The 10 Best Outdoor Dining Plates Reviewed

Our pick: Certified International Talavera 11" Melamine Dinner Plates Feature Vibrant

Also great: Certified International Radiance Teal Melamine 11" Dinner Plate

After using the Radiance Teal Dinner Plates for both casual family dinners and an outdoor BBQ, I’m impressed by how they balance striking design with practical durability. The ocean-inspired swirl really stands out on the table, adding an upscale, handcrafted look—yet they’re still lightweight and easy to handle.

Pros

Eye-Catching Coastal Glaze Design

Heavyweight Melamine Durability

Shatterproof and Chip-Resistant

Dishwasher Safe and Easy to Store

Cons

Not Microwave Safe
If you’re looking for dinner plates that feel special enough for guests but tough enough for daily use—especially outside—these are a strong pick. They bring a pop of seaside charm without the worry of breakage, and cleanup is effortless. A great addition to any indoor or outdoor table.

Also great: LIYH 24 Pcs Plastic Plates Reusable

I tested this heavy-duty plastic plates set at a family BBQ and a small indoor gathering, and they genuinely surprised me. For disposable-style plates, they look classy, hold up well with heavier meals, and deliver great value if you need lots of plates for events but don’t want the hassle of breakage.

Pros

BPA-Free and Food Safe

Microwave and Dishwasher Safe

Unbreakable and Reusable

Good Quantity and Value

Cons

Not as Elegant as Real Dinnerware

This is a solid, budget-friendly choice for parties, picnics, or any event where convenience and durability are a priority. They’re sturdy enough to wash and reuse, yet affordable enough to toss if needed—making cleanup fast and stress-free. A practical solution for families, outdoor hosts, or anyone who entertains often.

Source: Amazon

A great alternative to melamine is tempered glass — for example, Corelle dinnerware. Tempered glass plates are lightweight, stack easily, and are famous for being chip- and crack-resistant — but unlike melamine, they’re safe to use in the microwave. Another good alternative is porcelain — it’s durable, classic, non-toxic, and safe for the microwave and dishwasher. For kids or outdoor use, food-grade stainless steel plates are another safe, nearly unbreakable option.

Which plates are best for daily use?

For everyday meals, porcelain and tempered glass are among the best choices. They’re durable, practical, easy to clean, and safe for the microwave and dishwasher. If you have young kids or want something lightweight and ultra-tough, Corelle tempered glass plates are a top pick — they resist chips and cracks better than standard ceramic. Stoneware is another everyday option if you like a heavier, cozy feel, but it can chip if banged around.

What makes a good dinner plate?

A good dinner plate should be strong, practical, safe, and easy to handle. Look for plates that are:

• Non-porous so they won’t absorb food or bacteria.

• Lead-free and cadmium-free, especially for glazed ceramics.

• Dishwasher and microwave safe (unless you choose metal or melamine).

• Easy to stack and store.

• Designed with a slight rim to help keep sauces or juices contained.
  A neutral or white color works best because it makes food look fresh and works with any table setting.

What material is the most durable for dinnerware?

Tempered glass (like Corelle) is one of the toughest, most chip-resistant dinnerware materials you can buy for daily use. High-fired porcelain and bone china are also impressively durable when well-made and handled with care. For plates that are virtually unbreakable, food-grade stainless steel and melamine are the most durable — though melamine shouldn’t go in the microwave.

The best outdoor dining plates should be sturdy, lightweight, and ready for anything from backyard barbecues to picnics at the park. Look for materials that won’t chip easily and can handle a few bumps along the way. Pick a set that matches your outdoor vibe — colorful, classic, or playful — and make every gathering outside feel relaxed and worry-free.