10 Best Dinnerware Sets, According to Lab and Consumer Testing
We spent nearly a year testing to find our top picks.

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Whether you need practical dinnerware for everyday meals or a fancier option for a table full of guests, having a great set of dinnerware is important. For many people, personal taste plays a part in making your choice, but it's also important to have dishes that can stand up to handling and washing without scratching or chipping.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, I spent over six weeks testing different brands to find the best dish sets that won't scratch or stain and are microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Over the last 11 months, we enlisted our consumer testers to rate the sets' design and give feedback on their durability. Our Lab experts also used some sets at home to add their insights.
Pros
Versatile
Sloped rims give it an elegant look
Durable
Cons
Bowls are very large
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 pasta bowls, 4 mugs | Material: Fortaluxe vitrified china | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
White is one of the most — if not the most — popular colors for plates. The only problem is that some white dishes can look bland or too casual, which is why we love this set from Fortessa. The design is simple yet elegant, thanks to its shiny finish and slightly sloped rims. We also appreciate that they stack neatly and compactly.
How it performed in Lab tests: The plates showed no signs of scratching when cut with two types of steak knives. After heating, the plates were cool enough to remove from the microwave, and the marinara sauce left overnight on the plates didn't leave a stain. After 14 cycles in the dishwasher, they showed no signs of wear.
Consumer testing: These were a favorite among our testers, with many naturally gravitating toward them when set out among the rest of the dinnerware, so it's no surprise it earned one of the highest scores for its design.
Take note: The bowls are very large and shallow, so they may not be the best for certain foods, such as cereal.
Pros
Large, versatile set
Budget-friendly
Resists scratches and stains
Cons
Small cereal bowls
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 dessert plates, 4 dinner bowls, 4 cereal bowls | Material: Porcelain | Number of settings: 6 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Gibson's simple porcelain set impressed us with its quality and style. In addition to being durable, this set comes with 16 pieces for under $60. You'll get a variety of dishes, including dinner plates, dessert plates, dinner bowls and cereal bowls, so you'll have just about every piece you'll need. They can be used in the microwave and cleaned in the dishwasher.
How it performed in Lab tests: In our tests, it resisted scratches and stains. After microwaving the plate for two minutes, it wasn't too hot to the touch, and the set stood up to multiple washes in the dishwasher.
Consumer testing: This set earned one of the top scores for design with its plain yet updated look.
Take note: Our one complaint is the smaller size of the cereal bowls, but overall, we loved the set's versatility.
Pros
Minimalist design
Durable
Smooth, matte feel
Cons
Cutting too aggressively may lead to scratches
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 large pasta bowls, 4 small breakfast bowls | Material: Stoneware | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Fable combined timeless stoneware with a minimal aesthetic to produce this earthy yet modern pick that works equally well for a casual or a more elevated table. The set is made from stoneware, an extra-dense material and one of the most durable types of ceramic, so you won’t have to treat them too delicately.
I own these bowls at home and appreciate that the bottom of the dinnerware isn’t glazed and has a rough texture, making it easier to hold and won't feel as if it will slip out of my hand. The dinnerware is available in six muted colors and one speckled pattern.
How it performed in Lab tests: The dishes showed no signs of scratching after cutting with steak knives, and the marinara sauce washed cleanly off the plate after sitting overnight. After two minutes in the microwave, the plate was cool enough to touch and take out with our bare hands.
Consumer testing: The smooth, matte feel earned an above-average score, and one of our testers commented how much they liked this set because they stacked neatly and compactly to fit in a cabinet. The design is minimal, but the speckle pattern and imperfect edge add visual interest. They also said they love the pasta bowl and use it often for various foods.
Take note: One of our testers mentioned that her husband tends to cut steaks aggressively on these plates, which led to some scratching. Also, the matte feel may not be for those who prefer a glossy look.
Pros
Durable and scratch-resistant
Budget-friendly
Works well indoors and outdoors
Cons
Some may find it feels too light
What's included: 6 dinner plates, 6 salad plates, 6 bowls | Material: Vitrelle (laminated glass) | Number of settings: 6 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
You'll want to reach for this set for just about any meal — it's chip-resistant and microwave- and dishwasher-safe at an amazing price. It can even be used as outdoor tableware. Don't let the ultra-lightweight frame fool you into thinking it's not sturdy; it's highly durable, which is how it earned its reputation for long-lasting dishware. It's also available in a variety of patterns.
How it performed in Lab tests: Corelle consistently tests well, and this round of testing was no exception, earning top performance scores.
Consumer testing: Consumers gave these an average score regarding the design. However, the set is extremely durable and held up well over the years we've used them in our Lab.
Take note: Some may find these dishes too thin, but they're a great alternative for families who want durable dinnerware but prefer not to use plastic.
Pros
Pieces also sold separately for easy replacement
Made of bone china
Durable
Cons
Pricey
Larger dinner plate may not fit in smaller dishwashers
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls, 4 mugs | Material: Bone china | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Wedgwood has a long history as a producer of quality dishware: The company has been making ceramics for over 260 years. Made of bone china, the set is expensive, but the dishes are light, thin and neatly stackable. Although they look delicate, they are durable enough to withstand the rigor of daily use — you don't have to set them aside to use only for special occasions.
The subtle textural design adds a unique look to white dishes without being overwhelming. Our pros love that this set is part of a collection that includes cups, bowls and plates, which can also be bought separately — perfect if you accidentally break a piece or want to add on.
How it performed in Lab tests: This dinnerware set had top scores for staining, scratching, microwaving and dishwashing.
Consumer testing: The Gio set was rated above average for its design, with one commenting they liked the simple yet elegant look.
Take note: One drawback our experts noticed while testing is that the 11.1-inch dinner plate is larger than most and may not fill well in smaller dishwashers.
Pros
Gorgeous design with contrast trim
Thick and durable
Options for deep or shallow bowls
Cons
Expensive
What's included: 1 breakfast bowl, 1 everyday bowl, 1 cake plate, 1 side plate and 1 dinner plate | Material: Ceramic | Number of settings: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Ceramic dinnerware is all the rage, but East Fork stands out with its stunning speckled matte base and contrasting rims. The dinnerware is thick and hefty, making it feel durable. Multiple staff members love the array of earthy colors, such as Blue Ridge, Eggshell and Black Mountain, as well as seasonal colors. We love the shallow bowl set, but East Fork also has a five-piece set with deeper bowls and a 7-piece set with mugs.
How it performed in Lab tests: Although we haven't formally tested this set yet, it's a favorite of a few of our staff for its beautiful yet durable design.
Consumer testing: One of our pros has owned this set for under a year and raves about it. The dishes are thick, durable and haven't chipped. They showed some light scratching, but it was not very noticeable. Our staff member loves the everyday bowl and uses it constantly for salads and grain bowls.
Take note: Each set includes one place setting so multiple settings can be pricey.
Pros
Available in 15 bright colors
Lightweight
Fiesta has a 5-year chip replacement warranty
Cons
Saturated colors may not complement food
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls | Material: Porcelain | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
The highly popular Fiesta brand is known for its bright dinnerware in fun colors such as Lapis, Poppy, Sunflower and 12 other vivid hues, which will make a personality statement on your table. If you prefer setting your table with multiple colors instead of just sticking to one, or if you want to expand your collection or decorate for the holidays, the brand also offers three-piece sets in various colors.
This set is made of porcelain and is more affordable than bone china, which has similar durability. The pieces are dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe up to 350°F.
How it performed in Lab tests: We haven't recently tested this in our Lab, but one of our experts has owned these and found the dishes sturdy and thick. The brand claims the dishes are chip-resistant, and Fiesta provides a five-year chip-replacement warranty.
Take note: The saturated colors may not complement food as well as white or more muted plates.
Pros
Dinnerware stacks neatly
Resists stains
Looked good after 14 dishwasher cycles
Cons
Plates stack higher than traditional plates
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 dinner bowls, 4 dessert plates, 4 soup bowls | Material: Ceramic stoneware | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
The Our Place Classic Stacking Set was a favorite with our experts and consumer panel. Our pros appreciate how this dinnerware set stacks neatly and looks organized if you want to display them on open shelving in your kitchen. The Classic Stacking Set comes with 20 pieces, but if you need more, there's also the Complete Stacking Set, which has 36 pieces.
How it performed in Lab tests: Aside from its good looks, the dinnerware set aced our Lab tests. It resisted cuts from steak knives and stains from marinara sauce, plus it also still looked as good as new after 14 cycles in the dishwasher with no signs of chipping.
Consumer testing: Out of all the sets we tested, this was a top pick with our consumer panel and earned the highest score in attractiveness. In particular, people commented on how much they loved the style and how the off-white color contrasted with the tan rims. If this colorway isn't for you, the set is also available in Char, Spice and limited edition Sage.
Take note: The plates and bowls stack higher since they don't nest as deeply as other dinnerware sets. One of our long-term testers noted that this set eventually showed signs of scratching after months of use.
Pros
On-trend colored glass
Allows tablecloth to show through
Durable
Cons
Exact shades of clear plates may vary
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 cereal bowls, 4 pasta bowls | Material: Glass | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes| Microwave-safe: Yes
Glass dinnerware is versatile enough to use daily, mix and match with other dishes or dress up for a fancier occasion. Clear glass dishes can blend in with whatever they're placed on, letting your carefully designed tablescape or place setting take center stage. Colored glass can add a subtle pop of color and easily match with dinnerware you already own.
I've used these for the last year, and they withstood my rough handling without breaking or chipping. I can see faint scratches upon close inspection, but the glass hides them very well. Another staff member has been using this set for a while and says the glass dinnerware has been durable, and they don't worry about it breaking in the sink or dishwasher.
How it performed in our tests: These plates did not scratch or hold on to stains. The plates were hot to the touch right after microwaving but cooled quickly.
Consumer testing: Testers loved the pieces' shapes and noted that they weren't too heavy.
Take note: One tester noted some variation in the shade of the clear plates.
Pros
Gold rims did not wear off in dishwasher testing
Microwave-safe even with the gold rim
Resists scratches and staining
Cons
Design may not be for everyone
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 dessert plates, 4 bowls | Material: Porcelain | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
This Lenox dinnerware set stands out with its organic, wavy shape and the gold rims give them an understated yet elegant look that will impress your guests. Surprisingly, even with the gold trim, the set is microwave-safe. After two minutes in the microwave, the plate wasn’t too hot to pick up. We also liked that it felt very smooth when cutting on these plates.
I've owned these plates for just under a year and use them for occasions such as brunches or gatherings, and I found they've held up well. I'm more careful when stacking these, so they don't chip because the wavy shape also doesn't nest well.
How it performed in our tests: Our experts were impressed that even after 14 cycles in the dishwasher, none of the gold rims showed any signs of wear. The plates stood up to steak knives and didn’t show any scratches after cutting on them. Marinara didn’t stand a chance either; every trace of sauce easily washed off after sitting overnight.
Consumer testing: Our tester panel was split on whether they liked how these looked, so this set may not be for everyone. But those who liked the design gave it top scores.
Take note: The organic wavy shape makes the plates and bowls slightly harder to stack since they don't nest evenly.
How we test dinnerware sets

When testing dinnerware sets in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we thoroughly researched the available dinnerware on the market. Our pros in the Lab visit numerous trade shows each year and connect with brands to learn about the latest and greatest in tableware. We narrowed down the options to test based on our categorical expertise.
Our experts look at ease-of-use factors, such as if the dinnerware is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. We test if it shows stains or scratches and how it looks after multiple wash cycles. We also send sets home with consumer testers for feedback on long-term durability.

✔️ Microwave test: When we evaluate performance, we place a piece of chicken parmesan and spaghetti and tomato sauce on each plate. We microwave it for two minutes, and immediately after microwaving, note how hot each plate feels and if it's too hot to touch right away.

✔️ Scratch resistance test: We test scratch resistance by cutting the chicken parmesan and spaghetti on each plate with two types of steak knives, a serrated and a flat edge. After scraping the food off and washing the plates, we score each based on the amount of scratching.

✔️ Stain test: We use the plates of food from our scratch test to test staining. We scrape off the plates, leaving sauce and small bits behind to sit overnight. After sitting for at least 12 hours, we wash each plate in the dishwasher and check for any stains left behind. We then run each plate through the dishwasher 13 more times and check for any wear that may have occurred through the cycles.

✔️ Style and specs tests: We have a consumer test panel rate the attractiveness of the dinnerware. We also consider specs like materials, price, style and what's included in a set. We note the number of place settings or if pieces are sold individually so you can create your own set or replace broken items.

✔️ Long-term testing: Finally, we send dinnerware sets home with consumers to use and provide feedback on the long-term durability, any issues they notice and if they still like the set.
In general, we like versatile sets that include at least a large dinner plate, a small salad plate and a bowl that can be used for soups, cereal or pasta.
What to look for when shopping for the best dinnerware sets

✔️ Number of settings: If you live alone or with just one person, a dinnerware set with four to six settings might make sense so you can have extras for visitors. Or, look for single sets or open-stock dinnerware to mix and match exactly what you want. Larger households should consider six- or eight-serve sets in case something breaks or chips, or sets that offer replacements for damaged pieces.
✔️ Type of dishes included: The most comprehensive dinnerware sets include two types of plates, two types of bowls and a mug. If you need to expand your collection, opt for sets that include fewer pieces — and just the ones you need.
✔️ Dish shape: The plate's shape can affect its functionality, such as how it stacks and how easy it is to carry.
- Plates with wide, flat rims provide a large space to grab, making it easy to carry, but the tradeoff is that there's less space on the plate for food.
- Dishes with straight-walled rims provide ample space to maneuver and cut food. These also stack neatly in a single column, so they look organized on an open shelf. On the other hand, these types of plates tend to stack taller, so you may be unable to stack multiple items like plates and bowls on top of each other in a shorter cabinet. We also noticed that dishes with higher rims were a tighter squeeze in the prongs of the dishwasher, and sometimes, the rims got in the way of other dishes that weren't shaped the same way.
- Sloped rim dinnerware stacks neatly and compactly, making it easy to store. The sloped sides are also a good medium between wide, flat rims and straight-walled rims since they can provide a place to grab the plate or place more food.
- Low bowls or "blates" are a cross between a bowl and a plate. They have a wide, shallow bottom with raised sides that are typically taller than a plate but shorter than a deep bowl. These are versatile enough to be used as a plate or bowl. Many of our staff members commented how they love low bowls and use them over their other dinnerware because they're so versatile, especially for meals where everything is together in one bowl, like a poke or Buddha bowl.
✔️ Dish size: Remember that small plates are easy to carry and store in tight spaces but hold less food. Large plates are great for loading a plate but may not fit well in smaller dishwashers.
✔️ Care instructions: Be sure to read the fine print — not all dinnerware sets are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Some may include metallic banding that can't go in the microwave, while others can be made from a delicate material that can chip in the dishwasher.
✔️ Durability: If you're cooking for kids or plan to take your dinnerware outside, you may want to consider lightweight, durable materials such as laminated glass or melamine. If you'd prefer a set that can be used daily (with caution) and for more formal occasions, opt for bone china, porcelain or stoneware.
What's the best dinnerware material?

✔️ Bone china is formed when bone ash is added to porcelain. It creates a delicate, slightly translucent and perfectly constructed material that usually has a milky white, luminous glaze, making it a great choice for refined formal dinnerware. Bone china is lightweight and thin but is considered the most durable ceramic dinnerware. It is also the most expensive material. Not all bone china is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, so check the care instructions before you buy.
✔️ Porcelain, also referred to as china, is the most ubiquitous ceramic dinnerware. It is less expensive than bone china, and with the right balance of price, durability and weight, it's great for daily use and formal dinner parties. It has a glazed, nonporous surface that makes it dishwasher-safe, microwavable and sometimes even oven-safe.
✔️ Stoneware is a ceramic popular for its rustic, earthy aesthetic. It is often speckled off-white or ivory (rather than pure or bright white) but comes in muted colors. Stoneware is heavy, thick and durable. The more unique or handmade pieces may not stack uniformly for storage. In our tests, we noticed that stoneware was more prone to show scratching.
✔️ Laminated glass (also called Vitrelle) is an incredibly durable material proprietary to the Corelle brand. In our tests, we found it is resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching and staining. It will shatter if dropped on a hard surface, but it's still a versatile choice for indoor and outdoor dining.
What kind of dinnerware is most durable?

Certain materials tend to fare better than others if you're looking for a long-lasting set that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Laminated glass (the material Corelle uses) is quite durable and will last a long time — it also performed well in our scratch tests. Stoneware is known to be durable, but it can be heavy and prone to chipping or scratching. Bone china is also well-regarded in terms of durability, but its high price may not make it a suitable choice for everyday use.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This article was written and most recently updated by Jamie Kim Ueda, a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in product development and manufacturing. She has tested and written about many tabletop items, including martini glasses, flatware and charcuterie boards. She helped develop the testing methodology for this story and tested the products. She has a passion for good dinnerware that's functional and looks great.
Nicole Papantoniou reviewed this story and helped Ueda develop the testing methodology. As the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, she oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013.
Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer tests all kinds of kitchen gear and food-related items. She contributed her knowledge about top materials, the best brands and the hottest dinnerware trends.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.


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