Kinds of Dinnerware

Plastic

• For extremely casual meals or a home with small children, plastic dinnerware may be the best option. Plastic plates and bowls are extremely durable and will not break if dropped on the floor. However, they are vulnerable to heat, so they may begin to melt or warp if placed in a microwave for too long or loaded on the lower shelf of a dishwasher.

Earthenware

• Earthenware is another casual type of dinnerware, but it provides a more natural look than plastic. It is made from clay that is fired in a kiln. However, the dinnerware is usually fired at lower temperatures, which leave it with a porous surface that can easily be scratched. The porous surface also means that earthenware is more prone to stains than other types of dinnerware. You may opt for glazed or unglazed earthenware pieces depending on the look you prefer.

Stoneware

• Like earthenware, stoneware is made from clay and fired in a kiln. However, it is fired at much higher temperatures, so it is not as porous. It is also stronger and more durable than earthenware and resists scratches and stains better as well. These traits make stoneware an ideal option for everyday dinnerware. To make it even stronger, flint, quartz and feldspar may be added to stoneware as well. It is also safe for use in both the dishwasher and microwave, making it a very convenient type of dinnerware.

Glass

• Glass dinnerware is available in a variety of colors and designs, so it can add an elegant look to your table. It is also easy to clean and resists high temperatures well, so it can be used in the microwave and dishwasher. However, it is a fragile type of dinnerware because it shatters when dropped and may not be the best option if you have small children in your household.

China

• For special occasions, china is the go-to dinnerware option. It is made from a combination of several clays, including kaolin, feldspar and quartz. It is fired at extremely high temperatures in a kiln, so the finished product is nonporous, hard and durable. Fine china is available in a wide range of patterns, some of which feature metallic detailing along the edges for added sophistication. China dinnerware is translucent, so you can see through it if you hold up a plate or bowl to the light. You can also opt for bone china, which is made from bone ash and clay. This type of china is even harder and has a whiter, more translucent appearance. It is usually more durable as well, so it may be a better option for everyday dinnerware than fine china.