Are you searching for new dinnerware that you can be confident is safe and free from harmful materials? Well, you've come to the right place. We've put together this guide to help you choose the best dinnerware for you and your family.
- Corelle
- Bennington Potters
- Anchor Hocking
- H.F. Coors
- Re-Play
- Farmhouse Pottery
- Liberty Tabletop LLC
- Bauer Pottery
- FiestaÂ
- Pickard China
- Ohio Stoneware
- Simon Pearce
- Kate Spade
So, what's the difference between these different manufacturers? And how do you know if an item is food safe? Keep reading to learn about choosing a dinnerware set and finding the right items for your home.
How To Tell If Dinnerware Is Safe?
Look for markings on the item that state if the piece is meant for decoration only. Never eat or drink from thrifted or antique dishes of unknown origins. Many older pieces contained lead in the glaze and cadmium for color.
Look for the maker's marks and dates and try to identify the brand and age of the dinnerware set.
You can use this information to research the set and find out if it's safe. The safest option is to purchase a new set that was recently manufactured to meet FDA guidelines.
1. Corelle
A well-known company, Corelle has been manufacturing great dinnerware since 1970. While they still make their glass products in the United States, their stoneware is made overseas.
Avoid purchasing used Corelle dinnerware; they still used small levels of toxic materials in their more decorative products until 2005.
Corelle 18-Piece Glass Dinnerware Set
This set of dinnerware is made from glass and doesn't contain any toxic ingredients that could leech into your food. It's also available decorated in different patterns for a more festive look.
Click here to see this set on Amazon.
2. Bennington Potters
For 74 years, Bennington Potters have been crafting quality dinnerware in Vermont. Their products are gorgeous and unique while safe and free of toxic ingredients. They also offer bakeware, mugs, teapots, and more.
3. Anchor Hocking
Since 1905 Anchor Hocking has been making glassware ranging from dinnerware to bakeware. Their products are made in the United States, and their modern products are entirely food safe.
Some of their antique products may contain harmful chemicals, so never eat off of untested antique dinnerware.
Anchor Hocking Glass Plate Set
Anchor Hocking is a well-established American dinnerware manufacturer and cookware and earned its reputation by making high-quality products. This set of 12 salad plates is a safe choice that is free from hazardous materials.
Click here to take a look at this set on Amazon.
4. H.F. Coors
Since 1925 H.F. Coors has been making quality stoneware in the United States. All of their products are entirely lead-free. However, products with yellow or orange colorations contain a small amount of cadmium.
These products are put through an extensive manufacturing and testing process to guarantee the safety of their customers.
If you want to avoid the risk of any cadmium in your dinnerware, select an option that doesn't have yellow or orange colors.
5. The Re-Play Store
This company was started in 1987 and makes all its products in the United States. Their products are made from recycled milk jugs that would otherwise end up in a landfill, so they're eco-friendly.
These are an excellent option for families with young children who can't use glass or ceramic dinnerware.
Re-Play Recycled Dining Plates And Bowls
This set of plates and bowls is made in the USA from 100% recycled polypropylene that's completely free from hazardous chemicals. They're available in various colors, and the company makes many other dinnerware options.
Click here to check out this collection on Amazon.
6. Farmhouse Pottery
Based in Vermont, this pottery store offers lines of dinnerware, bakeware, and other items that are all handcrafted in the United States. Their products are safe and non-toxic, high quality, and stunning.
7. Liberty Tabletop LLC
This US manufacturer makes gorgeous flatware of exceptional quality. They are the only company manufacturing stainless steel flatware in the United States. They use high-grade steel for their products, making them a safe and non-toxic flatware choice.
Liberty Tabletop Flatware Set
This flatware is made in the United States and constructed from stainless steel. The 20-piece set includes enough for four place settings.
Click here to see this set on Amazon.
8. Bauer Pottery
Since the 1800s, Bauer pottery has been making a name for itself in the United States and worldwide.
While older versions of Bauer dinnerware may have contained lead and cadmium, their modern products are safe and up to government standards.
All their products are handmade in the United States at their California factory.
Bauer Pottery Dinner Plate
This dinner plate is handmade to create a high-quality product with character. This plate is not only a serving piece but a work of art.
Click here to see this plate on Amazon.
9. Fiesta
Since 1936 Fiesta has been making dinnerware in the United States, and in 1986 all of their products became officially lead and cadmium free.
All their products are oven, dishwasher, and microwave safe for convenience.
Fiesta has also dedicated itself to eco-friendly packaging and shipping processes, making them an eco-friendly option.
Fiesta 16-Piece Dinner Service
This set contains enough pieces for place settings, and it's available in three different colors to fit your personality. This beautiful set also has a 5-year chip warranty for peace of mind.
Click here to see this set on Amazon.
10. Pickard China
Made in Illinois, Pickard China is some of the finest quality dinnerware on the market today. Their products are safe and free from lead and cadmium and are available in various colors and patterns.
You can even order customized dinnerware for special occasions or as gifts.
11. Ohio Stoneware
Based out of Ohio, Ohio Stoneware has been crafting high-quality kitchenware since 2005. From bakeware to serving ware, this company has a handmade product that is perfect for your home.
Free from cadmium and lead, these products are a charming way to add safety to your kitchen.
Ohio Stoneware Serving Bowl
This serving bowl is perfect for a salad, and you'll know that your food is contained in a safe and toxin-free vessel. It's also a beautiful piece that is heavy-weight and durable.
Click here to take a look at this on Amazon.
12. Simon Pearce
Simon Pearce is a potter and glass blower in Vermont who handcrafts high-quality dinnerware. His items are all safe and free of cadmium and lead. He offers dinnerware, glasses, mugs, flatware, and a variety of other household essentials.
13. Kate Spade
The lovely dinnerware sets put out by Kate Spade are lead and cadmium free, although only certain collections are made in the USA.
Be sure to look into the collection before you make your decision to make sure you are purchasing a set made in the United States.
There are colorful and fun options with patterns and images, as well as more plain and simple options that will remain stylish for years.
You can even find kitchen accessories that will match, like butter dishes and sugar bowls.
Kate Spade 5-Piece Place Setting
This 5-piece set completes a single place setting, and you can buy matching pieces of serving ware. The white porcelain China with a simple gray trim is the perfect solution for an elegant dinnerware set.
Click here to see this set on Amazon.
Can You Test Your Dinnerware For Lead?
You can purchase test strips to test your own items for lead at home. The test strips are easy to use and readily available for purchase.
TONNYLAB Lead Test Swabs
This lead test kit comes with sixty swabs, so you'll get plenty of uses out of it. It's an excellent kit for avid antiquers and thrifters looking to test the safety of their finds.
Click here to see this kit on Amazon.
Can You Test Your Dinnerware For Cadmium?
Yes, you can test for cadmium at home too, and while it involves a little more than a lead test, it's still pretty easy to do.
Follow the instructions on the test you purchase, and you'll be able to tell if your set has cadmium in it.
Vintage ceramics and stoneware with yellow or orange paint are the most likely to have cadmium.
Industrial Test Systems Sensafe Metals Test
Click here to see these on Amazon.
In Conclusion
Now that you've learned about the safest dinnerware options and how to tell if your current set is safe, you're ready to start considering which option is best for you and your family.
Remember that new items made in the USA must meet the safety requirements provided by the FDA, while items manufactured in other countries may not have the same standards.
Have fun finding shopping and enjoy your new dinnerware set!
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