I Spent Months Testing The Best Dinnerware Sets—These 6 Outperformed

Forbes

2 days ago

The best dinnerware sets do more than just hold the food you eat; they also frame the entire experience of each meal, adding beauty to the table and reinforcing the overall tone of the occasion. I spent many months (and many meals) testing brands across price points, materials and design sensibilities to find the best of the best in both form and function, evaluating everything from unboxing to glaze quality, chip resistance, dishwasher performance and more. Of all the sets I tested, Fable's 16-piece set emerged as the most complete, offering an exceptional balance of beauty, utility and everyday ease. It's my top dinnerware pick of the year.
The best dinnerware sets don't just meet expectations; they exceed them, with standout quality and ... More thoughtful design. Forbes Vetted
There were so many other sets that impressed me, of course. Several went well beyond expectations, standing out for their remarkable quality or strong design perspective. As part of the testing process, I spoke with Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy, who reminded me about the importance of balance when it comes to finding a truly great dinnerware set. 'You want pieces that feel substantial and are built to last through countless meals, while also ensuring the colors, shapes and designs truly resonate with your personal style and delight you with every use.' That ethos—and more than anything, that delight—is well-represented by the following six picks, each of which met a different need. Here's where to invest in 2025:
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I'll admit it: I was skeptical at first. Fable is everywhere right now, and I wasn't sure whether its popularity was driven more by aesthetics than actual quality. After extensive hands-on testing, though, I'm happy to report that the brand's bestselling dinnerware set not only lived up to the hype; it surpassed it—and yes, the beauty of the plates doesn't hurt.
The first impression here began with the packaging, which was both functionally secure and visually thoughtful. Every piece arrived intact without so much as a hairline crack, and even the outermost boxes were beautifully designed. (That's not a throwaway comment: The unboxing experience matters at this price point, and Fable delivers a presentation that feels elevated from the start.)
I selected the Beachgrass Green colorway, and found the glaze to be even more nuanced in person: a soft, semi-matte finish with variations that evoke the look of hand-thrown ceramics. The set is ultimately designed to carry that artisanal character with slightly irregular silhouettes and organic textures, and it all makes for a collection that feels wonderfully elevated.
Note that these stoneware pieces can show light utensil marks over time, but I found the brand's Tawashi brush removed them easily. The matte finish also produces a slightly abrasive sound with metal flatware; for those sensitive to it, a glossy glaze option is available.
I tested the dishes extensively: dishwasher cycles, microwave heating and reheating, everyday family meals… and they held up without issue. What impressed me most was their physical balance. In the hand, they have enough heft to feel grounded and substantial, but they're also lightweight enough for everyday use. All in all, it's a genuine pleasure to use these dishes, and I'm planning to order a second set already.
Fable's dishes have enough heft to feel grounded and substantial, but they're also lightweight ... More enough for everyday use. Forbes Vetted
Costa Nova Costa Nova 12-Piece Pearl Collection Dinnerware Set
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Like several other brands on this list, Costa Nova produces its dinnerware in Portugal using traditional techniques. But unlike others that outsource or adopt that Portuguese identity merely for brand cachet, Costa Nova was actually founded in a small coastal village. That sense of belonging and authenticity carries through in each dish. Every plate and bowl feels artisanal, and the glazes performed beautifully in testing. Most of the brand's sets are dishwasher- and microwave-safe (though I'll admit I hand-washed these plates and bowls more often than not—they just feel special enough to merit a little extra care).
I tested the Pearl set in the Cream colorway, and it quite literally took my breath away upon unboxing. I appreciate that it's statement-making without veering into ornate or old-fashioned territory—the kind of dinnerware that looks right at home on open kitchen shelves or inside a glass-front hutch. Costa Nova's packaging materials are also among the most environmentally considered of any brand I tested, and much more so, in fact, than several whose marketing leaned heavily on sustainability. Here, every element is fully recyclable and completely biodegradable (this is rare for an older, luxury brand).
Note that this is not a set I'd recommend for everyday use in households with young children. But for adults who want something a little extraordinary—maybe for holidays or hosting—it's a phenomenal choice and a very worthy indulgence.
Every plate and bowl in Costa Nova's Pearl Collection feels artisanal, and the glazes performed ... More beautifully in testing. Forbes Vetted
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Jono Pandolfi's square-sided plates are favored by chefs at some of the country's most design-forward restaurants, and as soon as I had the pleasure of turning one over in my hand, it was easy to see why. The silhouette of this set is striking yet understated, and while the vertical, 'toasted' rims and crisp corners may not be exclusive to Pandolfi, they remain a really nice departure from the familiar round form.
Some plates feel artisanal because, well, they're marketed to feel artisanal. Pandolfi plates, on the other hand, feel that way because they just are : Each piece is made by hand in the brand's New Jersey studio. And while there's enough variation in finish and form here to signal real craftsmanship, there's also a remarkable consistency in scale and proportion. What's more, like others on this list, the pieces are microwave- and dishwasher-safe; after weeks of daily testing, they still held up.
The brand's reputation precedes it, but what initially stood out to me in the testing process wasn't the ceramics—it was the company's website. Clean and intuitive, it made browsing by size, shape or color very simple. That same functional design discipline carries through to the pieces: The geometry here isn't just for show; it allows for efficient stacking and storage, too. Also, the flat surface provides an ideal canvas for thoughtful plating.
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Year & Day occupies a compelling sweet spot in the dinnerware market in that it's priced just below other design-forward DTC brands, but its overall sensibility feels elevated. If you're not quite ready to commit to a super expensive set but still want something design-minded, this is the brand worth paying attention to.
A major draw here is the color palette; there are so many hues to choose from. I selected the Midnight glaze, a cool, moody near-navy, and found it even more striking in person. It translated beautifully across the 'Core Set" I tested, which includes four dinner plates, four side plates, four large bowls and four small bowls. The matte finish and satisfying weight of each dish give the set a feel that leans more 'downtown restaurant' than 'traditional dining room'—it's perfectly on-trend for 2025.
In everyday use, the set performed really nicely: It stacked efficiently and handled repeated dishwasher and microwave cycles with ease. Intrigued by the broader product offering, I also tried Year & Day's ceramic mixing bowl set (sold separately), and found the same level of finish and function carried through.
Year & Day's dinnerware set feels less like a runner-up and more like an equally compelling option, ... More winning on both value and color flexibility. Forbes Vetted
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No grand claims, no gimmicky marketing—just reliable dishes that do their job. That's what I got with this set. And at the end of the day, the fact that it wasn't trying to impress was precisely what made it so impressive. I found Amazon's dinnerware to be incredibly durable, functional and far better than you'd expect for the price. After months of daily use, including constant dishwasher cycles, I didn't witness a single chip or crack (I tested the 18-piece white porcelain set, which comes with six dinner plates, salad plates and bowls). And while the pieces may not be showstoppers like some of the restaurant-ready picks on this list, their design is hardly offensive: The finish is clean and smooth across the board. I also found the sizing really well thought-out here: The bowls, in particular, are the perfect size for a just-right portion of soup or cereal.
Bottom line: It's a wonderfully dependable set that delivers exactly what it promises. If you're on a budget (or just want dinnerware you don't have to be nervous about loading into the dishwasher), this one's an excellent pick.
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If you're after clean, minimalist lines, Crate & Barrel's Mercer set is the one to reach for. I tested it for months, and it stood out as one of the most quietly reliable and well-designed sets in the bunch. Though the design definitely leans contemporary, it's far from cold: The rounded shape and glossy finish give it a modern edge that still feels approachable. As I've mentioned elsewhere, that gloss is your best bet for avoiding utensil marks and ensuring long-term durability. Despite the set's refined look, it doesn't feel too delicate to use daily. The porcelain has a satisfying weight—not ultra-thin like some modern dishware, but not bulky or dated, either. It also held up beautifully through repeated dishwasher and microwave use.
Unlike some of the other options on this list, Mercer isn't sold as a bundled set, which means you'll need to purchase each piece individually. But because Crate & Barrel offers the full range (dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and more) in open stock, it's easy to build out your full collection. Also, importantly, this set is a popular registry pick, which means you'll find tons of reviews on the brand's website to further guide your decision. It's also easy to replace a chipped bowl or add more place settings down the line—you can be fairly confident that this set isn't going away anytime soon.
Crate & Barrel's Mercer salad plate set atop the Amazon Basics dinner plate—our Best Modern and Best ... More Budget picks, respectively. Forbes Vetted
To find the top dinnerware sets of 2025, I spent six months testing a wide range of options across price points, materials and design styles, with each set used for at least 2 weeks. I tested these in my own home kitchen, putting them through their paces during weeknight dinners, dishwasher cycles, microwave reheats and more. Below are the key criteria I used in my evaluation:
I ran every set through the dishwasher and microwave multiple times, paying close attention to how each piece held up to stacking, storage and everyday wear. I tracked any signs of chipping, cracking, or utensil marks over time and awarded higher marks to sets that stayed mostly pristine after repeated use. (That said, even my top pick, Fable, did show some utensil markings; that's to be expected with most matte finishes. They buffed out easily, though—and given how sought-after that velvety matte look is right now, it still earned its spot.)
I evaluated how each set looked both on the table and behind cabinet doors, considering everything from shape and color to the harmony of a complete place setting. I prioritized versatility, so sets that felt equally at home on a casual weeknight or a dressed-up dinner table were winners in my book. Costa Nova's set, for instance, was easily the most striking of the bunch (in my opinion), but its elevated feel made it better suited for special occasions than everyday use, and it's a splurge, too—which is why it earned the 'Best Luxury" title. Ergonomics And Functionality
Dinnerware has to feel good in the hand—it's part of the package. For that reason, I considered the general weight and balance of each piece, as well as how well the bowls nested and the plates stacked. I also looked at practical details like rim width and depth. Value
A great dinnerware set should offer long-term value, and that includes the ability to replace individual pieces down the line (even the best dishes can break, after all!). I prioritized brands that sell open stock and have a stable presence in the market, making it far less likely their collections will be discontinued anytime soon. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team is committed to hands-on testing and in-depth research to help you find the most reliable, high-performing products for your home. This article was written by deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, who has been covering the home and kitchen beat for over a decade and brings both editorial expertise and real-world insight to the (in this case, very literal) table.
To support the testing process, Lowin interviewed Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy, who offered insight into how shoppers can balance long-term durability with visual appeal when selecting a set.
We prioritize up-to-date reporting; this article was last updated in July 2025. What To Consider When Shopping For Dinnerware Sets
The best dinnerware sets strike a balance between beauty, durability and everyday function. These are the specific factors that matter most when deciding what to bring to the table: Size And Number Of Settings
Think about how many place settings you need (typically 4, 6 or 8), and whether the dinner plates, bowls and mugs are appropriately sized for your eating habits and storage space. Consider the footprint of each piece, too: Oversized plates may not fit in compact dishwashers or standard cabinets. Material And Finish
The most common materials are porcelain, stoneware and bone china, each with its own pros and cons when it comes to durability, weight and overall look. Glaze finish also plays a bigger role than many realize: Matte surfaces tend to show utensil marks more easily, while glossy glazes resist scuffs and are easier to clean. And then there's the question of style, which may or may not matter to you: 'We're seeing a lean into handcrafted, imperfect forms and matte finishes in nature-inspired or bold jewel tones,' offers Johnson. 'This trend emphasizes unique pieces that add personality and a tactile dimension to the dining experience, moving away from mass-produced uniformity.' Microwave And Dishwasher Safety
If easy cleanup and reheating matter to you, look for pieces that are officially microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Make sure they're built to survive the daily grind, from reheating leftovers to enduring the heat of the dishwasher. (And don't just assume they are, either; some bestselling sets are surprisingly high-maintenance. A quick glance at the fine print might save you.) Open Stock Availability
Can you replace a chipped bowl later on, or add a few extra plates as your household grows? It's worth finding out upfront. Brands that offer open stock not only make it easier to build a flexible collection, but also typically treat dinnerware as a long-term offering rather than a limited-run design. This is also the model preferred by restaurants and caterers, who count on being able to restock pieces reliably over time. Overall, it's a good sign of durability and long-term availability for you, too.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Dinnerware Set?
Start with the material—porcelain, stoneware or bone china all offer a different feel. Next, look for a design that suits your style but won't feel dated after a few years. Practicality matters too: Make sure the pieces are dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and consider whether the brand sells open stock so you can easily replace or expand your set over time.
Is Porcelain Better Than Stoneware?
It depends on what you're looking for. Porcelain is smoother, lighter and more refined, so it can be ideal for a modern, polished look. Stoneware, meanwhile, is heavier with a more rustic, handmade feel. But both materials are typically durable and dishwasher-safe (though stoneware may be slightly more resistant to everyday wear). It really comes down to your style and how you plan to use it.
What Is The Most Durable Dinnerware Material?
Stoneware and porcelain are both excellent options for durability, especially when paired with a high-gloss glaze. Glossy finishes help protect the surface from utensil marks and make the pieces easier to clean, while matte finishes (though beautiful) tend to show scratches and wear more quickly. Stoneware is also generally thicker and more chip-resistant, while porcelain is lighter but still strong.