The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Crockery Set
Introduction
Dinner or meal times are the best bonding times for a family. While the food is the primary focus, the crockery set on which it is served is no less important. A crockery set is more than something used to serve food; it adds glam to the whole dining experience. While it may seem simple, crockery sets come in a variety of materials, looks, and feels, and accordingly, the method to take care of them varies.
Crockery Set: One for Every Mood
Crockery sets are available in a variety of styles ranging from casual to semi-formal to formal. Based on your requirement and the setup in the house, you can choose the crockery set. It is a good idea to segregate your everyday crockery set from the ones that will be used occasionally. So, you should be using one crockery set for your daily use, preferably a sturdy one, and the other crockery set exclusively for important occasions, which can be really stylish.
Crockery Set: The Various Materials Available
While the casual crockery set is mostly available in earthenware, steel, melamine, and bamboo that is becoming popular these days, the semi-formal ones are made of porcelain and glass, and formal crockery sets are usually available in bone-China, crystal, and stoneware.
Earthenware Crockery Set
Available in classy designs and patterns, an earthenware crockery set is made of clay that has been baked in the kiln. What makes these good for everyday use is that they are heat resistant, so even if the food served is very hot, the crockery set container will not be as hot as compared to other materials. An earthenware bowl or plate from the crockery set can safely be used in the microwave to warm the food as they do not give away any toxic chemicals when heated to high temperatures. One disadvantage with earthenware crockery sets is that they may chip because of the porous material. So, one has to be very careful while using them. While the crockery set in its simple clay form looks elegant, nowadays you get earthenware crockery sets in various designs that are also painted with food-safe colors. Earthenware crockery sets are truly Indian and promote Indian pottery. So, if you truly believe in ‘be Indian, buy Indian’, this is definitely something you should consider.
Steel Crockery Set
A steel crockery set is very good value for money as it can be used for everyday use without any worry of breakage or damage. Easy to handle, use, and clean, one can heat the containers or bowls of the steel crockery set directly on the gas stove, making it a preferred choice for many years now. The best part about using a steel crockery set is that food does not react with the steel material and hence, there are no side effects in using steel for everyday use. As there is no chance of breakage, a steel crockery set can be used for people of all age groups. The very shiny appearance of the steel crockery set makes it very appealing on the dinner table. Nowadays, you get designer steel crockery sets which sport awesome colors on the outside and retain the steel inside. So, today steel crockery sets blend well with both, everyday dining and for special occasion dinners.
Melamine Crockery Set
Melamine crockery sets are the best alternative to ceramic or porcelain because while they look and feel like them, they are almost unbreakable. They are heat-resistant and are easy to clean and maintain. They are available in many designs making them an interesting pick. The melamine resin makes the crockery set durable and superior in quality, as compared to plastic. The Melamine crockery set is FDA approved as it adheres to great safety standards and is certified BPA-free. These elegant-looking crockery sets are pocket-friendly too, making them very popular. However, they are not microwave-safe, as the high temperature can alter the composition of the material.
Bamboo Crockery Set
This FDA-approved crockery set is eco-friendly in nature as all the products of the crockery set are fully biodegradable in the end. They are durable, easy to maintain and clean, and can also be cleaned in dishwashers. Bamboo crockery sets are available in multiple designs and colors. The bamboo crockery set is also available in disposable varieties making it a very good option for outdoor parties, which are chic and eco-friendly.
Porcelain Crockery Set
Porcelain crockery sets are ideal for semi-formal dinner sessions. You have to handle a porcelain crockery set with care as they are prone to breaking. They are also not recommended to be used in the microwave as, even though they can tolerate high temperatures, they may sometimes crack. Washing the porcelain crockery set in a dishwasher is a complete no as there is a chance of breakage. These can get easily stained and so, one needs to handle it with care and wash them quickly after using it. To remove stains, you may use soda. Do remember to never scrape off any dried food on the crockery set as it may leave behind a scratch. In such cases, always soak and wash the set, so that they remain shining for a long time.
Bone-China Crockery Set
These are very strong, elegant, classy, and lightweight. These super thin crockery sets are high heat resistant and are available in attractive designs. They are very durable, classy, and expensive too and hence, feature as part of the formal crockery set.
Stoneware Crockery Set
If you host a dinner which is stylish yet casual, then a stoneware crockery set is something that you should opt for. These are available in great detail and in many colors, mostly in pastel shades and look lovely. They are strong and chip-resistant but are very heavy and expensive too.
How to Choose the Right Crockery Set
After knowing about each material, let us now see how you can zero in on buying that perfect crockery set. Most crockery sets consist of 24 pieces, 36 pieces, or 48 pieces. If you are buying a formal crockery set, then, ensure that it includes dinner plates, a salad plate, soup bowl and spoon, bread plate, and serving ladles and bowls that are minimum three in number and dessert bowls. For a casual crockery set, ensure that there are enough dinner plates, side plates, serving bowls, and dessert bowls.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crockery set can elevate your dining experience, making every meal a special occasion. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of earthenware, the durability of steel, the elegance of porcelain, or the eco-friendliness of bamboo, there’s a perfect crockery set out there for you. Remember to consider your lifestyle, dining habits, and personal preferences when making your choice. Happy dining!