Best Dinnerware Sets in Canada

Years in the homewares industry have helped us determine which products are a good fit for most Canadians. We look at a variety of factors when making our selections. These factors are tested via unique evaluations in our test lab. Then, each selection is sent to a team of testers to determine if they hold up over time. 

The list of factors we analyze to determine the best dinnerware set in Canada are:

• Quality. We never compromise on quality. We closely examine the finishing of the sets to ensure there are no defects or apparent non-uniformity. We make sure the dinnerware set is from a reputable brand known for rolling out high-quality and long-lasting products. The big-name brands included in this review are Amazon Basics, Corelle, and Gibson Home.
• Price. The dinnerware sets we have listed are meant for Canadians from all walks of life. The prices range from very affordable to relatively pricey for high-end pieces. But most importantly, we only list products that we’re confident provide the most value for the listed price for Canadians. 
• Weight. If a dish is too heavy, it becomes a challenge to handle. It is likely to slide out of your hands and break when you’re moving it around. But again, you don’t want a dinnerware set that is too light and oozes cheapness. We wanted to find a balance between the two. Fortunately, all the sets on our list are not too heavy and are very easy to handle. Neither are they too light, so they won’t give that feeling that something is cheap.
• Functionality. The practicality and functionality of a dinnerware set are perhaps two of the most critical factors we consider when choosing the best dinnerware sets in Canada. For instance, some dinner plates have a unique design but are too flat. While the design is very appealing, the dish is not practical, since it’s tough to scoop your food. Our list includes curved and coupe-shaped dinner plates to allow you to devour your meals elegantly.

How to Choose the Best Dinnerware Sets in Canada

There are so many dinnerware sets at your disposal in Canada. When it comes to housewares, dinnerware sets are one of the most numerous products available. Some will break after just a few months of service, while others are long-lasting, beautiful, and blend beautifully with your aesthetics. The following factors can help you choose a dinnerware set that works well for you.

Price

You don’t exactly want to go for something cheap. Instead, go for a dinnerware set that offers good functionality, great value for the money, and better aesthetics. Expensive doesn’t translate to better quality, either. Some brands will price their products expensively just because of their reputation. So, go for features that reflect a reasonable price. 

Quality

Quality is a consideration you should never overlook. The best way to know the material’s quality is by reading previous buyers’ reviews. If they complain that the pieces in the dinnerware set have deformities or chips and break easily, then it is best to stay away from that product. After all, many other brands offer high-quality products. Compromising quality for a lower price isn’t the best idea. You’re likely to end up paying more for replacements in the future because they won’t last long. So, cheap is expensive in the end.

Brand

Some might contend that the brand you purchase your dinnerware sets from shouldn’t be an issue, provided the dinnerware is of high quality, but this is not true. Some brands are arguably better than others, and their products are reliable. The best brands provide you with a warranty that covers the damage. They also refund you without issues if you’re unsatisfied with the product. It’s best to associate yourself with some of the reputable names in the industry not just because you get a high-quality product, but also because their service is stellar. Some big names in the industry include Corelle, Amazon Basics, and Gibson Home.

Resistance to Heat and Cold

Do you dread transferring your leftovers to another microwave-safe bowl so you can heat them? Don’t make the same mistake with your next dinnerware set purchase. Look for a set that can withstand heat from microwaves and even ovens. The collection should be freezer-safe for extra convenience when storing your leftovers. Dinnerware sets with irregular expansion and contraction characteristics tend to crack when placed in a microwave, freezer, oven, or dishwasher. Therefore, this is a critical factor to consider.

Durability

You don’t want a dinnerware set that will go to ruin in just a few months. Quality dinnerware sets can stand up well against wooden counters and shouldn’t easily break when dropped on them. These plates also don’t get marks from other utensils, and neither do they chip easily. However, be careful with tile and concrete floors or work surfaces because these are hard and will easily break your plates regardless of their quality. 

Resistance to Chips and Marks From Other Utensils

Nothing breaks the aesthetics of a dining table more than a plate with chips, marks, or scratches. For that reason, it’s best to go for a dinnerware set that’s made with strong enough material to withstand dents and chips. You should take the seller’s claims with a grain of salt. An excellent way to find out if a dinnerware set chips or gets marked with other utensils is by going to the reviews section and reading what previous customers have to say. Some customers have used the product for years and are blatantly honest with their opinions.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning the dishes is already hard for most. The last thing you want to deal with is a dinnerware set that has to be rewashed fresh out of the dishwasher. It’s best to go for a dinnerware set that’s easy to clean. For one, the surface should be ultra-hygienic and non-porous so odours and germs don’t stick to the plate. Secondly, the dinnerware set should be dishwasher safe so you don’t have to manually do them whenever they get dirty. Instead, you can place them in the dishwasher and save energy and time.

Household Size

The size of a household plays a significant role in determining how many sets you’ll want to purchase. You want a big enough dinnerware set so everyone has a plate at the dinner table. Larger households should go for multiple sets so everyone at the table has dinnerware that looks the same for better aesthetics and uniformity. 

If you’re living alone or just with a partner, there’s no need to get too many sets unless you entertain often, because that will unnecessarily fill up your cupboards – and kitchen sink. 

Weight of the Plates and Bowls

The size of individual plates and bowls is critical. You want something light and easy to handle. You don’t want to buy plates or bowls that are too heavy and will easily slide out of your hands when carrying them around.

You also don’t want a too-light plate that screams “cheap” whenever your guests hold them. You have to get the size and weight right.

Shape

It’s not all about the regular roundness of plates and bowls. Dinnerware sets come in different shapes and are a great way to bring a rare flair to your dining table. You can go for square, oval, rectangular, and anything in between. 

Flexibility to Purchase a Partial Set

Sometimes you might need the dinner plates, or the salad bowls, or perhaps just the cups, and not everything that comes in the set. Or maybe some of the pieces might break along the way and you might need to replace them instead of buying a whole new set. Consult with the seller on whether you can buy a partial set. If you can, that will contribute to uniformity in your dinnerware set for a very long time.

Existing Theme and Decor

The dinnerware set you go for can easily make or break the aesthetics of your dining table. Go for neutral and vibrant tones that perfectly blend in with the colour of the table. It’s not always about the colour, either. You must examine the set’s design and patterns and try to match them with your existing decor pieces. If you get stuck, it’s time to bring in your interior designer so they can give you insights on which set best enhances your space. 

When it comes to dinnerware, it’s not just about functionality and quality but also aesthetics. The sets we’ve included in this list come in different designs and colours, so you won’t lack something that complements the theme of your kitchen and dining area. You can also layer these pieces with your existing decor for added interest.

Ability to Blend With Existing Dinnerware Sets

Unless you’re moving straight out of your parent’s home, you probably have an existing dinnerware set. For that reason, you need to ensure the new dinnerware set you’re going for goes with your current set. Otherwise, the styles between the two might not complement each other. This consideration could leave you with limited choices, but you’ll be grateful if you find the option that perfectly complements your existing sets.

Alternatively, you may want to completely replace your existing dinnerware set. If this is the case, make sure to purchase enough pieces to feed your family with extras left over.

Storage

It does not matter how colossal your kitchen drawers are or how over-the-top your organizational skills are. If the dinner plates and bowls in your dinnerware set don’t perfectly stack up on each other, you will struggle with storage. And this is how you end up with a messy drawer. So go for quality products that are uniform in design and perfectly stack up on each other.