Stunning Ceramic Dinnerware for Everyday Meals and Special Occasions

What to Look for in Ceramic Dinnerware

Ease of Cleaning

Buying ceramic dinnerware can be a pricey investment, so it’s important to know ahead of time whether or not it can go in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher (or all of the above). “I always make sure the ceramics I buy are marked dishwasher-safe,” Heuck said. If you know you’ll be less likely to use plates and bowls that need to be washed by hand, make sure the set you’re buying is dishwasher-safe. (Psst, all of the products in this roundup are!)

Number of Pieces

Another thing to look at is the number of pieces included in a dinnerware set. Most sets are designed to serve four, so if your family is slightly bigger or smaller, it’s something to make note of. Plus, having extra plates isn’t always a bad thing.

“I generally buy three to five more [plates] than the seats I have at my table, as inevitably an unexpected guest will arrive, or some may break depending on how much you've imbibed by the time you get to washing dishes,” Emma Hearst, chef, author, and CEO of Forts Ferry Farm in Latham, New York, said. For her tablescapes, she loves to use a mixture of vintage finds mingled with pottery from local potters. “I am an antique hound and have a pretty eclectic style regarding tablescapes. It's a bit granny-chic with modern tidiness and a dash of humor,” she said.

FAQs

Is ceramic dinnerware durable?

It depends. Hearst noted that ceramic dinnerware can be durable when it’s well-made and cared for. “The type of clay, and how it was fired in a kiln, has much to do with its durability,” she said. “Clay with more impurities fired at a lower temperature will inevitably be more fragile.”

Heuck echoed this sentiment, adding that some ceramics are more durable than others. “Stoneware is more chip-resistant than earthenware, which I tend to avoid for that very reason,” she said. “When shopping for ceramics online, it's always a good idea to read the description to see what you're buying.” Since earthenware has a more porous surface and is fired at a lower temperature, it’s more susceptible to breaks and chips.

Is ceramic or porcelain dinnerware better?

When choosing between ceramic and porcelain, it’s all about your personal preference and style. “There are a million different types of clay out there, and one isn't necessarily better than the other,” Hearst said. She explained that porcelain is an extremely pure type of clay that’s stronger than others, and it tends to have a more refined finish. “Other types of clay that contain more impurities will have more texture and be more earthy and rustic, no matter how clean-lined and modern the form may be,” she said.

Heuck added that even though we often think of porcelain dishes as being fancy, they’re actually more durable than stoneware (and more expensive). “I love stoneware for my everyday, workhouse dishes and porcelain for accent dessert plates and serving platters or when I want the table setting to feel a little bit more elegant,” she said.

Can ceramic dinnerware go in the oven? The microwave?

In most cases, yes it can. In the making process, ceramic dinnerware is fired at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees––much hotter than your average oven. There are a few exceptions, of course, and Hearst notes that ceramics with metal in the glaze cannot go in the microwave. “I don’t put any vintage plates in the microwave or oven because of that unknown,” she said. When in doubt, check the product listing or with the maker.

Does ceramic dinnerware chip easily?

This answer will depend on a number of factors, including the purity of the clay, the temperature at which it’s fired, and the design of the plates and bowls. Some ceramics have vitreous (glass) material added (like the ones from Made In), which makes them stronger and less likely to chip. “You can’t handle ceramics like paper plates, but some of the oldest human-made objects left on this earth are ceramics,” Hearst said.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a freelance journalist who specializes in food and drinks content. She’s interviewed experts to learn more about ceramic dinnerware, and she’s always keen to share this knowledge with readers. She loves breaking out her fancy ceramic pasta bowls when guests come over for dinner.

Sources

Lidey Heuck is a Hudson Valley-based cook, writer, and recipe developer. She was Ina Garten’s assistant for six years before cooking alongside Erin French at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, when she appeared on Magnolia Network’s “The Lost Kitchen Show.” Heuck is currently writing her first cookbook.

Emma Hearst is a chef, author, and the CEO of Forts Ferry Farm in Latham, New York. Hearst was formerly the chef and co-owner of Italian restaurant Sorella in New York City and the youngest competitor to ever appear on “Iron Chef: America.”