When selecting the perfect dinnerware, the two most popular choices are chinaware and melamine. Each has its advantages, brings unique qualities to your table, and is loved by all alike.
Melamine, for example, is affordable, durable, temperature-resistant, and perfect for everyday use. On the other hand, chinaware retains heat, non-porous, oven-safe, and is often associated with elegance and fine dining. But what truly sets these apart is crucial to know to decide which would be the right choice for your next dinner party.
So, let’s dig into the details and understand the key differences between melamine and chinaware before deciding which is best for your dining needs!
What is Melamine?
Melamine is a nitrogen-rich, organic compound commonly used to make cooking utensils, plastic products, melamine plates, etc. Melamine products are hardly possible to break, and they are considered one of the best-quality food-safe plastics on the market. The material also has antibacterial properties.
When it comes to melamine dinner sets, there are different levels of quality that you can find in the market. The melamine dinner set is ideal for buffet diners and is usually used for setting the dinner tables on the boat or garden. The melamine dinnerware features intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Therefore, it always makes an appealing option for all settings!
Pros Of Melamine
- It is dishwasher-safe
- Melamine is reusable and durable
- The price is low
- It can withstand both high and low temperature
- Add more artistic and texture sense to the table
- Melamine sets are food-safe
Cons Of Melamine
- It cannot be used in microwave
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Serrated knives cannot be used with melamine plates
What is Chinaware?
Chinaware is made from kaolin, clay, quartz, and feldspar and fired in the kiln. It is very resistant to cracking and never leaks chemicals when exposed to high heat (so it is safer to use in ovens or microwaves).
Chinaware sets used to have beautiful patterns and can attractively decorate the tables. When it comes to chinaware, three different types of dinnerware can be used in the food service operations:
- Porcelain: It is fired at 1300 °C (in kiln). It is the most durable, lighter, and thinner of the three types of chinaware. The plates are usually covered with clear glaze and are used in fine dining operations and food services.
- Verified China: It is durable and most commonly used for casual dining in country clubs or hotels.
- Dolomite China: This is the most economical of the three types. Dolomite plates are usually used to serve appetizers or as displayware in catering.
Pros Of Melamine
- Microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe
- Chinaware has a glaze that protects it from scratching
- An ideal choice for luxurious events
- Retains the heat and keeps the food hot
- Resistant to chopping
Cons Of Melamine
- Prices are high
- Sometimes porous
Melamine Vs. Chinaware: Head To Head Comparison
There is a continuous debate about whether china or melamine is a better choice. If you are also confused between the two, look over the key differences between both here before making a choice:
i) Temperature Resistance
Melamine is less heat resistant than chinaware. Therefore, melamine dinner sets cannot be used in the oven or microwave, but chinaware can.
ii) Price
The price of chinaware is high compared to melamine. Therefore, if you have a high-volume operation with a high turnover of dishes, melamine will be the right choice. Also, with technological advancements, high-quality melamine looks like chinaware and offers additional benefits like longevity and durability.
iii) Aesthetic and Design Variability
When deciding between these two, you can consider the type of food you will serve or your restaurant. For instance, when customers visit a fine-dining restaurant, they focus more on little details.
As prices are higher there, customers expect more elegance. Therefore, in that environment, serving the food in chinaware makes sense. But if customers are dining at a casual plate, they will not be concerned with the materials of their dishes. So, melamine makes a better choice here.
iv) Durability and Chip Resistance
When it comes to durability, melamine wins the race. Melamine is more durable and perfect for households and outdoor dining. Though chinaware (porcelain) is also durable compared to melamine, it is easier to break and more susceptible to chipping.
Conclusion
Dinnerware is an essential home accessory that adds an extra touch to our tables and creates the right atmosphere for hosting dinner. But will melamine be right for the dinner, or will chinaware suit your needs?
If you are confused about which to choose, pick a melamine dinner set for outdoor dinners, casual gatherings, or picnics. It is not as expensive as chinaware and will add an artistic feel to your table. On the other hand, you can pick a chinaware set if you want an elegant feel during your special events. Also, it will keep your food hot!
