5 Ceramic Plates for Eco-Friendly Eats
What you put in your body matters, but what you eat off matters almost just as much! Ceramic plates offer a healthy, sustainable, and natural alternative to plastic dishware that is not only safe, but looks great on your table too! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ceramic plates on the market to help you elevate your dining set-up while feeling good about your purchase.
What are Ceramic Plates?
Ceramic plates are made from clay, meaning they can be manufactured sustainably and safely. Ceramics have been used for millions of years and make a stylish, natural, non-toxic addition to your kitchen.
But are ceramic plates microwave-safe? Usually, yes. It’s always important to check the specific care instructions for the brand you select, but most ceramic plates are fairly durable and can be used in the oven and dishwasher as well.
Top 5 Ceramic Plates: How We Chose
There are plenty of great ceramic plates out there to pick from. We looked at brands that take pride in quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. We narrowed down our list with the following considerations:
- Size & Style: We looked at dinner plates, which are on the larger side, making them suitable for serving and eating alike. There is some variation in size, weight, and style, so we included something to suit all tastes!
- Sets: There is something to be said for the convenience of a pre-packaged set, but we also love the versatility that comes with single plate purchasing options. You’ll find both on this list so you can pick the plate that’s right for you.
- Price: Dinnerware can get pricey, especially when you are looking at handmade goods. We made sure to include some beautiful ceramic plates that won’t break the bank.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Year & Day Big Plates
| Size & Style | 10.7 inches, rimless |
| Quantity | 4-piece set |
| Price at Publishing | $64 per set |
When it comes to quality ceramic plates, Year & Day takes their craft seriously. Made with sustainable materials and handcrafted by skilled artisans, their ceramics are both durable and aesthetically elegant.
Highlights
We love the earthy color options and semi-matte glaze finish. These plates are freezer and oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. The natural stoneware is also free of lead and other heavy metals.
Things to Consider
At the time of publishing, the Big Plates are only available in multiples of four.
2. Emerson Creek Pottery Brookline Dinner Plates
| Size & Style | 10.5 inches, rimmed |
| Quantity | 1 (sold individually) |
| Price at Publishing | $44.50 each |
Emerson Creek Pottery’s ceramic dinner plates come in many beautiful colors and patterns to suit your personal style. Made in Virginia, all materials are sourced from the USA and Canada.
Highlights
These ceramic plates are handmade and hand-painted, meaning no two plates are exactly the same. They are free from lead and cadmium, meaning you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind.
Things to Consider
As far as dinner plates go, these are on the heavier side, weighing in at almost 2.5 pounds.
3. Our Place Dinner Plates
| Size & Style | 10.5 inches, rimmed |
| Quantity | 4-piece set |
| Price at Publishing | $80 per set |
These popular ceramic plates come in a few striking colors and are made from durable, chip-resistant stoneware. The semi-matte exterior glaze and glossy interior makes for subtle and stylish contrast. The glossy glaze is scratch resistant and the plates meet restaurant-grade quality standards.
Highlights
The lip of these ceramic plates makes them easy to stack and helps keep food where you want it. Our Place also offers a 100 day trial and free returns so you can be sure you’re getting a plate that meets your needs.
Things to Consider
These plates tend to get hot in the microwave, so handle with care when reheating leftovers! They are not recommended for oven use above 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. East Fork Dinner Plate
| Size & Style | 10.5 inches, rimmed |
| Quantity | Available individually or as a set of 4 |
| Price at Publishing | $48 each or $163 for 4 |
East Fork’s ceramic plates are proudly handmade in the US. East Fork is certified climate neutral and sources their materials locally. They are a Certified B Corporation committed to giving back to their community, paying employees a living wage, and working towards social equity.
Highlights
Compared to other ceramic plates of the same size, East Fork’s are on the lighter side at just 1.75 pounds. They have a slight lip and are both dishwasher and microwave safe.
Things to Consider
While the plates are safe for short bursts in the oven, it’s recommended to stay below 350 degrees Fahrenheit for no more than 10-15 minutes.
5. Heath Ceramics Coupe Dinner Plate
| Size & Style | 11 inches, rimless |
| Quantity | 1 (sold individually) |
| Price at Publishing | $44 each |
These dinner plates are the largest on our list, but their sleek, vintage design makes them a stylish addition to any table spread. Heath has been making quality stoneware since the ‘40s, priding itself on transparency and sustainability.
Highlights
These handcrafted ceramic plates come in a range of colors and glazes, so you can mix and match to make a unique and vibrant set. Heath has earned B Corporation, California Green Business, and Declare certifications to solidify their commitment to best practices.
Things to Consider
Heath ceramics come in a variety of glazes and finishes, so you might need to dedicate some extra brain power to sorting through and selecting the perfect look for your new ceramic plates.
How to Choose Ceramic Plates You’ll Love
Clearly, there are lots of great options out there to choose from as you shop for ceramic plates. But how can you go about making the right choice for your home and kitchen? Ask yourself questions like these to find the best plates for your needs.
- What style best suits your needs? Plates come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’ll want to think about what you have room for and what works best in your space. A larger plate might seem more versatile, but it will end up being a hassle if it doesn’t fit in your cabinets.
- Care and convenience: Can you put ceramic plates in the oven? For most ceramic plates, the answer is yes (to a point). If you want the convenience of an oven-safe plate, check the care details, as recommended temperatures can vary considerably.
No matter which plate you choose, it’s hard to beat the rustic, natural beauty of ceramic plates. So pick your plate, and get cooking!
Featured image via Our Place
