Quite often, especially in summer, when the backyard barbecue season reaches its peak, I find myself dreading the task of carrying my precious porcelain plates outdoors. The fear of chips and breaks are too real. This is where melamine dishes come into play.
Exploring melamine dishes
Melamine dishes have trailed a long way from those dull, uniform designs to more stylish, eye-pleasing alternatives. These may not exactly replicate the charm of a delicate porcelain, yet they offer satisfactory durability and pleasant aesthetics.
For the uninitiated, melamine is a resilient plastic material highly resistant to chipping and breaking. Safer than glass, harder than traditional plastics, and available in a multitude of designs and colors, melamine dishes are usually dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze.
In a sense, you could say melamine is the perfect material for outdoor and casual dining. But, it’s not limited to backyard parties or picnics. If you have rambunctious kids or pets around the house, the chances of broken dishes significantly reduce when you have melamine on the table.
The best options to consider
The market is full of options that cater to every style preference and budget. Here are some worth checking out:
Le Cadeaux Melamine Dinnerware
For lovers of traditional aesthetics, the Le Cadeaux Melamine Dinnerware collections are a perfect choice. Each piece is artfully designed to mimic hand-painted ceramic, adding a touch of elegance to your meal times.
Q Squared NYC Melamine Dishes
Targeted at the contemporary decor enthusiasts, Q Squared NYC offers clean, minimalistic designs. The beauty of these dishes lies in their simplicity – they showcase understated elegance perfectly.
French Bull Melamine Dinnerware
If bright and vibrant is more your style, French Bull’s melamine dishes are the way to go. With a bold and colorful approach to kitchenware, these dishes add a pop of fun to any table setting.
Keep in mind that while melamine dishes are fantastic for their durability and style, they are not meant for microwave use. The high heat can damage the material and cause harmful chemicals to leach into food. So, keep this valuable information in mind when opting for this dinnerware.
After trying a variety of styles and brands, taking into account durability, aesthetic appeal, and price, my top pick would be French Bull’s melamine dish collection. Even after repeated use, stacking, and washing, the vibrant patterns remain unscathed, much to my delight.
Food, ultimately, is not just about taste – it’s also about presentation, which includes the plates we serve our meals on. While fine china and porcelain have their place in formal dining, melamine dishes offer a practical, resilient and visually appealing solution for casual, day-to-day use. Choose based on your style preference and lifestyle requirements – after all, the best plate is one that serves you well!
Kate Robinson is a culinary writer and food critic with a deep passion for gastronomy and a keen palate that appreciates flavors from around the world. At 31 years old, Kate’s background is as rich and diverse as her taste in food. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America, she has worked in various roles within the food industry, from a line cook in bustling New York City restaurants to a food stylist for culinary magazines.
Her transition into writing was driven by a desire to share her love for food and cooking with a wider audience. Now, as a prominent contributor to a leading online food and gastronomy news platform, Kate explores a wide array of topics, including restaurant reviews, recipe development, and the latest trends in food and dining.
Kate’s writing is distinguished by her ability to transport readers to the heart of the dining experience, whether she’s describing the subtle notes of a rare wine or the vibrant atmosphere of a street food market in Southeast Asia. Her reviews are honest and insightful, offering readers a comprehensive guide to the world’s culinary delights.
Beyond reviews, Kate is passionate about sustainable eating practices and often features articles on farm-to-table dining, organic farming, and ethical food sourcing. Her features on international cuisines and culinary traditions aim not only to educate her audience but also to inspire them to explore new flavors and cooking techniques.
Kate’s engaging writing style, combined with her extensive knowledge of the culinary world, has made her a favorite among food lovers. Whether her readers are experienced chefs or home cooks looking to broaden their culinary horizons, Kate provides valuable insights and inspiration to elevate their food experiences.
In addition to her writing, Kate regularly hosts online cooking classes and workshops, where she shares her expertise and enthusiasm for cooking with participants eager to learn. Her commitment to exploring and celebrating the world of food has established her as a respected voice in the gastronomy category, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the art and culture of food.
