Where can you find the finest china dinnerware at the best value? Fine china dinnerware has been a symbol of sophistication for generations, valued for both its beauty and craftsmanship. Traditionally made from porcelain or bone china, these pieces are known for their smooth finish, light weight, and subtle translucence. While once reserved strictly for formal dining, today's china is often designed with versatility in mind - blending classic elegance with practical, everyday usability.
Best Option
As an online department store with every kind of product imaginable, Wayfair at one point used the slogan "a zillion things home." While this slogan has recently changed to "every style, every home" to reflect more personalized styling choices, the brand still offers one of the largest online selections of dinnerware anywhere, giving consumers a one-stop-shop for not only chinaware but anything you might need in your home.
A site that has it all
When shopping for china, some sites offer lots of variety, some are user-friendly, and some sites have the best prices. Lucky for you, Wayfair is all of these. You can start your search with close to 2,500 options. Narrow down the results by choosing your material, color, brand, price range, or even by whether you want your dishes to be dishwasher- or microwave-safe.
Better prices than buying direct
Wayfair has a lot of benefits to offer those looking for china, but it shines the most in its competitive pricing. You can find the most popular sets from the most popular brands at discounted rates, usually lower than what they offer on their own site. Frequent sales make higher-end sets even more accessible. For example, Lenox listed a popular set on sale on their site for $219, and on Wayfair it was only $175. We compared different sets from multiple brands and they were almost always cheaper on Wayfair.
High quality for all budgets
Another great thing about Wayfair is that they offer everything from premium luxe sets to budget-friendly (but still beautiful and well-constructed) sets. The high luxury bone china sets top out at just over $1,000 with a set from Prouna for a single 5-piece setting. This set even has Swarovski crystal decorations on each piece. Wayfair's most budget-friendly porcelain set for a single setting starts under $20. You can also find dishes made from other materials, but in the china category, these two are the ones we think you'll likely be focusing on.
Durability depends on the brand
Because each individual brand sets its own standards for durability and construction, every consumer's experience will be different. Some brands definitely have higher standards than others, so we suggest checking overall reviews for the specific brand to see how long they might last.
Reviews listed for each product
It's hard to see customer reviews for china dinnerware as a whole from Wayfair, but it's super easy to see feedback for a certain product. If the china dinnerware you're looking at already has some reviews, it will show the star rating and any comments right there on the product page. While many don't have any ratings at all, you can filter your search results to only show items with a certain number of stars or higher. Wayfair also holds an "A+" rating with the BBB, so you can trust it as a retailer.
$35 free shipping and 30 day returns
You can return any china dinnerware you purchase from Wayfair within 30 days for a full refund minus shipping costs. And, anything you purchase will ship for free as long as you have spent $35. Once you get your china, you can register your dinnerware with the specific brand (if offered) to get signed up for any replacement guarantees.
A great place to buy china dinnerware
Wayfair offers the biggest variety of any china dinnerware company we reviewed. The site offers a unique experience of convenient browsing all in one place. While you will need to do a little more legwork by reading reviews and brand policies to find your best fit, you'll find the biggest variety with the best prices. Wayfair is our top choice when shopping for china dinnerware and receives our highest rating.
Great
Lenox's beginnings stretch back to 1889, when founder Walter Scott Lenox started the company in Trenton, NJ with the goal of producing fine china that could rival Europe's top producers. Over the decades, the brand built a reputation for quality and artistry, eventually becoming the first American company to produce official White House china, creating personalized service for at least 6 US presidents. Lenox has created a brand steeped in tradition and prestige.
Mainly porcelain and bone china
Lenox dinnerware is made primarily from bone china or porcelain, each offering different strengths. Bone china is known for being both lightweight, durable, and high-end, often with luxe details like hand-applied gold accents, or multi-layer glazing. Porcelain offers a beautiful finish with a lower price tag and even more durability. In fact, much of their dinnerware is dishwasher-safe, and some collections are even microwave-safe. But, be careful with metallic accents that need more delicate care.
Durable fine china
While fine china often has a reputation for being fragile, Lenox has worked hard to change that perception. The brand's glazing process helps protect the surfaces from scratching and fading, and many customers even report that their sets retain shine after years of use. Some patterns have stayed in production over decades, showing the durability and timelessness of their china dinnerware. One customer even reported "I've used them almost every day since 2013 and they still are in great shape."
Special lines or pieces available
On the website you can find dozens of different designs and full service lines. But what you don't see on their main page is that you can also get some items personalized for special events or heirloom keepsakes. In fact, 6 US presidents have commissioned lines from Lenox for service at formal White House dinners, starting way back in 1918. They also offer special collaboration lines like Dr. Seuss, Peanuts, Star Wars, Disney, and Printfresh.
Prices vary depending on the material
While the prices aren't at the tip-top of the category at Lenox, they still might not be in reach for every consumer. Basic porcelain sets start around $70 for smaller services, while formal bone china collections can reach several hundred dollars or more for a single 5-piece place setting. Many customers look at their Lenox china purchases as more of an investment that will last decades and be passed down to the next generation.
Replacement guarantee and returns available
One of Lenox's most appealing and generous features is their policy for returns, exchanges, and guarantees. Many dinnerware collections include breakage replacement guarantees, particularly for their bone china lines. If a piece chips or breaks, customers can typically request a replacement for the item as long as the piece is still available. The company also offers returns within 120 days, but you'll need to cover the shipping costs. You can feel comfortable about purchasing a new set or even if you have buyers remorse with these fantastic service policies.
Customers love their Lenox dinnerware... but not the customer service
Most customers love their Lenox dinnerware and are return customers. They praise the elegant designs, practicality, and their long-standing reputation for quality. Some however were disappointed when in 2020 the company closed its largest factory in the US and moved production overseas. While quality remains high, the company is sometimes not viewed with the same prestige it was before the move. And while most customer reviews don't have many bad things to say about the products themselves, they note that customer service is terrible. Long hold times on the phone, non-working chat features online, considerably long shipping times, missing orders, and agents who aren't sure what's going on seem to plague reviews. We suggest finding what you need at a third-party store if possible rather than dealing with the myriad of issues commonly reported with dealing with Lenox directly (see our #1-ranked retailer, for instance).
Highly recommended
Lenox china manages to walk the fine line between luxury and practicality. With their history of quality, beautiful designs and policies way above the industry standard, the brand has become one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the world of fine china, and one of our top choices for china dinnerware. While they seem to have common shipping issues and also may be out of reach for some due to cost, it is a company that stands behind their products and offers guarantees that can make their pieces investments and even heirlooms that last generations. We highly recommend Lenox and think that your purchase will be worth every penny spent.
Great
Noritake's roots stretch back to 1876 in Japan, when two brothers started exporting Japanese goods to the US. Over time, the company started producing its own porcelain and operating under the Noritake name. The company still operates out of Japan and now produces decorative china and durable dinnerware known for their delicate decorations and high-quality construction. As one of the most recognizable names in tableware, Noritake has made a significant impact on the china dinnerware market.
High reputation
It's not uncommon to see Noritake sets on wedding registries, holiday tables, and even in hotel dining rooms around the world. But does the brand actually live up to its reputation for quality? Let's take a closer look to see how it compares to other fine china brands.
Bone china, porcelain, and stoneware dishes
When looking for a china dinnerware set from Noritake, you can easily select which kind of material you're looking for on their website, whether it's refined bone china, durable porcelain, or casual stoneware. Filter out what you don't want (there are over 100 different options) and choose a pattern and style that suits you. Whether you're looking for heirloom pieces with gold accents to pass on to the next generation, an upscale set for your next black tie event, or just some dishes that make you feel a little fancier even when you're eating a frozen dinner on your couch, you have lots of options at Noritake.
Durable construction
Noritake has long been respected for producing china that combines beauty and durability. Porcelain and bone china pieces are fired at extremely high temperatures, which should in theory make them resistant to chips and stains. In practice, many owners agree and report that Noritake dishes hold up surprisingly well, even when using higher-end pieces often. Of course, like most fine china, pieces with metallic trim usually shouldn't go in the microwave and may require a little extra care.
Not the cheapest but still reasonable
Noritake sits in the mid-to-premium price range for china dinnerware. While you can find some budget-friendly sets on their site starting at about $20 per place setting, most nicer settings will start around $60. You can also find premium china dinnerware constructed from bone china for upwards of $800 for a single setting. While prices may be high for finer sets, Noritake represents a good balance between elegance and affordability. If you find a Noritake set you like on sale through a discount retailer, you also may be able to get it even cheaper.
Customers like their Noritake china
While there aren't many review sites talking about Noritake, they do have plenty of reviews on their website. Each individual line and design has its own reviews listed right next to the product details so you can check to see how your specific choice might hold up over time. Almost all their products are rated above 4 stars, and unlike some other sites, if there are any poor reviews, they include those as well. Noritake does have so many patterns and designs that it's sometimes tricky to replace older pieces. Customers find that frustrating when they've spent good money on upscale china.
30-day returns and a breakage replacement discount
If you purchase Noritake china at an independent retailer, you'll have to check their specific policies if you need to return your china. But by purchasing through the Noritake website, customers are allowed 30 days for returns. But beware: as with most other china companies, customers pay return shipping, which can cost a pretty penny when heavy dishes are involved. Noritake offers a breakage replacement guarantee if your china dinnerware breaks during normal use. This process is infinitely easier if you have already registered your dinnerware. Customers can then purchase replacements at 25-50% off the regular price.
Highly recommended
Noritake has spent more than a century building a reputation for elegant porcelain and reliable craftsmanship, and it lives up to that legacy. With a wide variety of patterns, durable materials, and reasonable pricing compared with luxury competitors, the brand strikes a comfortable balance between beauty and practicality. If you're looking for china that feels special enough for holidays but durable enough for everyday dinners, Noritake is a solid and stylish choice, which is why they receive one of our highest ratings for china dinnerware.
Very Good
While Mikasa's story began in 1948 as a company that imported and sold dinnerware, the actual Mikasa name debuted in 1957 and quickly became associated with stylish tabletop designs that blended beautiful tableware with practical pricing. They've expanded their product lines multiple times, now including stemware, flatware, and accessories. Today the brand remains a widely recognized name when it comes to china dinnerware and beyond.
Elegance without the price tag
Mikasa is very appealing to those looking for something more refined than basic everyday plates but without the premium price tag of luxury European china brands. But how well does Mikasa actually perform when the plates leave the showroom and enter your kitchen? Let's take a closer look to see whether Mikasa deserves a place on your table.
Everything from stoneware to bone china with vegan options
One of the great things about Mikasa is the variety. Almost anyone can find something they love in their budget, whether you are an avid collector or someone just looking for something to eat off of. You'll find dinnerware made from bone china, porcelain, and stoneware. One unique thing Mikasa offers that we haven't seen much of is vegan bone china. They offer 6 different designs in this animal-free material that offers the same beauty, translucence, and durability of its traditional counterpart. You can also find 18 different collections of regular bone china.
Durable but not heirloom quality
Mikasa delivers a solid performance for its price range. Reinforced edges on most porcelain and stoneware sets help reduce chipping during normal use. That being said, durability still varies between collections. As with any brand, when you choose patterns with high detail or metallic accents, those accents may fade over time, especially when going into the microwave or dishwasher frequently. Dinnerware from Mikasa holds up for typical family meals, but may not have heirloom longevity like you would see in more premium china brands.
Accessible pricing with higher- and lower-end options
Mikasa offers accessible mid-range pricing on most of their dinnerware products. Depending on material and number of pieces, many sets fall between $80 and $300. This makes some of their higher-end full sets cheaper than single place settings from premium brands, giving customers affordability while still offering a polished, upscale look. You can also find Mikasa lines at excellent discounts since the brand is widely sold at major retailers. They seem to hit the sweet spot between style, functionality, and price. Mikasa even offers outlet pricing for their discontinued items, where you can find bone china place settings for only $17.
Not the highest quality but still durable
Customers who use Mikasa praise the affordability and designs, but according to customers, the finish and durability of their higher-end pieces don't stand the test of time. Even when certain lines claim to be dishwasher-safe, users say the finish sometimes comes off after just a couple runs through the dishwasher, and the pieces aren't as durable as they had hoped. On Trustpilot they have a 2.5 star rating, and their parent company, Lifetime Brands, has an even lower rating of "D-" on the Better Business Bureau site for overwhelming failure to respond to complaints.
Expensive return shipping paid by you
If you purchase Mikasa chinaware directly from their website, you can expect generous 90 day returns with not-so-generous return shipping paid for by you. Some customers mentioned that their return shipping costs were more than they paid for the actual dishes, so take that into account if you think you might want to return items purchased online. Alternatively, if you purchase your items through a third-party retailer, return policies will be whatever policies that particular store has in place.
Recommended for value and variety
Mikasa's reputation as a stylish, mid-priced chinaware and dinnerware brand is verified by our review. Their affordable prices make elegant table settings accessible to everyday households, and it's easy to see why Mikasa remains a popular choice. While the brand isn't completely free from occasional quality complaints, most buyers find the products attractive and the value appealing, and they get a good rating from us.
Good
Macy's isn't a china manufacturer, but rather a department store that has been selling home goods (including fine china dinnerware) for more than 150 years. Founded in 1858, Macy's built its reputation as a destination for fashion, gifts, and household products. Over time, the store developed partnerships with dinnerware brands and also launched its own exclusive lines. Today, you can find everything from casual stoneware to formal bone china from well-known names such as Royal Copenhagen, Mikasa, Noritake, and others.
A great place to start and compare
Shopping for china dinnerware can feel fairly overwhelming: with so many patterns, materials, and price points, it's hard to know where to start. That's where Macy's enters the picture. As one of the most recognizable department stores in the United States, Macy's offers an enormous selection of dinnerware ranging from affordable everyday sets to elegant bone china worthy of a holiday table.
Bone china, porcelain, and stoneware
Because Macy's carries multiple brands and collections, the materials vary widely. You can typically choose from bone china, porcelain, or stoneware. Fine bone china will cost significantly more than other materials, but the beauty, translucency, and detail are unmatched. Prices for fine china range from around $150 for a 5-piece setting to over $600. Porcelain can still be stunning, and will be more durable for more regular use. These sets will start around $50 for a place setting. Stoneware is heavier and more rustic, but is still offered at Macy's. Some sets (even those in bone china) may be microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but each set will be different. So check the details before purchase.
Lots of brands and variety
One of Macy's biggest advantages is simply variety. Because it sells dozens of brands, you'll find nearly every style imaginable, from gold-trimmed bone china for formal place settings with all the accessories to basic colorful stoneware meant for heavy daily use. Quality will vary depending on the brand and price point. High-end sets will have the best craftsmanship and detail, while budget sets are more durable and family-friendly. Whichever you're looking for, you can compare many brands and options side-by-side, which is an option not available when you're shopping directly with the manufacturers' online stores.
Great sale prices
Macy's real secret weapon is its sales. The store is well-known for running promotions, seasonal discounts, and clearance events, which can dramatically reduce the price of china dinnerware sets. Some may drop to surprisingly affordable levels, making them more accessible to those who otherwise could not afford fine chinaware. However, unless you're shopping on a sale or promotion, you might find that Macy's prices are similar to or sometimes even considerably higher than direct manufacturers'.
Mixed reviews
Customer feedback for Macy's china dinnerware is a bit of a mixed bag. Shoppers love the large selection and competitive sale pricing, and some really appreciate the ability to browse china lines in-store and up-close in addition to online. However, slow shipping, incorrect orders, and poor packaging with damaged items seems to plague Macy's china reviews.
30-day returns but lacks typical warranties
Macy's offers a pretty standard return process. Returns made in-store are always free, but you might have to pay a fee if returning via mail. You have 30 days to return your purchase, or 90 days if it is listed on your registry. But be careful, because you might not get the same warranty or return perks if you purchased directly from the manufacturer.
An average choice
To summarize, Macy's is less of a single china brand and more of a dinnerware superstore - and that's both its biggest strength and its greatest weakness. You can find an enormous selection of brands, styles and price points, but the shopping experience can be inconsistent. You also won't get the guarantees offered by specialized retailers. But if you enjoy browsing dozens of beautiful patterns and scoring a great deal, Macy's can be a convenient place to build your china dinnerware collection. For these reasons, we rank Macy's department store just in the middle of the pack.
Average
Founded in 1775 by porcelain master John Aynsley, the Aynsley chinaware company has been creating high-quality bone china for over 250 years. While bone china wasn't part of their beginnings, in the 1860s Aynsley's grandson expanded their line to use this sturdy yet delicate material, eventually catching the eye of Queen Victoria. They received a royal warrant in 1891, which greatly boosted their prestige and popularity. Today most of their products are made from bone china.
Traditional, detailed pieces
Aynsley has a rich history steeped in tradition. Their attention to detail and high-quality construction makes them a popular choice if you're looking for traditional or collectible china dinnerware. Their products are mostly tea sets and accessories, and will range from $28 to $150 for a single teacup & saucer. While we found one set that offered a full 5-piece setting (for around $557 for a single setting), this was definitely not the norm for Aynsley.
A short royal stint
Aynsley focuses a lot on their royal history. But besides the royal warrant granted to them by Queen Victoria in 1861, there's not a lot of actual association with the British royal family. Their royal warrant was not renewed and the only ties they still have to royalty is the royal commemorative pieces they're created and the use of their china by members of the royal family in the past.
Vintage pieces are popular
Besides being a good (but sometimes pricey) choice for more modern chinaware collections, Aynsley is also a popular brand among collectors. Vintage pieces with hand-painted designs, artist signatures, and discontinued patterns have become very valuable. In fact, in 2007 a dessert service was reportedly sold for a whopping $36,800. While vintage sets will hold a higher price tag, you can also find much more affordable Aynsley pieces.
Bone china with lots of detail
Aynsley is a great place to look for traditional fine bone china, as their pieces are durable yet lightweight. Customers love the high translucency and bright white finish. Aynsley shines in the fine detail of their pieces, as many of them feature transfer printing, or hand-painted finishes and gold/platinum gilding.
30-day return window and damage protection
You can purchase and return any of the products listed on the Aynsley website, but there are a few details to note. While you have 30 days to return any unopened and unused products, you will need to pay for shipping fees out of your own pocket. Your purchase is also protected from transit damage and will be covered by Aynsley with video proof of any damages.
Limited products and exaggerated prestige
While Aynsley remains a respected name in the fine china industry, their one-time royal warrant, limited number of products, and change in construction make their items more popular for vintage collectors than those looking for a usable or more modern set. We give them an average rating and think you can find a wider variety of more affordable china dinnerware options elsewhere.
Fair
Founded in 1837 in New York City, Tiffany & Co. started as a stationery and luxury goods store, but quickly evolved into one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in the world. Eventually Tiffany expanded to include luxury home goods, accessories, and premium tableware. While dinnerware hasn't ever been a primary focus, it has remained part of the brand's broader collections for decades.
Beautiful and luxurious
Tiffany china is undeniably beautiful and unmistakably upscale. But while the brand carries plenty of prestige, its dinnerware collection is surprisingly small and quite expensive compared to traditional china brands. Let's take a closer look at what Tiffany offers, how its china performs, and whether it deserves a place on your table.
You're buying the name, not a dinner service
If you want to look at Tiffany's for china dinnerware, prepare to ignore the price tag or just have some sticker shock. That's because customers purchasing anything from Tiffany & Co. typically are buying it for the luxury name, not the value. The dinnerware offered is limited in production, pieces, and availability, to increase exclusivity and demand.
Only sold as individual pieces
If you're looking to buy a 5-piece place setting or a full set in one fell swoop, you should look elsewhere. - because at Tiffany's, pieces are all purchased individually and generally used as luxury decor or collectibles rather than large-scale dinnerware that is used regularly. Collections are smaller than other china companies and are highly stylized based on signature Tiffany designs. If you were to purchase a full place setting, it will cost you between $620 and a whopping $3,000. A single teapot might cost you over $1,000. Again, while the pieces are of top quality, you're generally paying for the Tiffany name (as reinforced by their name being printed in large lettering on many of the china pieces).
Bone china and porcelain options
Tiffany & Co. uses two types of materials for their premium dinnerware: bone china and porcelain. You can rest assured that either of these materials will give you a beautiful finish and shine on your table, with bone china being more translucent and porcelain being a little more durable. Tiffany's exclusive designs are printed (or often hand-painted) on these materials to create an opulent atmosphere for dining, but their designs lean more toward artistic rather than traditional china patterns.
No customization available anymore
Throughout their history, Tiffany has created several customized lines. These have generally been personalized with family crests or monograms for very wealthy individuals, and once for first lady Lady Bird Johnson as a White House china service in 1968. Despite this, we can't find any current options to personalize china dinnerware. But if this is something you want to pursue, contact a Tiffany's representative to see what they can do.
Not many reviews for luxury items
Reviews for Tiffany & Co. china dinnerware are hard to come by. Their website doesn't show any reviews for china and customers rarely review Tiffany china on public sites, so feedback is minimal. The Tiffany brand in general receives very poor reviews from their customers. Failure to stand behind products plagues the company, with users reporting poor craftsmanship and cheap materials being used for such a high-luxury company.
Free shipping and easy returns
With such astronomical price tags, you better believe that Tiffany offers free shipping on all regular orders. You can also exchange or return items within 30 days, with easy drop-offs at any UPS store. We are really sorry to tell you, however, that no refunds will be given for purchases above $75,000 (!). So if you decide to drop more than the average American salary on your china, you'll have to keep it, unfortunately.
Recommended only for those looking for luxury with a high price tag
Tiffany china dinnerware is elegant and luxurious with distinctive designs, high-quality construction, and plenty of prestige to go around. But as far as actual dinnerware value, the brand's offerings are more of single show pieces than usable dishes. When you can get an entire set of bone china elsewhere for the price of one plate here, you know you're mostly just purchasing for opulence. With a small selection, no breakage replacement program, poor customer service and astronomical prices, the only place to rank Tiffany's for the average buyer is below average, even though their pieces are high-quality. If you still want to splurge on the Tiffany aesthetic, we don't think you'll be disappointed in the quality. But for shoppers looking for full china service with long-term support, other brands will provide you a better experience overall.
Subpar
Wedgwood's story begins in the 1700s, making it one of the most historically significant names in ceramics. Founded in England and once produced completely in Staffordshire, the company built its reputation on craftsmanship, innovation, and aristocratic appeal. Owning Wedgwood was once considered by some to be a status symbol (and still may be). Today, buyers are still drawn in by that legacy and the brand's aesthetic, which ranges from ornate gold-trimmed collections to sleek contemporary designs.
Dinnerware is all bone china
Wedgwood sticks to using the best materials, with their sets being crafted from only bone china and their iconic Jasperware. Bone china is the most obvious choice with its delicate and translucent features. But Jasperware, a material created by their founder in the 1700s, was used by Queen Charlotte in the early days of the company and still holds a place in their high-end offerings today.
Average to expensive pieces
Pricewise, Wedgwood is on the higher end of the category. A 16-piece set for 4 will start at $560, but a single place setting can cost you the same amount, depending on the pattern and design. In fact, you can spend $500 on a single cup and saucer, with the matching teapot costing $1,500.
Formerly produced in England
One thing customers used to rave about was Wedgwood's English heritage: being founded, designed, and manufactured all in England. But in the early 2000s they, like many other companies, made the decision to move manufacturing overseas to Indonesia. Now your china dinnerware may include some hand-painted details finished in England, but the majority of their china is all produced elsewhere.
Substandard packaging and reports of inconsistent construction
From such a well-established company, we would expect very high quality and durability. However, some customers have reported cracking plates and glazing imperfections in their new dishes. There is an overwhelming number of users whose packages arrived broken due to extremely poor packaging. The company has stated they've reduced packaging to curtail waste, but when customers are paying thousands for fine china, we think a little extra bubblewrap goes a long way. We expect more from a premium company like Wedgwood.
Poor customer service
That leads us right to customer service. If you do experience a problem, we're not sure how long it might take to get it resolved. Customers complain of slow or even unresponsive customer service, glacially slow shipping, and nonfunctional contact forms on their website. Agents have even supposedly admitted that they are swamped with damage complaints and just can't keep up.
Replacement guarantee
Since our last review, Wedgwood has implemented a new breakage replacement program. If one of your pieces chips, they'll ship you a similar piece at no charge. But to qualify for this, you'll need to make sure and register your new china within 6 months of purchase and your china needs to have been purchased after January 2024.
Unknown return window and free shipping in some cases
We think you can return items to Wedgwood within 30 days, but their website is so outdated (showing their holiday policies from over a year ago, at the time of our review) that we can't be completely sure. If you choose to proceed with a return, you'll need to cover all shipping costs to return your items. We do know that if you order over $200, you'll get free shipping. Otherwise, it will cost you $20.
Beautiful but inconsistent
So where does that leave Wedgwood? It's still a brand with undeniable charm, history, and visual appeal. If you fall in love with a particular pattern, there's a good chance you'll enjoy using it and showing it off. But the buying experience, and sometimes the long-term reliability, may not always match the premium price tag. Wedgwood falls closer to the bottom of our list of best places to purchase china dinnerware and we think you'll likely have a better experience shopping elsewhere.
Weak
Founded in 1880, Oneida began manufacturing flatware in New York and eventually expanded to dinnerware. Even though they now operate under the Lenox umbrella, the brand has become one of the most recognizable names in tabletop products in the US.
No china dinnerware here
While Oneida is one of the most recognizable brands for tableware, they don't necessarily shine in the chinaware category. Actually, we're not even sure they can be considered a contender in this category, as they don't even sell bone china. The only materials they currently use for their dinnerware are porcelain, stoneware, and melamine, which are all very durable but not on the higher end of the materials spectrum.
Limited options
If porcelain is as fancy as you'd like to get with your dinnerware, you can find a few options through Oneida. At the time of this review, we found 5 different sets to choose from, with additional color options. Only 5 more options were listed in the stoneware category, so even if you want dinnerware with one of these materials, you won't find a ton of options here.
Almost always on sale
When we reviewed Oneida, we found that all their products were listed at 50% off the MSRP. And while this may not always be exactly the case, Lenox often runs offers that make Oneida dinnerware appear highly discounted and much lower than the original listed price. So if it's not currently on sale, we suggest waiting another week until it is.
Good for those on a strict budget
Oneida offers dishes in the budget category, perfect for first apartments, rental homes, or everyday family meals. Prices are around $14 for a single place setting for their most expensive lines, with full sets all costing less than $100.
Cheap enough to toss when it breaks
With Oneida's products being listed on the Lenox site, we're not sure if there are any differing policies on returns or exchanges. But when you can get a full set for under $100, it's probably worth just keeping. There are no guarantees on Oneida dinnerware.
Oneida doesn't focus on dinnerware
While Oneida does offer some options (which is more than we can say about another low-ranked company we reviewed), dinnerware is definitely not their strong suit and we recommend going with a better-stocked brand with a long-standing reputation for exceptional dinnerware. Oneida ranks near the bottom of our list and it doesn't look like they're very interested in changing their focus anytime soon.
Poor
OKA was founded in 1999 in the United Kingdom by three women who sourced products from cultures in the East. In 2005 they fell in love with some vintage period pottery and created a china line based on that beautiful design. OKA is known for luxury, but their china line may not be the best choice for your next dinnerware purchase.
Eastern-influenced chinaware
OKA has a reputation of Eastern culture luxury, and at first glance it appears that their fine china dinnerware line fits that description perfectly. They offer 8 different designs of dinnerware, all influenced by vintage Chinese designs. However, some sets only had a single item offered without any matching pieces to finish the set.
Not a single item in stock
In fact, we couldn't find a single set or product in their chinaware that was in stock. Some sets said they'd be available in a few months, some said they'd be available in a year, and some just listed ‘out of stock' without any estimate of when they'd be in stock again. We're not sure if they are discontinuing their china line, or just taking an extended break, but it's a little fishy when you can't find a single item in stock.
Unclear item descriptions
Each of the china products listed on OKA's site lists its features, but those are vague. Some items mention that they are porcelain, which is a great durable material but also beautiful. However, others only mention that the product is clay-based, or is ‘china,' without giving any specifics. If we are going to spend hundreds of dollars on a set of china, we'd like to know what it is made from specifically, not just ‘clay-based.'
Pricey and out-of-stock sets
If you are lucky enough to find an OKA piece you love that is also in stock, you can expect to pay around $50 per place setting for their cheapest sets, and over $240 for their pricier sets. Note that all their prices are listed in British pounds, but prices will convert to US dollars at checkout once you enter your shipping address (if you can find something in stock, that is).
Unknown shipping fees
Unfortunately, shipping is not free from OKA unless you are fortunate enough to snag a free shipping promotion. And to be honest, since we couldn't add any items to our cart (since they were all out of stock), we can't really tell you how much shipping will be. OKA suggests that anyone out of the country should contact them to receive an accurate delivery quote before purchasing.
Returns might be difficult
If you need to return any china you've purchased from OKA, you now only have 14 days, a drastically smaller time frame than the 45 days mentioned in our last review. We assume that's probably from the date of delivery since it will take awhile to get here from across the pond, but we're not sure. You'll also have to pay a return fee, and while it says it is around $15 on their site, we aren't positive that it applies to US orders. OKA used to operate a customer service team based in the US, but the company's US division filed for bankruptcy and abruptly left in 2024.
Hardly any reviews
Reviews for OKA china dinnerware are hard to come by. There are very few on their site, and the very little feedback we found elsewhere didn't have great things to say about the durability of their OKA china items. Without any other reviews to be found, it's hard to say if these dishes will be worth your money.
You're out of luck if something breaks
OKA does not have any sort of breakage replacement guarantee program. So if you choose to purchase items from this brand, be warned that there's no way to get them replaced unless it's paid for out of your own pocket and you can find the dish in stock.
Not many good features to mention
While we appreciate the Eastern-influenced, hand-finished designs offered by OKA, we can't give them a good review based on the fact that they have absolutely no inventory in stock, and have basically no reviews of their products. Filing bankruptcy in their US division makes it difficult to fix any issues that arise with orders, and leaves us with no choice but to rate them at the bottom of our list compared to other companies that offer china dinnerware. We recommend choosing a more established company with a better reputation and history.
Continued from above...
Fine china dinnerware has been a symbol of sophistication for generations, valued for both its beauty and craftsmanship. Traditionally made from porcelain or bone china, these pieces are known for their smooth finish, light weight, and subtle translucence. While once reserved strictly for formal dining, today's china is often designed with versatility in mind - blending classic elegance with practical, everyday usability.
Part of the appeal of fine china is its ability to elevate any meal. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, the right set can instantly make the experience feel more intentional. Many people also appreciate china as a long-term investment, and well-made sets can last for decades and are often passed down through families. At the same time, collectors continue to seek out discontinued patterns and specialty designs, adding another layer of interest to the category.
When it comes to shopping, however, the process can feel confusing. Shopping in-store may allow you to see coloring and details you might miss if viewing only through a screen - but you also will only find a limited selection, making it harder to compare styles, brands, and price points. Online shopping opens up a much broader range of options, allowing you to explore everything from traditional patterns to modern minimalist designs.
As you explore different options, it's helpful to think about how the china will actually be used in your home. Some sets are designed to be more delicate and reserved for special occasions, while others are made to withstand regular use, including being dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Paying attention to details like rim shape, weight, and durability can make a noticeable difference in how the pieces feel day to day. If you entertain often, you may also want to consider whether additional serving pieces, matching platters, or replacement items are easy to find within the same collection.
Another factor to keep in mind is how your dinnerware complements the rest of your space. Fine china doesn't have to feel overly formal or outdated - many modern designs incorporate subtle patterns, neutral tones, or even bold accents that pair well with contemporary décor. Mixing and matching pieces has also become more popular, allowing you to layer textures and styles for a more personalized table setting. Ultimately, choosing fine china is about finding a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical function, ensuring your set feels just as appropriate for everyday meals as it does for special occasions.
With all the different online stores that sell china, making the right choice can be overwhelming. There are a few key things to consider when shopping for china dinnerware, so here are some factors to keep in mind:
Ultimately, choosing fine china is about more than just aesthetics - it's about finding a set that fits your lifestyle and stands the test of time. With a thoughtful approach and a little help from the experts at Top Consumer Reviews, you can confidently select dinnerware that enhances both everyday meals and life's most memorable occasions.
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