Should I Buy Expensive Plates? Why Premium Porcelain Dinnerware is Worth the Splurge
You may not have noticed, but the world of "fast fashion" now extends to our dining tables - and while it may be tempting to opt for disposable or budget-friendly dinnerware, there's something to be said about investing in pieces that last.
Call it nostalgia or leaving a legacy - but the allure of expensive plates and premium porcelain dinnerware has never been greater.
We've seen a growing movement of culinary enthusiasts and home entertainers rediscovering what generations before knew well: investing in quality tableware, particularly fine porcelain, is about more than just serving meals—it's about creating legacy pieces that enhance every dining experience.
But the question remains: are expensive plates really worth their weight? While you may have a set of fine china hidden away in the attic, quality dinnerware deserves a place at the table.
Let's look at why investing in a quality porcelain dinnerware set may be one of the best purchases you make this year.
The Cost of Quality Dinnerware
When evaluating expensive plates against their more affordable counterparts, the initial sticker shock can be misleading - especially when you look at how much you spend per use.
First, a stat that might surprise you: a typical household uses their everyday dining plates approximately 1,000 times per year.
Now take that number and put it to a price tag. While a basic ceramic dinner plate might cost $10 and last 2-3 years, premium china priced at $50-$75 can easily last 20+ years with proper care. Why does this matter? Let's do the math:
The Budget Option:
It can be tempting to buy mass-produced, dishwasher safe dinnerware. But when you forgo the quality for convenience, the price can quickly add up:
- Cost per use: $0.01 (first year)
- Replacement needed: Every 2-3 years
- 20-year cost: Approximately $80 per plate
Premium Porcelain:
When you invest in premium dinnerware (that's still microwave and dishwasher safe) you'll soon see how even the most delicate looking pieces have a pretty impressive return on investment!
- Cost per use: $0.004 (averaged over 20 years)
- Replacement needed: Rarely, if ever
- 20-year cost: Initial $75 investment
Looking Beyond the Numbers
What sets premium porcelain dinnerware apart isn't just its longevity. These modern pieces offer benefits that you won't get with the typical dinnerware options:
- They Have High Heat Retention: High-quality porcelain maintains food temperature 2-3 times longer than standard ceramic - so no worries about those hot meals!
- They're Highly Chip Resistant: Premium pieces are fired at higher temperatures – so they'll hold up to even the most consistent use.
- That Translucent Element: True fine porcelain possesses an elegant translucent quality that elevates the dining experience. You just know when you're holding a piece of fine porcelain dinnerware.
- Versatility Comes Standard: Premium pieces transition seamlessly from everyday dining to formal occasions - so you can use them again and again, and enjoy the investment practically.
What Are You Really Paying For?
When you invest in expensive plates and premium porcelain dinnerware, you're not just paying for a brand name—you're investing in centuries of refined craftsmanship. At the heart of every exceptional piece lies a meticulous process that sets it apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Unlike standard ceramic ware, fine porcelain typically undergoes a complex creation process that transforms durable raw materials into their final form. This transformation isn't just about creating a vessel for food—it's about crafting an heirloom that enhances every meal it serves.
Handcrafted Artistry
Every premium porcelain piece tells the story of the hands that crafted it. This handcrafted design follows several key steps you won't find in typical dinnerware:
- Initial Forming: Master artisans begin with careful clay preparation, ensuring perfect consistency
- Hand-Throwing: Each piece is individually shaped on the wheel, requiring years of expertise
- Surface Finishing: Craftspeople meticulously smooth every surface
- Edge Work: Rims are carefully tapered to prevent chipping while maintaining elegance
- Quality Control: Each piece undergoes 17-20 distinct manual operations
- Time Investment: A single collection requires 7-10 days of dedicated craftsmanship
Materials
Raw materials are not merely ingredients but the building blocks of excellence. Just as a master chef selects only the finest ingredients, porcelain artisans source exceptional purity and quality materials.
The precise blend of these elements determines not just the appearance of your everyday dining pieces but also their durability, translucency, and overall performance throughout years of use. This careful selection and combination of materials transforms simple clay into heirloom-worthy china and porcelain dinnerware.
- Kaolin clay (50%): The purest white clay, providing exceptional whiteness and smooth texture
- Feldspar (25%): Creates the characteristic translucency and perfect glaze fusion
- Silica (25%): Ensures structural integrity and thermal resistance
Temperature
The journey from raw materials to finished porcelain is a carefully orchestrated dance of time and temperature. While mass-produced everyday dining pieces might be rushed through production, premium porcelain undergoes a methodical transformation that can span several days.
This process, perfected over centuries, is where expensive plates earn their value—through a precise sequence of heating and cooling that fundamentally alters the material's structure, creating pieces that will grace tables for generations.
The firing process typically includes four key steps:
- Initial Firing: This first stage of the firing process establishes the basic structure of the piece
- Glazing: Glazing is then applied after the first firing, which is often hand-applied with multiple layers
- Final Firing: After the glazing, the final firing is done - which gives the piece it’s signature look and durability
- Cooling: Gradual 24-hour process ensuring structural integrity
Each step in this process represents a crucial moment where expertise meets artistry, transforming raw materials into pieces worthy of everyday dining and special occasions. This meticulous attention to temperature control separates fine porcelain from ordinary tableware, creating pieces that serve meals and enhance every dining experience.
Building Your Collection
Here's the good news: You don't have to throw out your old china and start new (though a few new plates and dishes won't hurt!)
Many collectors and home entertainers buy expensive plates and fine porcelain via strategic acquisition - building a collection that bridges everyday dining with special occasions. The key lies in understanding which pieces offer the most immediate impact while planning for future additions.
Dinner Plates (10-12 inches)
Premium porcelain dinner plates set the tone for your entire collection and represent the most visible investment in your tableware.
When selecting these cornerstone pieces, focus on versatility—a classic white or subtly textured finish allows maximum presentation flexibility while maintaining the sophistication expected of fine dining. Look for plates with a slight lip or rim, which adds visual interest and helps contain sauces and juices, making them practical for everyday dining and formal occasions.
Salad/Dessert Plates (8-9 inches)
In premium china, their lighter weight makes them perfect for passing appetizers during cocktail hours, while their refined appearance elevates a simple dessert into an elegant final course.
The best investment pieces in this category often feature a coordinating design element with your dinner plates while maintaining their own distinct character. You can stick to your overall style, or get flexible with different colors such as blue, beige, green, and even purple or pink!
All-Purpose Bowls
Perhaps no other piece in your collection will see as much regular use as a well-designed bowl. When selecting premium porcelain bowls, consider depth and curve—the best examples balance aesthetic beauty with practical function.
Look for bowls with a stable base and rim that is easy and comfortable to hold. These bowls will serve a variety of purposes, and can be used for nearly every meal you can imagine!
Serving Pieces
A large platter and two serving bowls form the backbone of your dining sets. They often become the focal points of your table, so investing in premium porcelain here can make an impressive statement.
When selecting serving pieces:
- Choose a platter sized generously enough for main courses (14-16 inches)
- Select bowls of different depths for various serving needs
- Consider pieces that complement rather than match your place settings
- Look for designs that work across seasons and occasions
Tips for Caring for Your Investment
Unlike everyday dining pieces, fine china and porcelain require specific attention to maintain their beauty and structural integrity. Here are a few of our top tips for ensuring that your dinnerware lasts as long as they are designed to:
Manage Your Daily Handling
The most frequent damage to premium porcelain occurs during routine handling. Always lift pieces individually rather than stacking or sliding them.
Create a habit of handling each piece with clean, dry hands, and avoid extreme temperature changes that can stress the material. Remember: small daily habits prevent long-term damage.
Use Proper Storage Solutions
Your porcelain deserves better than being crammed into crowded cabinets. Store pieces with felt or cloth separators between them, and avoid stacking heavy items.
Consider dedicated storage solutions with padded compartments for your most precious pieces. Climate-controlled environments prevent the microscopic expansions and contractions that can lead to crazing over time.
Cleaning Protocols
While premium porcelain and china are dishwasher safe, hand washing preserves their finish and extends their lifespan. Use mild, non-abrasive detergents and soft cloths rather than sponges. Allow pieces to air dry completely before storing, and never use abrasive cleaners that can damage the glaze or metallic details.
Protect Against Thermal Shock
Fine porcelain can withstand normal temperature variations, but sudden changes can be devastating. Imagine a car windshield iced over and throwing a cup of scalding water onto it—the results aren't pretty!
Never transfer pieces directly from refrigerator to hot oven, and allow hot dishes to cool naturally before washing. This careful attention to temperature changes preserves the molecular structure that gives premium porcelain its characteristic strength.
When Chips Happen, Consider Professional Restoration
Despite best efforts, accidents happen. When they do, resist the urge to attempt repairs yourself.
Professional restoration services can often salvage damaged pieces, preserving their beauty and value. Keep contact information for qualified restorers and consult them even for minor chips or cracks.
The Lasting Value of Premium Porcelain Dinnerware Is Worth The Investment
When you invest in premium porcelain dinnerware, you're not just purchasing plates—you're investing in daily moments of elegance, future family traditions, and pieces that will tell your story for generations to come.
While the initial cost of expensive plates may give you pause, their enduring beauty, unmatched durability, and timeless appeal make them an investment that pays dividends with every meal served.
Are you ready to begin your journey into premium porcelain? Explore Catalonia Plates' curated collections, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design. From the classic elegance of our Dining Catalog to the bold innovation of PORDAMSA 2.0, each piece is crafted to become a treasured part of your table setting.
Visit our online showroom to discover how our expertly crafted porcelain can transform your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
