife is mainly intended for festive occasions and also needs to be washed by hand.

Frequently asked questions

Which dinnerware is suitable for everyday use?

Choose dinnerware whose product information confirms both dishwasher safety and suitability for your microwave. Also check the size and weight. Heavier stoneware or ceramic dinnerware may feel stable, but requires more cupboard space.

Are meal prep containers suitable for the microwave?

This varies from one model to another. The Mepal Cirqula containers are stated to be microwave-safe, but without the lid. Always follow the usage instructions for the specific product and leave room for steam when indicated.

How do you care for a wooden serving board?

Wash a wooden or bamboo serving board by hand, dry it immediately and follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Do not put the board in the dishwasher unless this is expressly permitted. Regularly inspect the surface for cracks or splinters.