We Tested Dinnerware Sets and Found Great Options at a Variety of Price Points

It’s a universal truth that dinnerware sets are, for the most part, expensive as heck. They go in the class of things I don’t think should cost as much as they do—along with bath towels, bed sheets, and outdoor furniture. 

But the right dinnerware can elevate any table. Sets come in an endless range of styles—from classic, all-white plates to ones fit for a bistro to ceramics meant to look hand-thrown. Ultimately: no matter the set—and price—dinnerware has to be functional, durable, and (hopefully) eye-appealing. 

This brings me to a point that, as an equipment reviewer who likes to have clearly defined “winners” and “losers,” surprised me. That is: after testing 18 sets priced from $42 to $589 ($2.25 to $33.50 on average per piece), the grand majority of the dinnerware was totally fine. 

There were a couple of sets that our testing panel agreed were eh and some objective factors worth considering (i.e. some of the sets were more prone to scratching). However, you could make a case that most sets could be right for a certain type of consumer/price point/general vibe. 

Ultimately, we landed on 11 winners we thought could be suitable for both everyday use and fancier occasions. However, check out our The Competition section for more options if you don’t find something you like, because, again, most of the sets were good.

The Winners, at a Glance

Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen Dinnerware

$130 at Williams Sonoma

Hawkins New York Dinnerware

$12 at Food52

Made In The Tabletop Set Complete

$399 at Amazon View on Made In Cookware

Dansk Cafe Blanc Dinnerware

$90 at Food52 View on Dansk.com

Le Creuset San Francisco Set

$296 at Williams Sonoma

Fable Home Ceramic Dinnerware Set

$217 $152 at Amazon

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

$38 $27 at Amazon

Villeroy & Boch Artesano Place Setting

$69 at Bloomingdales

Staub Ceramic Dinnerware Set

$160 at Amazon $15 at Walmart

East Fork 5-Piece Dinnerware Set

View on Eastfork.com $182 at Food52

The Tests

• Initial Unboxing Test: Upon unboxing the dinnerware, we evaluated each piece for any glaze imperfections, scratches, or other damage. We also weighed each piece. 
• Aesthetics and Feel Test: We had four users evaluate each set, weighing in on its aesthetics, design, feel, and anything else of note. 
• Mug Test: We drank hot coffee from each set’s mug (if it had one), evaluating how comfortable the mug was to hold and drink from. 
• Durability Test: We took the salad plate from each set and scratched its surface five times with a dinner knife, checking for any damage. We then did this with a steak knife. After inspecting the salad plate, we repeated this scratching-and-checking with the dinner plate from each set. 
• Staining Test: We smeared a mixture of turmeric and oil on each dinner plate and left it for three hours (as if you had a dinner party) and didn’t clean up for a prolonged period of time. We then washed each plate, checking for any leftover stains, oil marks, or odors. 
• Microwave Test: We put the bowl from each set in the fridge for 30 minutes, filled it with room temperature water, then placed it in the microwave for one-and-a-half minutes, to see if temperature changes would affect the dinnerware, how hot the bowls got in the microwave, and if the dinnerware was truly microwave-safe.
• Dishwasher Test: We ran one place setting from each set through the dishwasher, placing them in the dishwasher as non-gently as possible (like you were quickly loading it after dinner). We ran the dishwasher, then unloaded the dishes and checked for any damage. 
• Steak Test (Winners-Only): We used a steak knife to slice a 4-ounce portion of steak on the dinner plate from each of our favorite sets. We wanted to see if any juices ran off the sides of the plate or if any scratching occurred from slicing the meat.
• Daily Use Test (Winners-Only): We have placed all of our winners into daily use and will update this review with any further findings after a couple of months. 

What We Learned

Consider What You Want in a Dinnerware Set

While all of the sets we tested included dinner and salad plates, the standardization ended there. Some had pasta bowls, some had soup bowls, some had two bowls, some had dessert plates, and some had mugs. We liked it when sets had two bowls (one small, one large), as this felt comprehensive (in my house, we often eat dinner out of behemoth bowls). However, what you want in a dinnerware set is really up to you: maybe a set of mugs is essential or perhaps you already have soup bowls you favor—you get the gist. 

You should also determine the aesthetic you want. Whether it should be colorful, modern, all-white to match anything, have a bistro vibe, or feel fancier, for example, is totally up to you.

It’s also worth considering how you’ll buy the dinnerware. We favored sets that could be purchased as full sets as well as in additional single-place settings and individual pieces. That way, you could buy a set and add to it over time or easily replace a piece that breaks.

How Much Should You Spend? 

Ah, a personal question! The *right* price for dinnerware depends entirely on your budget. Our winners run the gamut of price points, so there should be something for everyone. While our testing panel could immediately (and correctly) point out the more expensive sets, our super budget-friendly pick, from AmazonBasics, was still totally serviceable. It’s not exceptional, but its all-white motif will get the job done and is well-suited if you’re furnishing on the cheap, looking for something for a college student, or buying a dinnerware set for a camper or RV. At $2.25 on average per piece, we don’t feel it’s anything to scoff at.

Wide Rims vs. Straight Walls vs. Gentle Slopes

Several of the sets had plates and bowls with wide rims (sometimes paired with more angled sides). While they cut down on the amount of flat plate space, the rims gave you a place to grab onto (especially helpful when pulling a plate or bowl out of a microwave or warming oven). We didn’t mind when they had higher walls either, which kept food nice and centered.

Plates with short, straight walls had more of a modern look (which we liked) and had wide, flat surfaces with plenty of room for food. Because the plates’ usable space was so expansive, the steak tended to slide around more as we cut and ate it.

Lastly, some plates had more gentle slopes to their walls. This was kind of like a middle ground between the wide rim-steep side combo and straight walls: still plenty of flat, usable plate space, but a little more corralling of food.

Some of the Mug Handles Stunk

We preferred smaller mugs that help coffee cool faster and allow you to finish a cup before coffee turns cold and sours. We also preferred handles where you could fit at least two fingers through to wrap your hand around the mug. Some of the mugs had small, looped handles that were tougher to hold.

Drinking from the mugs, however, was almost all fine: most had thin enough, unobtrusive lips. 

How Easily Did the Plates Scratch? How Durable Was the Dinnerware? 

In general, porcelain fared better in our scratching tests—withstanding any marking. The ceramic stoneware tended to scratch more easily. However, most of the marks were super minimal—and we really went at it with a steak knife.

And, for what it’s worth, almost all of the dinnerware emerged from our staining and dishwasher tests spotless.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Dinnerware Set

We preferred dinnerware sets that were available as a full set and that had additional place settings and/or pieces available for purchase. That way, you can easily add to your collection (or replace something if it breaks). We looked for dinnerware sets that were scratch- and stain-resistant and mugs that were easy to drink from, if the set included one. As for price, we think there’s a ton of great dinnerware out there at a variety of budgets.

Our Favorite Dinnerware Sets

A Crowd-Pleasing Dinnerware Set You Can’t Go Wrong With

Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen 16-Piece Set

$130 at Williams Sonoma

What we liked: This all-white set really gave us nothing to complain about. Our testing panel said it’s the kind of set that it “doesn't feel like you could go wrong with.” It features dinner and salad plates with wide rims and small bowls suitable for cereal or starter portions of soup. The dinnerware didn’t stain or scratch and the bowl didn’t get hot in the microwave. Its mug was on the small side, which we liked, and had a slightly tapered shape to it and a medium-sized looped handle that we could easily fit our fingers through, allowing us to securely hold it. Pasta bowls can be purchased separately and extra sets of plates, bowls, and mugs are available.

What we didn’t like: The bowl is on the small side. If we’re splitting hairs, there were a few black specks embedded on the surface of a couple of the plates.

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and mugs
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Porcelain 
• Care instructions: Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
• Made in: China

The Best Dinnerware Set If You Want It All

Made In The Tabletop Set

View on Made In Cookware

What we liked: This porcelain set is made in England and includes our recommended flatware set and serving platter. The pieces have beautiful, glossy finishes and colorful rims. The set feels very thoughtfully curated and, despite the higher price tag, you get a lot for your money: dinner plates, appetizer plates, bread and butter plates, side bowls, and very spacious entree bowls (plus the aforementioned silverware and platter). Testers described this set as “pretty classic-looking but with a little flair,” “visually striking,” and “casual and at the same time classic.” It has a lifetime warranty and a “1-year no-chip guarantee.” More sets of plates and bowls (and even a serving bowl) can be purchased separately. 

What we didn’t like: This set is pricey. However, while we tested the “Complete” set that includes a platter and silverware, there are “Essential” and “Starter” sets that are less comprehensive and more inexpensive. The bowl did get fairly hot in the microwave.

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, appetizer plates, bread and butter plates, entree bowls, and side bowls; 1x serving platter; 4x dinner forks, salad forks, table spoons, dessert spoons, and dinner knives
• Serving pieces: Includes a serving platter
  
• Material: Porcelain; stainless steel
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; oven-safe to 580°F
• Made in: England

A Serious Eats Editor-Favorite Dinnerware Set

Dansk Cafe Blanc Stripe Porcelain Dinnerware Rimmed Soup Bowl

$90 at Food52 View on Dansk.com

What we liked: Testers said this set reminded them of “way more elegant diner ware.” We liked the heft each piece had to it; it felt very substantial. Its bowls and plates had wide rims that were easy to hold onto and steeper walls that helped to contain food. Its shallow bowl was suitable for pasta or a starter portion of salad. ”I really like the quality; they've stayed shiny and scratch-free even through lots of use and washing,” commerce editor Grace Kelly says of this set, which she’s owned for some months. “I also like the timeless aesthetic, which looks good serving just about anything. The small plates are what I mainly use, and they're actually a great size for serving most meals, while I reserve the bigger plates for more formal dinners.”

What we didn’t like: The mug has a thicker, flared lip that some testers didn’t love. It felt like the coffee was more prone to dribble down. Dansk does sell replacement plates and bowls on their website, but they don’t seem to currently be available with the blue stripe motif (just white). 

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and rimmed soup bowls
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Porcelain
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
• Made in: Thailand

A Fun, Modern-Looking Dinnerware Set

Hawkins New York Dinnerware

$12 at Food52

What we liked: This modern-looking dinnerware had short, straight walls and concentric circles on the surface of its plates. We liked that it came with two bowls, and particularly loved its “pasta bowl,” which was extremely large and could be instead classified as a dinner bowl. This set’s plates didn’t scratch during our tests. Plus, it comes in a range of fun colors (we tested Mustard, though Sky and Olive are also particularly lovely). Additional plates and bowls are available for purchase, as well as mugs and pinch bowls (though we haven’t tested them). 

What we didn’t like: There was a bit of pooled, thicker glaze around the outside edge of one of the bowls and one of the plates had some pooled glaze on the underside edge. One of the salad plates arrived with a couple of scratches on its surface.

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls, and salad plates
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Stoneware
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; oven-safe up to 450°F
• Made in: China

A Very Durable Dinnerware Set

Le Creuset San Francisco Dinnerware Set

$296 at Williams Sonoma

What we liked: The Le Creuset dinnerware features three concentric rings on each piece, like the lid of its iconic Dutch oven. The pieces feel substantial, yet lightweight and we liked its slight ombre hue (we tested the Lapis color). “I like that it feels very casual but durable,” a tester said. We also liked this set’s mugs: they were on the small side, easy to hold and drink from, and felt well-suited for morning drip coffee, an afternoon latte, or after-dinner tea. Le Creuset tableware is amazingly durable, too: I’ve owned a set of mugs for years that still look new. When buying a set, you can choose between pasta or cereal bowls, which is a nice customization. Additional plates and bowls are available for purchase.

What we didn’t like: It’s on the pricey side, at $16.25 per piece.

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, salad plates, mugs, and pasta bowls or cereal bowls
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Stoneware
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; oven- and broiler-safe up to 500°F
• Made in: Thailand

A Slightly Asymmetrical, Beautiful Dinnerware Set

Fable Home Ceramic Dinnerware Set

$217 $152 at Amazon

What we liked: We didn’t love most of the intentionally asymmetrical sets (they were too thick and too irregular, which made them harder to stack and move). This one was different: it was just asymmetrical enough to add a little charm, with a slight wave to the edge and a gently rippled surface. We liked that the set came with two bowls and that it's available in some lovely shades (you can mix and match the colors, too). 

What we didn’t like: During our durability test, the plates developed very light scratches.

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and breakfast bowls
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Ceramic
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; oven-safe up to 450°F
• Made in: Portugal

A Super Budget-Friendly Dinnerware Set

Amazon Basics 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4

$38 $27 at Amazon

What we liked: This all-white dinnerware isn’t the most beautiful, but it gets the job done and comes with plenty of dishes (service for four) for not a lot of money. It’s lightweight and basic and didn’t scratch. “It's great for someone if you're stocking an Airbnb, looking for a camper, etc.,” a tester noted. Its mug was small, had a thin, unobtrusive lip, and was fine to drink coffee from.

What we didn’t like: This set’s bowls were a bit small for our taste. 

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls, and mugs
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Porcelain
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; oven-safe up to 572°F
• Made in: China

A Luxe-Feeling, Beautifully Designed Dinnerware Set

Villeroy & Boch Artesano Place Setting

$69 at Bloomingdales

What we liked: This German-made set is truly beautiful: its bowls and plates feature a flat rim and a creamy, off-white color that feels classic, but still modern. Testers described the aesthetic as “very sweet” and said, “the shapes are beautiful.” We liked its small, tapered mug with a slightly squared-off handle; it felt lovely to hold and drink from. This set didn’t scratch during testing either. The mugs, plates, and bowls are available for sale individually. 

What we didn’t like: We had a hard time finding a set with the same mug and bowl as the ones we tested. Others also called “Artesano” seemed to have different-looking pieces. This means you’d have to buy multiples of this place setting for a full set, but it really is beautiful. 

Key Specs

• What’s included: 1x dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Porcelain
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
• Made in: Germany

A Dinnerware Set from a Heritage Brand

Staub 12-piece Ceramic Dinnerware Set

$160 at Amazon $15 at Walmart

What we liked: We liked the slightly speckled look of the Staub dinnerware and the stamped “Staub” logo on the top of the plates and sides of the bowls. The bowls are small (ideal for breakfast or a starter portion of soup) and the plates have gently flared edges. There’s a circular indentation on the surface of the plates, which served as a mini juice well when we sliced steak. The dinnerware was fairly lightweight, too. “I like the weight of them though, and I think it's nice it has their name stamped right on them—there's no doubt where they come from,” a tester said.

What we didn’t like: The bowls are fairly small and don’t feel as versatile. 

Key Specs

• What’s included: 4x dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Stoneware with an enamel finish
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
• Made in: China

A Nostalgic Dinnerware Set

Fiesta 4-Piece Place Setting

$50 at Amazon

What we liked: I grew up with Fiesta bowls and there’s a chance you’re familiar with them too (it’s highly collected and has a whole fan base). Its vibrant hues and concentric circles are iconic-looking. We liked its wide bowl that had a small, flat rim and felt big enough to be versatile. It’s available in individual place settings as well as a service for four.

What we didn’t like: The small, looped handle on the mug was polarizing during our testing: some testers felt there wasn’t enough to grab onto, while others didn’t mind it. 

Key Specs

• What’s included: Cereal bowl, salad plate, dinner plate, and mug
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Ceramic
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; oven-safe to 350°F
• Made in: United States (West Virginia)

A Dinnerware Set You Can Mix and Match

East Fork Pottery 5-Piece Dinnerware Set

View on Eastfork.com $182 at Food52

What we liked: East Fork makes some of our editors’ favorite coffee mugs—and we loved this dinnerware set, too. We enjoyed the size and depth of the cereal bowl and found the assortment of plate sizes useful. The set’s made from sturdy clay and the colors all look beautiful together—they can be mixed and matched easily, so you can build your collection over time. “I've been collecting East Fork plates, bowls, and mugs for years. They are incredibly sturdy, but I'll admit I really love them for their unique glazes,” says commerce editor Rochelle Bilow. “I've even scored a few retired colors—like Harvest Moon and Pinto—that I cherish.”

What we didn’t like: Even if you wanted to buy a larger set at once for a dinner party, you couldn’t. It’s only available in 5- or 7-piece sets.

Key Specs

• What’s included: Breakfast bowl, everyday bowl, cake plate, side plate, dinner plate
• Serving pieces: Not included
• Material: Clay
• Care instructions: Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
• Made in: Asheville, North Carolina
  

The Competition (They're Still Fine!)

• Our Table Starter Set: We liked this set: it looks modern and has straight-sided walls. Its bowls were a great size, too. The plates experienced a little more scratching than we would want, though. Its dinnerware has raw, unfinished rims that are meant to aid in stacking, but picked up oil stains during our testing. However, it’s still a beautiful set, if you’re interested in it. 
• West Elm Textured Stoneware Dinnerware: We liked the look and multi-textured element of this dinnerware, but one of the salad plates chipped when we gently (and accidentally) knocked it into a dinner plate. 
• Crate & Barrel Lina Blue Stripe 16-Piece Place Setting: We liked this set’s expansive dinner plates, but didn’t love the bulbous mug (it was harder to drink from) and asymmetrical-shaped bowl that felt awkward to hold, carry, and stack. 
• Crate & Barrel Marin White 4-Piece Place Setting: This set had a steep, v-shaped bowl that felt less versatile. We also thought its mug’s rim was too thick.
• Luminarc Arty French Glass Dinnerware, 12-Piece Set: This set was great, but it appears to be discontinued.
• Material The Place Setting: We also liked this dinnerware set (it was a winner), but it's no longer available.
• Williams Sonoma Brasserie Dinnerware Set: Another former winner that was sadly discontinued.

FAQs

Where’s the best place to buy dinnerware sets? 

There are plenty of great places to buy dinnerware (like Williams Sonoma and Food52). And all of our favorite dinnerware sets are available for purchase online—some at multiple retailers. 

What are the most durable dinnerware sets for everyday use?

We performed several tests to evaluate the durability of the dinnerware sets in our review. For the most part, porcelain sets performed really well and remained scratch- and stain-free. Many of our favorite sets, like the Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma 16-Piece Dinnerware Set and Dansk Cafe Blanc Stripe Porcelain Dinnerware, are durable and suited for everyday use. 

What’s a good brand for dinnerware?

There’s a ton of great dinnerware out there from various brands. Our top picks include sets from Williams Sonoma, Le Creuset, Dansk, Staub, Luminarc, Fiesta, and more.

What dinnerware is dishwasher-safe?

Great news! All of our favorite dinnerware sets (and all of the ones we tested) are dishwasher-safe. Some dinnerware sets with decorative edges or patterns may not be dishwasher-safe, though (we recommend checking the manufacturer's care instructions to be sure).

Why We're the Experts

• Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate editorial director for Serious Eats.
• She's reviewed kitchen equipment professionally for more than five years and previously worked for America's Test Kitchen, Food52, and more. She's reviewed air fryers, Ooni ovens, and so much more.
• For this review, she spent multiple days laying out the 18 sets of dinnerware, and checking the place settings for aesthetics and feel with a panel of testers. She also conducted multiple cleaning, durability, and usability tests.