10 Best Serveware Sets, Reviews & FAQs

Our pick: Gourmet Basics by Mikasa 5181046 Kaylee 8-Piece Stainless Steel Serving Set

Also great: Gomakren Serving Bowls with Handles Set

This 3-piece porcelain serving bowl set offers the right combination of function, durability, and timeless design. With three convenient sizes (15oz, 28oz, and 47oz), these bowls are well-suited for everyday kitchen prep and serving tasks—from mixing and baking to tossing salads and plating side dishes. Their clean white finish adds a refined touch, while the sturdy porcelain construction ensures long-lasting performance across various uses.

Pros:

Three Versatile Bowl Sizes

Durable, Stain-Resistant Porcelain

Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, and Freezer Safe

Stackable and Easy to Store

Cons:

Handles May Be Small for Larger Hands

This porcelain bowl set is a well-rounded choice for any home cook or entertainer looking for reliable, multi-purpose serveware. With its elegant design, user-friendly features, and durable build, it’s as practical as it is presentable—making it equally suitable for daily use or gifting.

Also great: DELLING Large Serving Platter Set

The Delling 3-piece ceramic serving platter set delivers both functionality and timeless elegance. With three generous sizes (16", 14", and 12"), these platters are designed to handle a wide variety of dishes—from appetizers and sushi to roasts and desserts. Crafted from high-quality, fully glazed stoneware, each piece offers durability that stands up to everyday use while maintaining a clean, classic appearance ideal for both casual and formal settings.

Pros:

Three Versatile Platter Sizes

Scratch-Resistant, Fully Glazed Ceramic

Microwave, Oven, and Dishwasher Safe

Classic White Design Suits Any Table

Cons:

Large Size May Require Extra Storage Space

Perfect for entertainers and everyday hosts alike, this serving platter set combines practical sizing with professional-grade quality and elegant presentation. The Delling platters are built to last and designed to impress—an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their serveware.

Source: Amazon

Though often used together during meals, serveware and dinnerware refer to two different categories of tableware:

Dinnerware

This includes all the pieces used to eat from, such as: Dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, dessert bowls, cups or mugs

Serveware
This refers to the items used to serve food from the kitchen or buffet to the table. Serveware is placed at the center of the table or food station for communal access. It includes: Serving bowls, platters, gravy boats, serving spoons, tongs, and ladles, casserole dishes and trays

Both play essential roles, but serveware is about sharing, while dinnerware is about individual portions.

Which Dinnerware Set Material Is Best for Health?

The best dinnerware materials for health are those that are non-toxic, non-reactive, and certified food-safe. Here are the top choices:

Tempered Glass (e.g., Corelle®)

Inert and non-porous, so it doesn’t absorb food, odors, or bacteria

Free from lead, cadmium, BPA, and other harmful chemicals

Microwave- and dishwasher-safe

Very durable and easy to sanitize

Porcelain & Stoneware (Lead- and Cadmium-Free Certified)

Fired at high temperatures to create a non-porous and food-safe surface

Modern porcelain and stoneware from reputable brands are tested and certified to be free of harmful glazes

Safe for hot and cold food, and microwave use (unless metallic designs are present)

Stainless Steel

Chemically stable, resistant to rust, and does not leach into food

Commonly used for children’s plates, camping gear, and outdoor dining

Not microwave-safe, but otherwise highly hygienic

Natural Bamboo (Certified Food-Grade Only)

Eco-friendly, lightweight, and renewable

However, many bamboo dishes are bonded with melamine resin, which can release chemicals at high heat

Always check for BPA-free, FDA-approved labels and avoid heating

Avoid:

Vintage or imported ceramics with unlabeled glazes (may contain lead or cadmium)

Low-quality plastics or dinnerware not labeled food-safe

For the best combination of health, safety, and ease of use, choose tempered glass or certified lead-free porcelain.

What Kind of Dinnerware Does Not Scratch?

Dinnerware that resists scratching is usually made from hard, non-porous, and glazed or polished materials. Here are your top scratch-resistant options:

Tempered Glass

One of the most scratch-resistant dinnerware materials available

It has a smooth surface that resists both utensil marks and stains

Brands like Corelle are known for their long-term durability

High-Quality Porcelain (with Hard Glaze)

While not completely scratch-proof, porcelain resists scratches well due to its dense structure and strong glaze

Everyday use with metal utensils won't usually leave visible marks if the glaze is high quality

Melamine

While soft compared to glass or ceramic, melamine resists scratching better than many plastics

It's not ideal for formal settings, but performs well for casual use or in environments where durability matters

Stoneware (With Caution)

Durable overall, but can scratch if the glaze is soft or if abrasive utensils are used

Matte or rustic finishes tend to show wear more quickly

To reduce scratches regardless of material:

Use nylon, silicone, or wooden utensils

Stack plates with felt or silicone spacers

Avoid abrasive scrubbers when washing

What Causes Black Marks on Dishes?

Black or gray marks on dishes—especially white ceramic or porcelain ones—are usually caused by metal from utensils rubbing against the glaze. This is a cosmetic issue, not a health concern, but it can make dishes look stained or dirty even when clean.

Common causes include:

Metal Utensils: Knives and forks can leave behind tiny metal deposits when scraped against glazed surfaces.

Rough or Unglazed Areas: Dishes with textured or matte finishes are more prone to metal marks.

Hard Water + Friction: Minerals in hard water may contribute to marks when combined with metal friction during dishwashing.

How to remove them:

Use a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, or baking soda mixed with water

Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge

Avoid harsh steel wool or scouring pads, which can damage the glaze

Prevention tips:

Use softer utensils, like silicone or plastic, if marks are a constant issue

Avoid stacking dishes when wet, as the pressure can increase surface wear

Choose dinnerware with a harder glaze or high-quality finish