The Ultimate Plastic Dinnerware Shopping Guide For [year]

Every year, a new round of plastic dinnerware and tableware sets hits the market. But to shop smart, you need to know which types of plastics are truly designed to hold up to daily use.

We reviewed the various types of plastics used to make plastic dinnerware in terms of overall durability, break and scratch resistance, and dishwasher and microwave use. Read on to discover which plastic dishes and glasses are best suited for your specific needs.

Not All Plastics are Created Equal

Non-disposable plastic dinnerware is generally made from one of several FDA-approved plastics, and each has unique strengths.

Plastic TypeUnbreakableDishwasher-safeScratch-resistantMicrowave-safeCost TritanBestBestGoodFair$$ MelamineGoodBestBestNo$-$$$ PolypropyleneBestBestFairGood$ AcrylicFairNo to FairFairNo$ SAN BlendGoodBestBestFair$-$$ PolycarbonateBestGoodGoodFair$$-$$$

Here’s a quick rundown on each of these dinnerware plastics with some of our top picks from Amazon’s extensive collection. You can also find more of our top picks for plastic dishes and glasses in our best plastic dinnerware and best plastic drinkware reviews.

Melamine Plastic Dinnerware

Melamine is the undisputed king when it comes to plastic dishes. Melamine dinnerware is BPA-free and closely mimics the look and feel of ceramic and stoneware dishes. It’s extremely break-resistant, scratch-resistant, and always dishwasher-safe. But melamine isn’t recommended for microwave use.

See more top-rated melamine plastic dinnerware brands in our Plastic tableware review and shopping guide.

Tritan Unbreakable Drinkware

Tritan is a virtually unbreakable plastic primarily used to make very glass-like plastic drinkware. BPA-free Tritan plastic is a true performer, and products made from this plastic are unbreakable, have great clarity, and hold up extremely well in the dishwasher.

Polypropylene Plastic Dinnerware

Inexpensive polypropylene tableware is abundant and found in a variety of sets in solid or translucent designs. A true workhorse, virtually unbreakable polypropylene dinnerware is almost rubbery in look and feel, plus it’s not very scratch-resistant.

Polypropylene is popular for casual plastic dinnerware, picnic plates, and kids’ dishes. Polypropylene tableware and the newer eco-friendly polypropylene/wheat straw blends, by brands including ShopWithGreen and GreenAndLife are dishwasher safe and BPA-free.

SAN Plastic Drinkware & Dishes

SAN plastic dinnerware is a real performer. SAN plastic items come in both clear glass-like products and casual, colorful styles, generally at very reasonable prices.

SAN products are rigid, scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free. It’s very break-resistant, too, but not quite as unbreakable as tableware made from Tritan or polycarbonate plastics.

SAN is generally used to make plastic drinkware, but Bentley Drinkware also makes plastic plates and bowls in SAN.

Acrylic Plastic Drinkware

Acrylic plastic items aren’t as durable as tableware made from other plastics. They aren’t dishwasher safe and are prone to scratching and breakage. However, you can find many decorative looks at reasonable prices in acrylic — usually in plastic glasses and stemware.

If you’re looking for light-duty plastic drinkware that won’t get too much abuse, check out the fun styles available in acrylic.

Polycarbonate Unbreakable Plastic Glasses

Virtually unbreakable, dishwasher-safe polycarbonate is the same material used to make bulletproof glass. Its durability and exceptional clarity create great-looking, reliable products that can be enjoyed season after season. Strahl / Bold offers a standout collection of polycarbonate glasses with super high-end styling and finish.

Polycarbonate is more expensive to produce than other plastics, so it usually does not come in trendy styles. Like SAN and Tritan, polycarbonate plastic glasses are abundant, but dishes are harder to find. Polycarbonate dishes are generally available in bulk from commercial foodservice companies such as Carlisle and Cambro.

Dishwasher Tips for Plastic Dishes & Glasses

SAN, polycarbonate, and Tritan plastic dinnerware and glasses won’t cloud and craze like acrylic glasses under normal use. However, some high-end and Energy-star residential dishwashers can pose a problem.

High-end and Energy Star-rated dishwashers actually heat water to temperatures much higher than standard commercial temperatures of 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and can damage any type of plastic dinnerware.

To prevent damage to plastic tableware — particularly Tritan, SAN, and Polycarbonate — avoid higher heat cycles such as Sani Cycle or Pot Scrubber settings in these dishwashers.

Melamine plastic dinnerware generally withstands higher temperatures, but it’s best to stick to regular cycles to keep your dishwasher-safe plastics looking great in the long run.

That’s a Wrap

Whatever your need, stylish poolside dishes, plates for the RV, or durable family-friendly dinnerware, there’s a plastic that meets your style and budget.

If long-lasting, worry-free use is your goal, then Tritan, SAN, polycarbonate, melamine, and polypropylene dinnerware is the best choice. You can find plenty of fun designs in acrylic, but they might not last as long as other types.

Ultimately, you’ll make smart buys if you know what to expect from the many different types of dinnerware plastics. If you have any questions or favorite plastic dinnerware brands of your own, please share in the comments below.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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