What is china dinnerware?

Despite the name, the plates, bowls, cups and saucers aren't necessarily made in China - although that's why delicate dinnerware was originally given the name of "china". There are two main types of dinnerware referred to as china, porcelain and bone. Bone china is created in a similar process as porcelain, but an extra ingredient (bone ash) is used when making it. This bone ash gives the final product a milkier white color.

So, which is better: bone china or porcelain?

That depends on your preferences. Bone china has a more delicate look and feel, to the point of being almost translucent. Porcelain colors are often brighter, the whites are whiter, and so on. Either one can make your dinner table look beautiful!

Why is china dinnerware often more expensive than dishes made from other materials?

It takes a much higher temperature to fire china dinnerware. Those high temperatures make it more likely that a dish or bowl won't survive the firing process - making the ones that do come out perfectly a more expensive final product.

Can I put my china dinnerware in the microwave (or oven)?

Read the printed materials that came with your dinnerware to determine if it can be used in the oven or microwave. You may also be able to find that information on the bottom of the plate, bowl, or cup itself. If your china has any metal accents, like a gold design or platinum band around the edge, DO NOT use it in the oven or microwave!

Is my china dishwasher-safe?

If you are using your great-grandmother's china that came over from England, it's probably best to wash it by hand using a gentle dish detergent and warm water. On the other hand, newer china is often made for the rigors of today's day-to-day life, including being washable in the dishwasher. Again, check the information provided about your china or look on the bottom of the dinnerware to see if it has been designated as dishwasher-safe.

Do people still put china dinnerware on wedding registries?

Although it's not as common on gift registries now as it was in the past, china dinnerware still catches the eye of many engaged couples. It's fun to have a set of "nice" dishes for the first Thanksgiving meal together or for entertaining dinner guests. Plus, with many people embracing the idea of "you only live once", china dinnerware is often found in everyday use.

Why should I consider buying my china dinnerware online?

Where else will you find the world's best selection of brands, patterns, and pieces of china? Local retailers often carry an extremely limited inventory of china, and they may not have enough on hand for the number of full place settings you want. Getting your dinnerware directly from the manufacturer or from an online home goods store ensures that you can get exactly what you're looking for, delivered safely to your doorstep.

China dinnerware is heavy. Will shipping be expensive?

Probably not. Many china retailers want to earn your business, so you'll often find free shipping offers with a certain minimum purchase amount. You may also spot discounts on your purchase that can make it even more affordable to get the dishes you've been dreaming of.

Noritake Review for July 2025 | Best China Dinnerware Stores

Item: Noritake Review
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Sunday, July 20th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 China Dinnerware Store Reviews

Where can you get the best selection of fine china dinnerware? China dinnerware, often referred to simply as "china," is a type of fine porcelain or ceramic dinnerware that has been cherished for centuries for its elegance and timeless beauty. Despite the changing trends in dining and tableware, china dinnerware remains popular for several reasons.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Noritake

Over 200 sets available in bone china alone
Easy-to-use website
Breakage replacement program: 25% or 50% off, depending on pattern
Free shipping on orders over $75
30-day return period
In business since 1904

GOOD

3.5

On the Noritake website

Noritake is a renowned Japanese brand with a rich heritage in fine tableware and ceramics, dating back to 1904. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship, Noritake has become a symbol of quality and elegance in the world of chinaware. The brand offers a wide range of beautifully designed dinnerware, stemware, and serveware, featuring both traditional and contemporary patterns to suit various tastes and occasions.

Dinnerware is the focus here

It's clear that dinnerware takes center stage at Noritake, with many styles and patterns featured prominently on the home page. So, where should you start? That's up to you. Maybe you're already a fan of the Colorwave collection, or you know you're shopping specifically for dinnerware sets. You'll find all of those starting points in the dropdowns at the top of the site.

Hundreds of options in bone china

To give you an idea of Noritake's ample selection, we went right to the Sets tab and used the filters to show us just bone china (and not porcelain, stoneware, or even wood). There were over 200 options to choose from. The remaining filters made it simple to narrow those down according to our priorities, whether that was china that was dishwasher- and microwave-safe or in a particular style (like geometric or floral patterns).

Easy-breezy online shopping

As you start out, your matching results will be listed by pattern name, making it super-easy to see everything available in that design. For example, the Accompanist pattern offers everything from standalone sets of plates or bowls, as well as a 12-piece set of service for 4 (affordably priced at $249.99, we might add). But, you can always change the view to show you Noritake's options by price or by best-sellers, if either of those are a factor in your shopping for china.

Mid-range in price but still high quality

Noritake china dinnerware falls in the middle of the spectrum pricewise. The most expensive sets we found were in the $400 to $500 range, so nothing was either extremely high-end or cheap. While you won't find tons of reviews on any of the dishes in the bone china category, feedback in other places (including some of the third-party dinnerware retailers on our list) indicates that Noritake offers excellent durability and overall quality.

30-day returns and free shipping on orders over $75

Shipping is free on orders over $75 at Noritake, as long as the delivery is within the contiguous United States. Returns on unused items are accepted within 30 days, but you're responsible for the cost of sending your dishes back to the retailer.

When you register your pattern with Noritake, you'll receive updates on its status and notifications about new items in the pattern. Additionally, Noritake offers a breakage replacement program, allowing you to replace broken dinnerware, stemware, or serveware at a discounted price. This program applies to active patterns or those for which Noritake has stock available. For specific collections like Colorwave, ColorTex, and Hammock (including dinnerware, wood, and glass items), you can enjoy a 25% discount off the web price. For all other products, a 50% discount off the current manufacturer's suggested retail price is available. If you need to replace an item, simply contact Noritake Customer Service for assistance.

Solid option for china dinnerware

Overall, Noritake gives you the best of both worlds: high-quality china dinnerware at prices that are within reach for most shoppers. While their breakage replacement program isn't quite as generous as many of its brand rivals (who provide replacements on registered china at no cost), Noritake is still worth considering as a reliable china retailer with an extremely wide range of styles and patterns to choose from. Whether you're buying basic dishes for day-to-day use or formal place settings for holiday feasts, Noritake is a solid option.

On the Noritake website

Continued from above...

Where can you get the best selection of fine china dinnerware?

China dinnerware, often referred to simply as "china," is a type of fine porcelain or ceramic dinnerware that has been cherished for centuries for its elegance and timeless beauty. Despite the changing trends in dining and tableware, china dinnerware remains popular for several reasons.

First, china dinnerware is renowned for its delicate and refined appearance. The intricate patterns, often featuring floral or geometric designs, exude a sense of timeless beauty that enhances any dining experience. The delicate translucency of fine china also adds to its charm. But, while china may seem delicate, it is actually quite durable when properly cared for. High-quality china can last for generations, making it an excellent investment.

Also, many people reserve their china dinnerware for special occasions like holidays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Using it during these moments adds a sense of tradition and significance to the event. Of course, you can always live like every day is special, because china can be suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to formal gatherings. Its versatility allows you to create different table settings to suit various events and moods.

Finally, collecting china dinnerware has been a popular hobby for many. Some patterns and brands have become highly sought-after collectibles, with enthusiasts scouring antique shops and auctions for rare pieces. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily use and occasional accidents.

However, when you're out shopping for china dinnerware at your local stores, you might notice that your options are a bit limited. Those big-box retailers usually stock just a couple of brands and a handful of patterns. So, if you want to match your china with your home decor or you have a particular brand in mind, turning to online stores is your best bet. They tend to have a wider selection, often at better prices.

Online shops make it super easy and fun to find the perfect china for you. They've usually got handy filters and clear images of each plate, cup, bowl, and saucer. The only tricky part might be trying to pick just one pattern from all the gorgeous options they offer!

Ready to get shopping? Here are some ways to narrow down the options as you search for your perfect china dinnerware:

Design and pattern. Choose a style that appeals to your personal taste and complements your existing tableware or decor. Consider whether you want a classic, traditional pattern or a more contemporary design.
Brand reputation. Research the reputation of the brand you're considering. Established brands with a long history of producing quality china are often a safe bet. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who own china dinnerware.
Use and maintenance. Check if the china dinnerware is safe to use in the microwave and oven if you intend to heat or reheat food in them. Also research how easy it is to clean and maintain. Some patterns or brands may be dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing.
Completeness and availability. If you plan to use your china dinnerware regularly, ensure that the set you're purchasing includes all the essential pieces you need, such as dinner plates, salad plates, cups, saucers, and serving pieces. Check if replacement pieces are readily available in case of breakage, and if you can get those replacements free of charge or at a reduced cost.

Whether for everyday use or special occasions, the right china dinnerware can elevate your table settings and create lasting memories. To help you find the best patterns and settings, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular brands and retailers. Your table will be picture-perfect in no time!

Noritake Review: China Dinnerware Stores

2025 China Dinnerware Store Reviews

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