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Dishware Grades: What You Need to Know

There are various grades of dinnerware, so you should familiarize yourself with them before investing in smallware for your foodservice establishment. These pieces differ in number, style, and material. Some are best for formal settings, while others are suitable for farm-to-table restaurants. We recommend porcelain or bone china for upscale establishments and melamine or earthenware for casual dining. Formal smallware often features an elegant design and crisp, white coloring, while casual pieces usually come in bold patterns and colors.

Common grades of dishware include bone china, porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, and melamine. Bone china is durable and elegant with a thin, delicate structure and semi-translucent white appearance that's an attractive fit for any dining service. Bone china usually is dishwasher safe, though hand washing may be preferred depending on the manufacturer. Porcelain dishware is the economical alternative to bone china, as it's just as durable with a slightly heavier construction. We've touched on a couple dinnerware grades here, and we'll go over the rest below.

Common Questions About Dinnerware Grades

Will porcelain dishware grades shatter?

Porcelain grades of dinnerware are break resistant. These pieces of smallware can be heated in microwaves, washed in dishmachines, and are suitable for formal settings.

What are the pros and cons of stoneware grades of dinnerware?

Stoneware grades of dishware are great for casual settings; this smallware resists chipping and comes in various styles. Stoneware dinnerware grades are thicker and heavier than porcelain and bone china, but aren't as strong. These pieces need extra care when washed or used for reheating food.

Which establishments would benefit from earthenware grades of dishware?

Earthenware pieces are some of the most economical dinnerware grades. This smallware is more porous than other dinnerware, so before use, it's sealed and strengthened with a waterproof glaze. Earthenware dishware grades are less sturdy and more casual than porcelain and stoneware pieces.

Do melamine dinnerware grades have the same quality as ceramic dishware grades?

Although melamine dishware grades look the same as ceramic, they're made of a far more durable resin. This material withstands high-volume use and is impervious to chipping and shattering. We recommend it as a versatile option for any occasion, as melamine grades of dinnerware come in many patterns and colors.

How do you wash bone china dishware grades?

Bone china grades of dinnerware should be washed immediately after use, and you should never use scouring pads or abrasive detergents to clean them. Leaving product on this dinnerware can cause discoloration. If your bone china grade of dishware is stained, soak it in warm water before washing. Hand cleaning these pieces as soon as possible is the best way to avoid stains, and for stubborn staining, clean the piece with bicarbonate soda. Alternatively, combine a solution of vinegar, water, and soda and clean the dinnerware with this mixture.