8 Best Outdoor Dinnerware Sets of 2024, Tested by Our Lab Experts
Stylish and durable outdoor dishes that stood up against our drop, scratch and staining tests.
Tested by Jamie UedaContributing Writer and Analyst
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While it may feel easy to buy a pack of single-use plates for an outdoor barbecue or to pack your picnic basket, that can get expensive and wasteful. Outdoor dinnerware offers a good alternative without having to worry about breaking your everyday plates. Great outdoor dinnerware should be light enough to carry around your home patio and resistant to breaking, chipping or cracking when you accidentally drop it on the deck or rocky pavement. Bonus points if outdoor dishes are scratch-resistant, don't stain, can be thrown in the dishwasher for easy clean up and if they're just as stylish as your indoor dinnerware set.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we test hundreds of kitchen products a year, including camp cookware, drinking glasses, coupe glasses and more. When we test break-resistant outdoor dinnerware, we conduct tests to learn how plates react when dropped and how they fare when proteins are cut on them. We also test for staining, dishwasher- and microwave-safe claims and enlist our panel of consumer testers to rate how attractive they find the dinnerware. Our best outdoor dinnerware picks are based on testing results in our Lab and at home, deep categorical knowledge and industry insight.
Pros
- Top-scorer for attractiveness
- No signs of wear after being dropped on wood
Cons
- Light scratch marks were visible in the light after scratch testing
This outdoor dinnerware received the highest ratings in attractiveness and durability in Lab tests compared to other picks we tested. The Lenox Blue Bay Melamine line offers a lot of versatility, too: You can either purchase this 16-piece set, the 20-piece set with serving ware or a set of 4 dinner plates. Testers rated this set highly and we can see why with the various blue patterns that are different, yet look cohesive, making for a stylish tabletop.
There were no signs of wear after being dropped on wood flooring during the drop test. This set was also one of the highest scorers for scratch resistance, there were very light scratches, noticeable only when held up to the light. Lenox stands by their products and also offers the Lenox Replacement Promise which will replace your dinnerware "if breakage occurs during normal use or if an item is defective."
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls and 4 tumblers | Material: Melamine | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No
Pros
- Didn’t stain in tests
- Didn’t show signs of wear after 14 washes in the dishwasher
Cons
- Showed some scrape marks after chip test
Sturdy and affordable, this melamine tableware set is highly popular on Amazon and tested well in most Lab tests. The Gibson Soho Lounge Home Canyon Crest Matte Melamine Set is a good value; you get 12 pieces for about $40. A set includes four of each of the following: Dinner plate, salad plate and bowl. They are top rack dishwasher-safe and didn’t show signs of wear after 14 washes in the dishwasher. They didn't stain in our Lab tests either.
The blue colorway looks more muted in person than online. Our testers didn’t find the blue color as attractive as other pieces, however this dinnerware set does come in other colors like pastels or matte black. We also recommend being slightly more careful with these dishes compared to others, as they showed some scrape marks after our chip test.
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates and 4 bowls | Material: Melamine | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Top rack only, but hand wash recommended | Microwave-safe: No
Pros
- Very durable, didn’t break in drop testing
- No signs of stains or scratches in testing
Cons
- This particular pattern has a matte finish so some testers didn’t like aesthetic
Is Correlle good for outdoors? We think so. Corelle tableware is wildly popular and highly rated online and in our Labs. It comes in a wide assortment of colors like winter frost white, patterns like northern pines, shapes and set sizes like like 4 or 18 pieces. The Portofino Dinnerware Set is good for someone who doesn’t want melamine plates or wants to just have one set for indoor and outdoor use. They are also very light and thin, making them great for indoor or outdoor use. These dishes have proved very durable in our tests as they didn’t break during drop testing, nor did they scratch or stain.
Every piece is microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer- and even pre-heated (to 350 Fº) oven-safe. Made of vitrelle glass, a laminated glass proprietary to Corelle, the pieces are resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching and staining. Corelle will replace any dinnerware that cracks, breaks or chips within three years of the date of purchase. This set includes four of each of the following: Dinner plate, salad plate and bowl.
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates and 4 bowls | Material: Vitrelle glass | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Pros
- One of the higher rated dishes in terms of aesthetics
- Freezer-safe
Cons
- Showed signs of wear and scratches after the scratch test and drop test
Crate & Barrel Marin Melamine Dinnerware doesn't come in sets like the other picks on this list. However, it allows you to buy separates and mix and match pieces or only buy a few if you're short on storage or have a small household. They also look so nice that you could use these for entertaining indoors as well.
The dishes in this line have a trendier look with a shape that almost makes them appear ceramic. Our testers especially liked how attractive these plates were. These scratched easier compared to the others picks on this list. They're not microwave-safe, but they're top rack dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe.
What's included: 1 dinner plate | Material: Melamine | Number of settings: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Top rack only | Microwave-safe: No
Pros
- Performed very well in scratch and drop testing
- Large variety of pieces in the Sicily line
Cons
- Pricey
The Williams Sonoma Sicily Outdoor Melamine plates had excellent performance in our tests, as they were very durable. These performed really well in scratch and drop testing; there were a few nearly invisible scratches, but the pattern helps hide scratches. There were no signs of wear after being dropped on wood from the drop tester.
Williams Sonoma offers a variety of different ways to buy this tableware. You can purchase a set of four dishes or splurge and buy multiple sets of dishes from this line. Keep in mind that these are pricey and the pattern may not be for everyone but overall we found it to be a good set.
What's included: 4 salad plates | Material: Melamine | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Top rack only | Microwave-safe: No
Pros
- Comes with four versatile pieces of dinnerware
- Durable when dropped in testing
Cons
- Scratched quite a bit in testing
These melamine plates from Fortessa are good for someone who likes an earthier stoneware look in their outdoor dinnerware. The stylish terracotta colorway has a delicate speckled pattern and the bowls and plates have an organic shape to them which is on trend right now. They come in a set of four dinner plates, four salad plates, four tall cereal bowls and four shallow coupe bowls, which offer versatility in what you serve at your outdoor barbecue.
These dishes were durable when drop tested, resulting in one minor scratch after being dropped on the drop tester floor and nothing else. But there were quite a few scratches on the dishes from cutting with a steak knife, especially with a serrated steak knife. They're dishwasher-safe, but cannot be used in a microwave.
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 cereal bowls and 4 coupe bowls | Material: Melamine | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No
Pros
- Strong but lightweight dishes
- Oven and cooktop safe
Cons
- Porcelain may chip if dropped
These enamelware dishes are porcelain fused onto heavy-gauge steel which gives them a very sturdy feel for a plate that looks like porcelain. We appreciate how lightweight these plates are and like the colorful edge added to the white plate. You cannot purchase Falcon's enamelware in a set, but they sell a variety of pieces (including small bowls or deep plates) to stock up for your next camping trip or picnic in the park.
These dishes are dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 530 degrees. According to Falcon they can be used on a gas or electric stovetop, which makes them good for using over a camp stove as well. The porcelain may chip but the advantage of the steel core is that they won’t shatter completely if dropped accidentally.
What's included: 4 dinner plates | Material: Porcelain enamel | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No
Pros
- Look like they're ceramic, but much more lightweight
- Mix and match color options
Cons
- Dark blue colorway developed scuffs after long-term testing
According to the manufacturer, this Fable New York outdoor dinnerware set is made of organic bamboo fiber, non-GMO corn starch and a food-grade BPA-free melamine coating which provides a layer of durability and makes it top-rack dishwasher-safe, but not microwave-safe. The 16-piece set includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a deep bowl and a shallow bowl. Cups are sold separately. We love the seven beautiful matte color options that can be mixed and matched to create your own set. You can even buy each piece separately for a completely customizable look.
Testers said this dinnerware looks like ceramic but is much more lightweight. In our testing, we found that the dark blue dishes can develop scuffs over time like most dark matte products do, but the other colors clean up nicely.
What's included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 deep bowls and 4 shallow bowls | Material: Bamboo and melamine | Number of settings: 4 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes, top rack only | Microwave-safe: No
How we test outdoor dinnerware
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovations Lab, we have tested over 35 different dinnerware sets in the last decade (including seven new lines of outdoor dinnerware in 2024) that claimed to be break-resistant.
When we test outdoor dinnerware, we evaluate the ability to resist scratching, chipping, staining and breaking when dropped. We also assess dishwasher cleaning and if the dinnerware is microwave-safe.
To test breaking, we drop each piece of dinnerware that claims to be break-resistant from our drop tester (as shown here) onto two types of material: wood flooring and the metal of the drop tester floor.
We test scratch resistance by cutting chicken parmesan and spaghetti on each plate with two types of steak knives, a serrated and a flat edge. After scraping the food off and washing the plates, we score each based on the amount of scratching.To test staining, we use the plates of food from our scratch test.
We scrape off the plates leaving sauce and small bits behind to sit overnight. After sitting for at least 12 hours, we wash each plate in the dishwasher and check for any stains left behind. We then run each plate through the dishwasher 13 more times and check for any wear that may have occurred through the cycles.
Finally, we have a consumer test panel rate the attractiveness of the outdoor dinnerware. We also consider specs like materials, price, style and what's included in a set. We note the number of place settings or if pieces are sold individually so you can create your own set or replace broken items.
What to look for when buying outdoor dinnerware
✔️ Material: In the world of non-disposable and break-resistant dinnerware that doesn’t sacrifice on style, there are six food-safe materials to consider. Laminated glass, melamine, polypropylene, porcelain enamel, bamboo and acrylic. Read on to determine which material is right for you.
✔️ Style: Outdoor dinnerware comes in a variety of different designs and color combinations. If you host dinner parties outdoors, opt for a stylish but durable set. If you plan on picnicking frequently, it should be an especially lightweight set that transports easily. For the avid camper, choose a set that can withstand the high heat of a campfire and won’t shatter if it is dropped on rough terrain.
✔️ Set size: Most outdoor dinnerware is either sold in sets by place setting or as individual pieces, so you can mix and match. Determine first how many people you will be serving and the number of plates or bowls you will need. Depending on the retailer, buying individually can be more affordable if you only need a few pieces, but buying a set is convenient if you need to buy in bulk.
✔️ Washability: If you are solely outdoor dining in your backyard and prefer to throw your dishes in the dishwasher after entertaining guests, opt for dishwasher-safe outdoor dinnerware. If you are camping or picnicking and have limited cleaning resources, opt for a dinnerware set that can be quickly wiped down with soap and water.
What is the best material for outdoor dinnerware?
All are great choices for eating outdoors, but each has its own advantages and drawbacks. The main differences lie in durability, heat-resistance and style:
✔️ Laminated glass (a.k.a. vitrelle, which is proprietary to Corelle) is popular because of its durability. This material is resistant to breaking, chipping, scratching and staining, although it can shatter if dropped on a hard surface. It is lightweight (though less so than melamine or other plastics), dishwasher-safe, microwavable and sometimes even oven-safe. We think it’s one of the best materials for outdoor dinnerware because of its durability and versatility.
✔️ Melamine is a ubiquitous food-safe plastic that is break-resistant, dishwasher-safe (usually top-rack only) and available in a range of both quality and price. The FDA recommends avoiding microwaving food and drinks on melamine, even if it is BPA-free, because harmful chemicals can leech into your food when heated.
✔️ Polypropylene is another food-safe plastic that is very durable and inexpensive. With a rubbery look, it is not as scratch-resistant as melamine but it is recyclable. Some brands are considered microwave-safe in short increments but check the manufacturer's instructions for use before you do.
✔️ Porcelain enamel is a durable coating that's often placed on top of steel dinnerware. It is not microwavable, but it is lightweight, break-resistant and popular for camping since it can be placed directly on the campfire.
✔️ Bamboo dinnerware is often made with melamine added for additional durability. It's very lightweight, though not microwaveable or recyclable. It's frequently touted as a sustainable pick, but be wary of that claim — especially because the resin to seal the bamboo is typically plastic. When buying based on sustainability, keep an eye out for an FSC certification given by an independent organization that supports sustainable forest management. Michael S. Brown of Brown and Wilmanns Environmental and one of our environmental consultants says “bamboo that is appropriately managed (FSC certified) is good,” and thus considered “environmentally preferable."
✔️ Acrylic tableware is a low-priced option that can be found in a wide range of shapes and patterns, even clear like glass. Although it is food-safe, it's also the most heat-sensitive, so refrain from serving hot foods on it — perhaps stick to watermelon, a summery salad or a slice of cake.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and has tested all kinds of kitchen gear for GH over the last 2.5 years, including gas ranges, microwaves, kitchen scales, blenders and so much more. She worked with Jamie to write this story based on Lab testing, extensive research and experience with tableware. Eva has a passion for durable, but stylish dinnerware and is constantly staying up to date on the hottest tableware trends.
Jamie Kim Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in product development and manufacturing. She has tested and written about many kitchen-related products and cooking tools, including martini glasses, coupe glasses and bartending kits. She helped develop the testing methodology for this story and our best dinnerware story and tested the products. She has a passion for good dinnerware that's functional and looks great.
Jamie Ueda (she/her) is a contributing writer and analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she has tested coffee and espresso machines, baking gadgets, dinnerware, ice cream makers, and other kitchen products since 2021. She has completed Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) coursework to further her expertise in coffee evaluation and brewing science.
With a background in engineering and design, she spent more than a decade developing consumer products in senior roles at both mid-sized companies and global brands before bringing that expertise to product testing and reviews. Her work has appeared in Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
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