Is there really unbreakable dinnerware? You may find yourself in the position of needing dinnerware that won't break so easily. There are many products that are marketed as unbreakable plates, but that doesn't mean they are truly unbreakable. Rather, it means they are harder to break than your typical fine China or ceramic.
If you have raised your kids to adulthood, you probably know that unbreakable dinnerware doesn't really exist. All dishes are pretty much destroyable one way or another. From chips to cracks and from crushed to burnt, kids can play havoc on your dishes, utensils, and even pots and pans. The best you can do is to get "hard-to-break" material. Let's look at some good options for that.
Melamine, Melmac and Acrylic Dinnerware
Melamine dinnerware sets are perfect for a growing family because they don't shatter when you drop them. However, they are not microwave safe and some are not dishwasher-safe either. Melamine resin absorbs the radiation from the microwave and it gets very hot. It also scratches and stains easily. In today's modern culture, this might not be a practical choice for some families.
Melamine, Melmac, and acrylic dinnerware have become more in demand for outside dinnerware as opposed to everyday dishes. If you have a lot of outdoor dinner parties, for example, this could be a good option.
They are perfect for serving on the patio, on the beach, or for camping because they are made of hard plastic that is very difficult to break. You can also use a melamine plate as a serving platter or for dessert plates, even if you don't use them as your main dinner plates.
Enamelware and Stainless Steel
Camping dinnerware, such as enamelware, is unbreakable dinnerware. There is also stainless steel dinnerware that is perfect for dining outdoors. Of course, this type of dinnerware is not microwave safe, but it is beyond durable and can last for years and years. This makes it another popular choice.
Personally, I love enamelware for camping. Sometimes the plates get hot, depending on what you are serving, so it is important to have towels to drape over the lap while eating around a campfire. You may not put this on the dinner table, but it still has its uses.
Everyday Unbreakable Dinnerware
Now, what if you do want something you can place on the dinner table? For everyday dinnerware that is hard to break, I would recommend Corelle. First introduced in 1970, Corelle dinnerware is known for its durability. They are perfect for families with children who want plates that look nice but that are very difficult to chip or break.
It is actually made of three layers of glass that are thermally bonded together and glazed to provide strength, durability, and scratch resistance. Corelle dishes are microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe. They are hard to break or chip and they are fairly fade-resistant.
Corelle dinnerware
There are several patterns of Corelle dinnerware and they are very attractive and lightweight. Here are some examples of Corelle you can find today on Amazon.
The set below, called Crimson Trellis, is one I personally own and love! It's great for everyday use, but we've also used it for Christmas dinner and other celebrations.
Corelle 12-Piece Dinnerware Set Service for 4, Chip Resistant, Glass, Artemis, Vitrelle
Corelle 18-Piece Service for 6 Dinnerware Set
Everyday Expressions by Corelle 12-Pc Dinnerware Set
You can also find Corelle at other major retailers. It's very common, very affordable, and easy to care for. These sets are so durable they can last for years, but they also make a good everyday dinnerware choice you can use when you have young children.
Bamboo dinnerware
Bamboo dinnerware is also known to be unbreakable. It is very inexpensive because it is intended to be disposable dinnerware, although it is possible to reuse many times if you take good care of it.
Member's Mark 18-Piece Bamboo Melamine Dinnerware Set
This is a beautiful set with a stunning design that is also unbreakable. Made of melamine, it has a painted-look design that is so unique and gorgeous. You'll be happy with this set when you want something unique.
4-Pack Bamboo Fiber Dinner Plates - Unbreakable
This simple 4-pack of bamboo plates has a nice neutral design and they are very durable. I think they would be great for parties, outdoor dining, children, or even just everyday use.
Baby Unbreakable Dinnerware
Of course, for a baby who is just learning to eat themselves, you want unbreakable dinnerware. Most dishes for babies are made of plastic. Some are microwave safe. However, it is really not recommended to microwave meals for a baby in the dish that you serve them in. You always have to be cautious to make sure that the food is not too hot and certainly that the dishes aren't hot while feeding a baby.
I loved the bowls with lids when my kids were small. It made it easy to take snacks on the go and to serve them wherever we were. I just slipped the bowl into the diaper bag and didn't have to worry about leaks. They also used sippy cups regularly until they learned not to spill their drinks.
For a family, with toddlers, children, or teens, Zak Designs dinnerware is a blessing. Their dishes are fun-filled and practical from daily use to on-the-go meals.
Do you have any favorite unbreakable dinnerware that you want to share with us?
Kathy acquired the blog, Recipe Idea Shop in 2024. She was raised on a farm in Arkansas where having a big garden and good food to eat was the norm. She shares recipes for homemade comfort food and new trending dishes.
Kathy began her blogging journey in 2011 when she founded PetticoatJunktion.com, a home décor blog focused on repurposing and upcycling furniture, and thrift store finds.