Our 4 Favorite Lead-Free Dinnerware Sets
You are what you eat – and, to some extent, what you eat off of. While Americans are, fortunately, not exposed to lead as frequently as they used to be, its presence in dinnerware can understandably raise some eyebrows.
A number of federal laws and regulations passed in the 1960s through 1990s have heavily restricted the use of lead in common household items. Those restrictions have been extremely consequential in the regulation of dishes and other items used to prepare and serve food.
Most dinnerware made in the years since has negligible amounts of lead, if it’s included at all. Many companies have gone completely lead-free to get a leg up on their competitors, while others may use a tiny amount that does not run afoul of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards.
We don’t live in a perfect world, however, and some brands are perfectly comfortable cutting a few corners if it saves them a few bucks. And, of course, new laws and regulations did not cause older dinnerware to suddenly vanish. For those reasons, it may be worth paying attention to the company names etched onto your plates, bowls and also cups.
What is Lead-Free Dinnerware?
Most dinnerware sets and pieces that have measurable amounts of lead are not harmful to humans.
You may have seen products with a Proposition 65 warning, which refers to the California state law requiring notice when certain lead levels get exceeded. California’s Proposition 65 is regarded as one of the toughest laws in the country, but it can generally serve as a good guide if you’re looking to buy new dinnerware.
If you want to be as safe as possible, there are some companies that make completely lead-free dinnerware. It can be tricky to know which ones are truly lead-free, but we’ve done our research and come up with some brands and sets we believe clear the bar.
Top 4 Lead-Free Dinnerware Brands: How We Chose
When we search for sustainable and non-toxic products to recommend to our readers, transparency on companies’ websites is always a paramount concern. The more we know about a company and its products, the better. A handful of companies have reputations that precede them, and we’re usually happy to include them because we know they have long track records of success.
We also wanted to find a dinnerware set that offers bright splashes of color for your kitchen. Finding something stylish and lead-free is exciting for us, and we hope you feel the same way.
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. Duralex Lys Dinnerware 18-Piece Set
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free, cadmium-free |
| Material | Tempered glass |
| Contents | 6 dinner plates; 6 soup plates; 6 dessert plates |
| Price | $129.99 |
The lead-free dinnerware set sold by Duralex consists of tempered glass. Each piece is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave and able to easily withstand extreme temperature changes.
Highlights
Duralex is one of the most trusted dinnerware brands out there, and this dinnerware set lives up to the brand’s reputation. We’re pleased with its durability and chip-resistant properties, which we’ve come to expect from Duralex.
Things to Consider
There are few temperatures the Duralex line cannot withstand, but the company does not recommend putting any of these dishes in the oven. Still, going directly from the freezer to the microwave is not a problem for these dishes. Although this set fetches a steep asking price, we find it generally lives up to its billing.
2. Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Set
| Certifications | Lead-free |
| Material | Tempered glass |
| Contents | 6 dinner plates; 6 appetizer plates; 6 soup/cereal bowls |
| Price | $64.87 |
Corelle’s lead-free dinnerware is made in Corning, New York and is another one of the most trusted brands when it comes to plates and bowls. This set is winter frost white, reinforced by triple-layer glass that’s extremely resistant to cracks and chipping.
Highlights
You can rest assured that this set is dishwasher- and also microwave-safe. While some people might want dinnerware with a bit more pizazz, we love the classic, elegant look of this minimalist set.
Things to Consider
Corelle offers a three-year limited warranty on this set, which is more robust than ones offered by some other companies—including Duralex. Try as we might, we couldn’t find any major flaws with Corelle’s dinnerware set.
3. Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Contents | 6 dinner plates; 6 bowls; 6 dessert plates |
| Price | $39.99 |
This lead-free dinnerware is great for consumers on a budget. Don’t be fooled by the price—these dishes can withstand extremely high temperatures (575 degrees Fahrenheit) and be used in the oven.
Highlights
We love how deep their bowls are with this set—they’re perfect for soup or cereal. All the dishes were relatively lightweight and held up well after multiple uses in the dishwasher and microwave.
Things to Consider
This dinnerware set isn’t a luxury item. That’s perfectly fine for the vast majority of consumers who simply want serviceable, lead-free dishes. If you’re looking for something that’ll wow guests at a dinner party, for instance, you may want to look elsewhere.
4. East Fork 7-Piece Set
| Certifications | Lead-free |
| Material | Ceramic; made from materials local to East Fork facility |
| Contents | Three plates of varying sizes; three bowls of varying sizes; mug |
| Price | $204 |
East Fork’s lead-free dinnerware is not mass-produced. This company, located in Asheville, North Carolina, puts a significant amount of time and care into every product. East Fork employs dozens of employees throughout the Southeast and only uses local materials.
Highlights
This set has a little bit of everything. Each plate is a different size and serves a unique purpose; the same goes for the three bowls. We love that you can see the craftsmanship in each dish and also the glazes’ colors are truly stunning. Buying from a business that employs locally is another huge plus in our book.
Things to Consider
East Fork is a certified B-corporation and provides a minimum hourly wage of $22 to all employees. As a matter of fact, the company carefully curates a list of nonprofits and commits to social justice in Asheville and the surrounding areas. The relatively high cost is the only possible downside to this dinnerware set.
How to Choose Lead-Free Dinnerware
Your budget is, perhaps, the most important factor when choosing lead-free dinnerware. We understand the financial situations of many families, and we hope that the variety presented here can accommodate the range of capabilities. The size of your family, how often you prepare meals at home, and your dietary habits may also impact your dinnerware selection.
While you think about the materials you use in your own home, we encourage you to learn more about lead-free household items and the benefits of choosing them for your family. Thanks for reading!
Featured image via East Fork
