Simply Smart Living

Ultimate Guide To The Best Plastic Dinnerware [year]

Plastic tableware is an outdoor dining staple in most homes, and its popularity as everyday dinnerware is on the rise. Nowadays, plastic dishes come in a vast array of styles and colors, including dinnerware sets that mimic the look and feel of ceramic or stoneware dishes.

Most plastic tableware is practically unbreakable and dishwasher-safe thanks to innovative plastics like melamine and polypropylene. Some are even made specifically for microwave use. However, not all plastics are created equally and some brands consistently outperform others.

With 15-plus years as a restaurant-grade plastic tableware buyer under my belt, I’ve tested plenty of dishes over the years. If you’re on the hunt for plastic dinnerware for any reason—everyday use, outdoor dining, kids’ tables, or just for fun—start your search with these proven collections.


Best Plastic Dinnerware At-a-Glance

Here’s a quick look at our top plastic dinnerware picks, read on for more details on each.


Top Picks in Melamine Dinnerware

Melamine plastic dishes lead the pack when it comes to design options and long-term durability in the dishwasher. They’re also the most scratch-resistant and break-resistant plastic tableware option on the market. Here are several stunning collections from top-rated melamine dinnerware brands.

Melamine Dinnerware by Gibson Home

Melamine tableware by Gibson Home is hard to beat. Gibson produces many plastic dinnerware styles and designs, all very economically priced. Gibson also offers very nice finishes ranging from rustic patinas to sleek modern looks.

Our Fave
Mauna Melamine Dinnerware by Gibson Home - Multicolor Set for 4
4.5
$34.99 $25.30
Pros:
  • Ultra-durable melamine plastic dishes
  • Heavyweight, stoneware-like feel
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Choose from 10+ solid-color or multi-color sets
  • Good value for the money
Cons:
  • Not recommended for microwave use
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12/26/2024 12:15 am GMT

Gibsone melamine dinnerware also leads the pack in decorative sets with stripes, polka dots, and more. Whatever your style, Gibson Home likely has the look to match. Amazon carries a full selection of Gibson Home melamine tableware. Gibson dishes are also available in kitchen and department stores, but Amazon has the largest selection I’ve seen year-round.

User reviews of Gibson Studio melamine dishes are good overall. It’s made of quality melamine plastic which is dishwasher-safe and very break-resistant. However, it’s not recommended for microwave use. We cover some top microwave-safe dinnerware sets below if that’s what you’re looking for.

Melamine Tableware Sets by Gufaith

Gufaith is another brand that creates standout plastic tableware sets in durable, dishwasher-safe melamine. Gufaith offers a wide variety of styles including modern minimalist designs, dishes that mimic china, and several rustic looks.

Our Fave
Melamine Plastic Dinnerware by Gufaith - Set for 4 in Blue
4.5
$43.99
Pros:
  • Comes in many decorative styles, colors and finishes
  • Ultra-durable melamine plastic dishes
  • Bowls are generously sized versus some melamine brands
  • Great value for the price
Cons:
  • Not recommended for microwave use
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12/26/2024 09:16 pm GMT

You can find Gufaith’s full melamine dinnerware collection on Amazon. Buyers consistently give Gufaith collections top reviews, with great styling, feel, finish, and weight noted among the top comments.

Negative comments center around the plates not being microwave-safe, but that’s true of all melamine dishes. If you know that going in, you won’t be disappointed in Gufaith melamine dinnerware.

Certified International Melamine Dinnerware

Certified International makes both ceramic and durable melamine plastic tableware in many terrific styles. They offer one of the largest plastic dinnerware collections available, and you can always find a great assortment of melamine tableware sets in both solid colors and hand-painted-inspired designs. Many sets even offer coordinating serving platters, which is unusual in most melamine collections.

Our Fave
Vera Cruz Melamine Plastic Dishes by Certified - Set for 4
4.5
$57.18
Pros:
  • Ultra-durable melamine plastic dishes
  • Break-resistant and dishwasher-safe
  • Gorgeous patterns with hand-painted appeal
  • Heavyweight, stoneware-style look and feel
  • Coordinating serving bowls and platters available (not common in many melamine lines)
Cons:
  • Not recommended for microwave use
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12/26/2024 12:24 am GMT

Along with stunning looks, I’m always impressed with the quality feel and finish of Certified melamine products. The thick, ceramic-like pieces appear hand-painted, plus they offer a number of coordinating serving pieces in most patterns.

Melamine Dinnerware by Zak Designs

Zak Designs is another plastic tableware line that offers several styles and is especially known for its gorgeous styling ranging from old-world charm to sleek modern looks. You can find Zak Designs melamine tableware in styles ranging from rustic French Country House (our fave!) to colorful Confetti Collection. Zak also has a huge selection of kids’ dinnerware sets.

Our Fave
French Country House Melamine Tableware by Zak Designs - Set for 4
4.5
Pros:
  • Stunning old-world style with a rustic patina
  • Heavyweight, stoneware look and feel
  • Break-resistant and dishwasher-safe
  • Includes coordinating serving platters and bowls - not common in most melamine collections
Cons:
  • Not recommended for microwave use
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Confetti’s unique color-speckled styling is a real eye-catcher and is one of Zak Designs best-selling lines. Confetti is also crafted of recycled plastic, so it’s a greener tableware choice, too. It’s no surprise that Confetti products have been featured on Rachael Ray and in many home and kitchen magazines and blogs over the years.

Confetti Melamine Dinnerware Set by Zak Designs, 12-Piece, Several Colors
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Top Picks for Microwave-Safe Plastic Dinnerware

Microwave-safe plastic dinnerware is generally made of polypropylene and polypropylene blends. These plastics don’t absorb heat in the microwave, unlike melamine. However, overheating the food on the dish can still damage the surface of some microwave-safe dishes. It’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s heat recommendation for plastic dishes you plan to use in the microwave.

ShopWithGreen Microwave-safe Plastic Dinnerware

ShopWithGreen makes a polypropylene plastic dinnerware line that combines style with great durability. These dishes are lighter in weight compared to most melamine dinnerware, but still very sturdy. They are also extremely break-resistant and safe for both dishwasher and microwave use.

Our Fave
Unbreakable Plastic Dinnerware Set by Shopwithgreen - Set for 4
4.5
$34.98
Pros:
  • Sturdy, virtually unbreakable polypropylene plastic
  • Dishwasher and microwave-safe plastic dishes
  • Sharp, modern styling and colors
  • Set includes coordinating mugs
  • Great value price-wise
Cons:
  • Microwave reheat recommended limit of 120-degrees F
  • Best for quick reheating, not longer cooking times
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12/26/2024 09:17 pm GMT

ShopWithGreen plastic dishes are sold in mixed and single-color sets, plus they offer a full collection of kid’s dishes, serving pieces, and more in their online shop.

Microwave-safe Plastic Tableware by US Acrylic

US Acrylic’s popular Newport dinnerware and drinkware sets are crafted in ultra-durable polypropylene plastic and come in several colors. Newport dishes are lighter-weight compared to melamine, but the full line is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and virtually unbreakable.

Our Fave
Newport Plastic Dinnerware by US Acrylic - Set for 4 in Blue
4.5
Pros:
  • Unbreakable plastic dishes in several colors
  • Dishwasher-safe, ok for light microwave use
  • Lightweight but sturdy, ideal for kids and seniors
  • Great pack-alongs for camping and RV-ing
  • Great value for the money -- set includes tumblers
  • Made in the USA
Cons:
  • Not heavyweight ceramic-like plastic dishes
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US Acrylic also has a new dinnerware line called Everest, which sports a modern, rimless style. Everest dishes and coordinating bowls are sold separately in assorted color sets.

Our Fave
Everest Ultra-Durable Plastic Plates in Blue Sky - Set of 6
4.5
Pros:
  • Modern rimless styling
  • Coordinating bowls available (sold separately)
  • Choose from several colors
  • Ultra-durable, virtually unbreakable plastic dishes
  • Dishwasher-safe, ok for light microwave use
  • Great pack-alongs for camping and RV-ing
  • Good value for the money
Cons:
  • Not heavyweight, ceramic-like plastic dishes
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US Acrylic also offers a full selection of clear and colorful plastic glasses, wine glasses, and stemware to coordinate with their plastic dishes. You can browse their full collection in the US Acrylic online shop.

NordicWare Microwave-Safe Plastic Dishes

Nordic Ware microwave-safe plastic dishes offer simple, everyday styling at a great price, making them a best-seller year over year.

Our Fave
Nordic Ware Microwave-safe Plastic Dinner Plates - Set of 4
4.5
$11.50
Pros:
  • Designed for longer heating times in the microwave
  • Sturdy 10-in plates great for meals and snacks
  • Dishwasher safe and virtually unbreakable
  • Great for outdoor dining, camping and RV-ing
  • Good value price-wise
Cons:
  • Not a full tableware set
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12/26/2024 12:06 am GMT

Made of the same high-heat, BPA-free plastic used in their extensive microwave cookware line, Nordic Ware microwave plates and bowls perform well long-term, plus they tend to withstand higher heat than other microwave-safe brands.


That’s a Wrap

That wraps up my Ultimate Guide To The Best Plastic Tableware. I hope this roundup gives you some good ideas and helps narrow down your shopping search. If you have any questions or faves and finds of your own, please share in the comments below.

 

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