What Is The UK’s Best Dinner Plate?
When it comes to dinner plates, they can impact a meal more than you might initially think. In fact, there are actually a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing dinner plates. Size, shape, colour, material… all of these factors can affect how your meal looks and tastes. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best dinner plates on the market, helping you decide how to present your table from now on.
Dinner Plate Reviews
Dinner Plate Buyer’s Guide
A dinner plate is one of the most integral parts of your crockery collection, but choosing the right dinner plate set is no easy task. Before purchasing, you should first decide whether you’re buying for everyday use or special occasions.
Not sure what else to look for when it comes to the best dinner plates? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Material
Plates are commonly made from bone china, porcelain, melamine, and stoneware. Bone china is strong and elegant, and despite the delicate look, it’s surprisingly durable. While generally suitable for dishwashers, many people choose to hand wash their bone china dinnerware.
Porcelain and ceramic plates are affordable and durable, but slightly heavier than bone china. Perfect for everyday use, porcelain plates can withstand regular handling and can usually be cleaned in the dishwasher as well as heated in the oven and microwave.
Melamine plates have a similar look to porcelain and ceramic, but they are far more durable. Usually shatter-resistant, these extremely tough plates can be taken on the go and are suitable for any occasion. They’re often available in a range of colours and patterns.
Finally, there’s stoneware. Chip-resistant and available in a variety of styles, this material is another popular choice, bringing an attractive rustic look to table settings.
Design
Dinner plates come in a huge range of styles and designs, from stylish white, to block colours to beautiful illustrations. The most popular and versatile everyday option is plain white, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t experiment with some brighter colours and patterns.
Dinner plates with a very wide rim look great at formal dinner plates. Plates with no rim are perfect for everyday use.
Finally, look for dinner plates that store neatly, preferably stacking on top of each other without damage.
Size
Standard dinner plates have a diameter of 10.5” but this can vary. Many people now opt for 11 or 12” plates with large rims for a more aesthetic look. For everyday use, smaller dinner plates may be preferable as they’re easier to store and fit in the dishwasher. Dinner plates without a rim or lip are typically smaller and great for compact kitchens.
Durability
A broken dinner plate is frustrating, but purchasing the right set can reduce the chance of breakages. If you’re likely to drop your dinner plates on a regular basis, look for a set made from melamine or stoneware. Porcelain plates are also very durable.
Dinner Plates FAQ
How big is a standard dinner plate?
A standard dinner plate is 10.5” in diameter, but this is not a set rule, with many restaurants and homes now opting for either smaller or larger plates.