Joybuy Insights

Choosing a dinnerware set: how to find the right one for every household

Choosing a new dinnerware set might seem straightforward, until you realise how much sets can vary in material, size and care requirements. A low price can be tempting, but a set with too few pieces or unclear usage information may prove less practical in the long run.

So look beyond colour and shape. These three common pitfalls are worth watching out for:

  • A large number of pieces without a complete mix: 18 pieces sounds generous, but check whether the set includes dinner plates, deep plates and breakfast plates. Some sets contain mostly cups or serving dishes.
  • Unclear claims about dishwasher and microwave use: “Easy to care for” doesn’t automatically mean every piece is dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe.
  • A lovely design with impractical dimensions: A 19 cm deep plate is quite different from a generously sized pasta bowl. Check that the plates will fit in your kitchen cupboard and dishwasher, too.

Which features should you check?

1. Material: ceramic, porcelain or earthenware

A ceramic dinnerware set is a popular choice for everyday use. Ceramic often has a sturdy look and comes in a wide range of colours and glazes. Always check the specific product information for details on breakability and use in the microwave and dishwasher.

Porcelain dinnerware is generally thinner and has a lighter look. It works well for a formal table setting, but can still be fragile. So a porcelain set isn’t automatically suitable for intensive everyday use.

Also look out for terms such as stoneware, steingut or earthenware. These aren’t always interchangeable. Check the material actually listed by the seller, along with the care instructions.

2. Number of pieces and people

An 18-piece dinnerware set often consists of six dinner plates, six deep plates and six breakfast plates or dessert plates. This makes it suitable as dinnerware for 6 people, but check the contents of each product.

A set for four people may be more practical for a smaller household. Also consider which pieces you’ll actually use:

  • Dinner plates: usually suitable for main courses.
  • Deep plates: handy for soup, pasta and dishes with sauce.
  • Breakfast plates: suitable for bread, fruit, cake or a light meal.
  • Bowls and mugs: sometimes included, but not in every plate set.

For example, a 16-piece set might contain four dinner plates, four breakfast plates, four bowls and four mugs. That’s a different option from an 18-piece set with three types of plate.

3. Use in the dishwasher, microwave and oven

Check whether each set is explicitly described as dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. These features can vary depending on the material, glaze and individual pieces.

A clear example is the Secret de Gourmet Ceramic Dinner Set White: according to the product information, this set is dishwasher-safe but not suitable for use in the microwave or oven. The Secret de Gourmet Jasmin porcelain set is listed as unsuitable for the dishwasher, microwave or oven.

Pay attention to decorative details, too. Relief and patterns may be part of the material, but that doesn’t automatically tell you whether a piece is heat-resistant. Follow the care instructions on the bottom of the product or on its product page.

Our recommendations for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Secret de Gourmet Ceramic Dinner Set White 18 Pieces

Secret de Gourmet Ceramic Dinner Set - White, 18 Pieces

Why it suits this profile: The set contains 18 pieces for six people and comes in a simple white colour. This makes it a good first complete set for a household.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The contents are clearly listed: six deep plates, six dessert plates and six flat plates. So you know exactly what you’re getting for the price.

Key benefit & advantages

18 pieces, suitable for six people and dishwasher-safe according to the product information. Not suitable for the microwave or oven.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Secret de Gourmet Jasmin Dinner Service Set 18 pcs

Secret de Gourmet Jasmin Dinner Service Set - 18 pcs, White

Why it suits this profile: The white porcelain with its subtle pattern is ideal for anyone who values a smart table setting for everyday use and dinner parties.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The material, dimensions and number of people are listed. Bear in mind, though, that it needs to be hand-washed and shouldn’t be used in the microwave or oven.

Key benefit & advantages

An 18-piece porcelain set for six people, with 26.5 cm dinner plates, 19 cm breakfast plates and 20 cm deep plates.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent use
Dafuceramic 10.25 Ceramic Dinner Plates Set of 4

Dafuceramic 10.25" Ceramic Dinner Plates, Set of 4

Why it suits this profile: This set is a good fit for households looking mainly for roomy dinner or pasta plates, and who already have other dinnerware at home.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 10.25-inch diameter and four-piece set size are clearly stated. So you won’t end up buying a complete set when you only need dinner plates.

Key benefit & advantages

Glazed ceramic, a stackable design and, according to the product information, suitable for the dishwasher and microwave.

Suitable for: Families looking for a complete table setting
Alpina Dinnerware Set Ceramic 16pcs Black

Alpina Dinnerware Set Ceramic - 16pcs, Black

Why it suits this profile: This black stoneware set is designed for four people and includes bowls and mugs as well as plates.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The contents are specified as four dinner plates, four breakfast plates, four bowls and four mugs. So you know exactly what’s included before you buy.

Key benefit & advantages

16 pieces for four people, made from stoneware and, according to the product information, suitable for the dishwasher and microwave.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about dinnerware sets

How many pieces are in a dinnerware set for six people?

A typical 18-piece dinnerware set for six people contains six dinner plates, six deep plates and six breakfast plates or dessert plates. Always check the exact contents, as some sets have a different combination.

Is ceramic dinnerware dishwasher-safe?

It depends on the product. A ceramic dinnerware set may be dishwasher-safe, but the decoration, glaze and manufacturer’s instructions determine how it can actually be used. Look for an explicit statement on the product page confirming that it’s dishwasher-safe.

Which is more practical: porcelain dinnerware or ceramic?

Ceramic is often a good choice for everyday use and comes in sturdy, decorative styles. Porcelain has a refined look and is well suited to formal occasions. Neither material is automatically unbreakable. Choose based on care requirements, weight, dimensions and how you plan to use the set.