Serious Eats Tests 18 Dinnerware Sets, Names 11 Top Picks
Serious Eats tested 18 dinnerware sets for durability and function, recommending 11 sets from brands like Le Creuset and Amazon Basics.
Serious Eats tested 18 dinnerware sets, ranging from $36 to $619, to find the most durable and functional options for everyday and special occasions. The publication's testers, including three coworkers, named 11 top picks after evaluating each set for aesthetics, durability, and daily performance.
Tests included an initial unboxing check, a mug comfort assessment, and a durability test where a steak knife was scraped across a plate five times. The testers also used the sets for several weeks, repeatedly cleaning them in a dishwasher to simulate real-world wear.
What the Testing Revealed
Glossy porcelain plates resisted scratching better than matte ceramic ones in the knife test. The marks on matte finishes were minimal but could build up over time, as reportedly seen with the Hamkke set developing grayish marks after months of use. The testers concluded that a glossy sheen is best for those concerned about knife marks.
Dinnerware sets varied widely in their included pieces. While all had dinner and salad plates, some offered pasta bowls, soup bowls, dessert plates, or mugs. The testers preferred sets with two different-sized bowls for versatility.
Top Dinnerware Set Recommendations
The testers highlighted five standout sets from their broader list of 11 recommendations. Their picks cover a wide range of prices and styles.
| Set | Material | Key Inclusions | Avg. Price Per Piece | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen 16-Piece | Porcelain | Dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl, mug | $8.95 | Scratch-resistant, wide rims, classic white design |
| Le Creuset San Francisco Coupe | Stoneware | Dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl, mug | $18.75 | Durable, iconic ring design, ombre color options |
| Fable Dinnerware Set, 16-Piece | Stoneware | Dinner plate, salad plate, pasta bowl, breakfast bowl | $20.56 | Hand-finished, speckled glaze, oven-safe to 450°F |
| Amazon Basics 16-Piece | Porcelain | Dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, mug | $2.25 | Budget-friendly, lightweight, heat-safe to 572°F |
| Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece | Glass | Dinner plate, appetizer plate, soup bowl | $3.56 | Lightweight, stackable, nostalgic design |
Detailed Impressions from the Tests
The Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen set was praised as a subtle, classic, and crowd-pleasing option. Its scratch-resistant plates have wide rims that are easy to grab. The cereal bowl was noted as being on the small side.
Le Creuset's stoneware set earned praise for its substantial yet lightweight feel and remarkable durability. Senior editor Grace Kelly said, "I like the subtle ridges on all the pieces, which give them some visual interest." The set's glossy glaze was found to be slippery during testing, and it only includes one style of bowl.
The hand-finished Fable stoneware set was described as having a "cozy, homey feel" by writer Ashlee Redger. Its pasta bowls were particularly liked for being wide and spacious. The dinner plates are very large, and the semi-matte finish can show scratches over time.
For a super budget-friendly option, the Amazon Basics set was deemed totally serviceable. It is lightweight and didn't scratch in tests, though its plate rims were criticized for being excessively large.
The Corelle Vitrelle glass set was highlighted for its nostalgic, lightweight, and stackable design. Ashlee Redger noted she would happily use them as weekday dishes. The testers warned the thin glass is liable to break if dropped.
The final recommendations include the minimalist Hamkke Heritage Collection, noted for its elegant, earthy hues and semi-matte finish that can mark up over time.
