Dinnerware recommendations?

[GCS]

Ok so I am sick of the plates, bowls etc that we have.

For 16 years we had some Pfaltzgraff dishes that were great - cleaned up well, only got hot in the microwave if they were in there for a long time, didn't scratch the counters/tables etc or themselves when stacked. Finally replaced them a few months ago as we had managed to wear out or break too many pieces in 16 years.

Well the replacements SUCK! Everything is stoneware from what I see and that is what we bought (not cheap crap either) and in 30 seconds in the microwave they get so hot you can't touch them. They also scratch like mad and they are already cracking (hairline type cracks) from regular use.

Does anyone have a recommendations for decent dinnerware out there?

Thanks

Greg

 

[vi edit]

I've had Pfaltzgraff for over 10 years now used and abused daily and still looks as good as new. Only one chip in a coffee mug and that was from my wife dropping it in the sink. I'd buy it again. Was the replacement stuff you got that sucked Pfaltzgraff too?

 

[vi edit]

I have to wonder if some of the EPA/Environment/Health agencies have anything to with the poorer quality. Maybe they can't use certain chemicals that created more durable surfaces and stronger stoneware any more that could in the past.

Sort of like the paint that's now on cars. They can't use lead and othe chemicals in there that makes it much more prone to scratches than in the past.

 

[DaveSimmons]

According to Wiki "Pfaltzgraff Co. joined the family of Lifetime Brands, Inc. in 2005.", and I think they moved their manufacturing offshore at some point.

I have a set of the Cappuccino pattern which is decent but not the same quality as the plates from 20+ years ago that my parents had.

 

[GCS]

According to Wiki "Pfaltzgraff Co. joined the family of Lifetime Brands, Inc. in 2005.", and I think they moved their manufacturing offshore at some point.

I have a set of the Cappuccino pattern which is decent but not the same quality as the plates from 20+ years ago that my parents had.

Yep agreed.

Yes the new stuff was Pfaltzgraff as well and it is nothing like what we used to have.

We got 16+ years off our last stuff and would have gotten even more had we not managed to break (on our own) too many pieces.

Greg

 

[crashtestdummy]

I have to wonder if some of the EPA/Environment/Health agencies have anything to with the poorer quality. Maybe they can't use certain chemicals that created more durable surfaces and stronger stoneware any more that could in the past.

Sort of like the paint that's now on cars. They can't use lead and othe chemicals in there that makes it much more prone to scratches than in the past.

It's more the fact that everyone has moved to stoneware because it's so much cheaper, but still looks nice at the store. You have to go to more expensive stores to find good china. If you can afford it, it's worth the cost, as porcelain will last you years.

 

[shopbruin]

I really like Corelle:

http://www.corelle.com/index.asp?pageId=61&pId=470

I recently replaced my old set with this Corelle set (for daily use, not fancy occasions.)

They are sturdy, don't break easily, light, and don't get super hot when microwaved.

Bonus: I was able to find a set still made in the USA.

You can find them at Target, or see if you have a Corning-Revere outlet near you.

Cheaper at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Corelle-Living.../dp/B00025DYNI

 

[BoomerD]

I really like Corelle:

http://www.corelle.com/index.asp?pageId=61&pId=470

I recently replaced my old set with this Corelle set (for daily use, not fancy occasions.)

They are sturdy, don't break easily, light, and don't get super hot when microwaved.

Bonus: I was able to find a set still made in the USA.

You can find them at Target, or see if you have a Corning-Revere outlet near you.

Cheaper at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Corelle-Living.../dp/B00025DYNI

We're still using the Corelle we got for wedding gifts almost 36 years ago...

(you can barely see it under the plate of deliciousness)

 

[shopbruin]

I think they still make a pattern really close to that dish!

 

[grrl]

Another vote for Corelle.

 

[Homerboy]

I dunno. I love our Fiesta Wear for everyday stuff.
Virtually unbreakable.
Never goes out of "style".
Tons of colors.
Cheap
Virtually unbreakable.