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Is Lead and Cadmium Free Dinnerware Made in USA Good?

We all know that China has been producing some lead and cadmium-laced goods. We are not just talking about toys, but also dinnerware. Choose to buy lead and cadmium free dinnerware made in USA instead. With more quality control, you no longer need to worry about children getting poisoned from eating off of your dishes.

Dinnerware made in the USA from 100% recycled, lead, and cadmium-free aluminum. The process of reclaiming aluminum consumes only 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminum. Each piece is hand-finished by artisans who transform recycled aluminum into beautiful tableware through sanding, polishing, hand-painting, and waxing.

A good Dinnerware will look modern and elevated aesthetically, crafted of high temperature-fired porcelain and dipped in a thin layer of colored glaze. Cadmium Free, Lead-Free with durable porcelain.

Is Lead and Cadmium Free Dinnerware Made in the USA Good?

Lead and Cadmium Free Dinnerware Made in USAYes, lead and cadmium-free dinnerware that is 100% Made in the USA is a safe, healthy option for your family. USA Environmental Protection Agency has imposed strict caps on the amount of lead and cadmium that may be present in ceramic dinnerware. Because all of our tableware is compliant with the strictest US EPA Lead and cadmium regulations, it is intended that any dinnerware you purchase from us will not contain lead or cadmium or have these heavy metals released into food or beverages.

However, if you’re worried about possible contamination by something in foreign-made dinnerware, look for a certification of compliance with the FDA safety standards for dinnerware.

Although there is a great fear of lead and cadmium in dishes made in China to be in the American market, that’s why in California, it’s illegal to sell anything that has more than 0.5% lead or 0.25% cadmium. It’s impossible to have any lead or cadmium in safe restaurant dishes made entirely in the USA.

How Can Dinnerware Be Toxic?

It’s important to consider the materials that dinnerware is comprised of. Much dinnerware today is made of melamine, which may contain BPA and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Avoid dinner sets with plastic or melamine by opting for dinnerware made of glass, ceramic, or porcelain.

Some dinnerware is usually made of clay-based materials, such as ceramic or porcelain. However, other materials can be used to make dinnerware. Stoneware, like porcelain, is made from all-natural components without any added chemicals and, hence, is not harmful to your health. 

Meanwhile, melamine and lead material dinnerware should not be confused with melamine or lead crystal (which make beautiful dinnerware). Melamine dinnerware can contain high amounts of other chemicals that are often unstable when exposed to high temperatures like boiling water or the dishwasher. When washed in dishwater containing bleach, these chemicals may elute (dissolve into the food). 

Therefore it is very important to hand wash your dishes to avoid the potential risks associated with the use of bleach-containing detergents.

Generally, stick to glass, ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, and composite resin for cookware. If you have old stuff made from an unknown material and smells a little weird, get rid of it.

Lead and Cadmium Free Dinnerware Buying Guide

Lead and Cadmium Free Dinnerware Buying GuideWith lead and cadmium free dinnerware, you can have the peace of mind that the dinnerware you are using for your family and guests is safe. Look for key phrases such as “lead-free” and “cadmium-free” on product pages to help guide your search. Still unsure which dinnerware is right for you? This Buying Guide has answers to all of your questions.

Melamine Dishes

Melamine is lightweight, extremely durable, and affordable. It is naturally stain-resistant, making it a practical choice for everyday meals, but often too light in weight to be considered premium dinnerware. It is a type of plastic that’s highly durable, resists cracking, and doesn’t react with food. However, it’s not recommended for prolonged use or with most acidic foods, as it may leach chemicals into your food.

Melamine dishes are not suitable for microwave use. It is typically BPA-free, but it is often manufactured with Bisphenol A (BPA). Do check product packaging to avoid melamine plates made with BPA.

Also, Melamine dishes are a popular option for outdoor eating, picnics, and summer barbecues. They’re lightweight, affordable, and shatter-resistant when they fall onto a stone patio or concrete driveway. While melamine dinnerware is often dishwasher-safe, check with the manufacturer before placing dishes in the dishwasher.

Ceramic Dinnerware(Stoneware or Earthware)

Ceramic dinnerware is made with a porcelain paste, cast into a mold, and then fired in the oven. This process creates a compact material that is very durable, chip-resistant, and easy to clean. 

There are two popular types of ceramic dinnerware available – stoneware and earthenware. Stoneware is fired at a high temperature. Thus, it is highly resistant to liquids, making it possible for the items in this category to be safely washed in any household dishwasher.

Meanwhile, stoneware is less porous, can be used in the microwave and the dishwasher, and it’s usually freezer-safe, too. Earthenware is more porous, so it can’t go into the microwave or dishwasher and must be hand-washed. Earthenware also may not be freezer safe.

Porcelain or China

If you are looking for a set of dinnerware to impress guests and family alike, consider purchasing a set of porcelain or bone china. These sets are typically expensive, but they will hold up to repeated use daily wear and tear, and they’ll look beautiful on your table.

Dinnerware made in the USA of porcelain or china is crafted from vitrified clay fired at high temperatures, making the piece virtually nonporous, withstand high heat, and incredibly strong and durable.

Porcelain is fired at a super-high temperature, making it dense and durable (at least from a chip standpoint), but its thin profile means it can often be heavier than other types of dinnerware. While porcelain is relatively high maintenance — it should be hand-washed only — its substantial feel can give any table setting an elevated aura.

Although the two words are interchangeably, there is a difference between porcelain and china dinnerware. Porcelain dinnerware is fired at a higher temperature than china products and is generally more durable. Porcelain is the choice material because it’s chip- and crack-resistant. It’s also heavier than china and usually white or creamy in color.

Glass

Glass dinnerware is super durable and versatile, making it great for everyday use. Classic and simple, it works with any décor and style. It’s also lead- and cadmium-free and can safely be used in the microwave and dishwasher. Plus, when you run out of room in your kitchen cabinets, you can always use glass dinnerware as decor.

For a classic and timeless look, glass is best. It’s also dishwasher-, oven-, microwave- and freezer-safe. Clear glass allows the colorful food to shine, while tinted glass adds a little extra something to the menu.

Lead and Cadmium Free Dinnerware Sets – Top USA Brands

1. Anchor Hocking Dinnerware

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Anchor Hocking Glass Dinnerware is classic, with a strength that belies its lightweight. Oven safe, freezer safe, and dishwasher safe. Lead-free glass dinnerware sets from Anchor Hocking are affordable and sturdy. Dishwasher safe and oven proof, these dinner plates and side plates will make mealtime easier.

Anchor Hocking Glass 4-Piece Dinnerware Set with Heart Motif includes one 8 1/4 inch diameter x 2 1/4 inch height all-purpose bowl, one 3 3/4 inch height x 5 1/2 inch diameter cereal bowl, one 5 5/8 inch height x 6-inch diameter footed tumbler, and one 11 1/2 inch length x 5 1/2 inch width rectangular tray. 

This glass set was designed with your family and friends in mind – microwave safe for reheating and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. 

2. Fiesta Dinnerware

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The vibrant and classic Fiesta Dinnerware is durable enough to be an everyday dinnerware set and features classic designs perfect for any occasion. The Fiesta Dinnerware collection is lead and cadmium free.

This dinnerware set’s bright colors and durable design make it perfect for everyday use at dinner parties, quiet meals with your loved ones, or casual get-togethers. Each dish is dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy, and the dinnerware set is microwaveable up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fiesta dinnerware features lead-free glazes and is safe for daily use. This casual, fun yet elegant dinnerware has a pattern that has been a top choice for over 75 years. Fiesta Dinnerware is America’s largest manufactured dinnerware line and the best-selling utility brand in America.

3. Lenox non-toxic dinnerware

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Lenox is known worldwide for its quality and beauty. But did you know that Lenox is also committed to creating dinnerware that is lead- and cadmium-free? The simple yet stunning Avondale pattern of fine bone china features embossed scrolls, undulating edge detail, and a pristine white glaze. And best of all, it’s safe for you and your family.

Lenox Lead-Free Cadmium-Free Dinnerware Sets are ideal for dining with confidence. These elegantly crafted dinnerware sets are made of weighty porcelain that is completely lead and cadmium free.

4. Corelle lead and cadmium free Dinnerware

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The Corelle brand lead and cadmium free dinnerware sets are ideal for casual and formal dining. The multiple style choices make it possible to find a dinnerware set that compliments your living space’s current colors and decor, from modern & sleek to rustic and homey. Lead and cadmium free glass dinnerware is durable, easy to clean in the dishwasher, microwave safe, ultra-hygienic, and long-lasting.

The technology used in making this dinnerware makes it durable enough to last a lifetime. It is lightweight, break-resistant, and stackable for easy storage.

Corelle Livingware 18-Piece Dinnerware Set (Service for 6), Winter Frost White, features a clean and versatile look that’s perfect for accommodating everyday meals and special occasions. It is made with Vitrelle glass technology; the set has a break-and-chip resistant design to ensure it lasts longer than other standard plates, bowls, and mugs.

5. HF Coors lead-free Dinnerware

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HF Coors has been making fine ceramic dinnerware in Tucson, Arizona, since 1975. Their products are lead and cadmium free and will not leach into your food. The porcelain we use is made of 100% USA materials. HF Coors dinnerware is beautiful, durable, and easy to handle.

High quality, heavy-duty, affordable dinnerware. HF Coors provides commercial-grade restaurant dishes to your home as a safer alternative to ceramic and porcelain dishes with lead and cadmium.

It is handcrafted fine China porcelain mugs and dinnerware. The material is fired into HF Coors China and porcelain at temperatures exceeding 2100 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that your plates, platters, bowls, serving pieces, and mugs are chip-resistant and safe for use in ovens and microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers.

6. Pickard Dinnerware

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The Pickard Dinnerware is made in the USA by a small family business. Their dinnerware is of the highest quality porcelain, hand-decorated, and kiln fired up to four times at 2200 degrees Fahrenheit to produce an elegant and durable finish. They are microwave and dishwasher safe.

It comes in beautiful colors and stylish designs. Capture elegance on your table with dinnerware sets from Pickard, America’s oldest china company still in operation.

7. Ohio Stoneware Dinnerware

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The Ohio Stoneware Dinnerware is handcrafted from lead and cadmium-free clay dug from Ohio’s glacial drift and kiln fired at extreme temperatures for several days to cure. Each dinnerware piece is twice fired and sprayed with an American-made food-safe glaze.

It is lead-free, cadmium-free, and nonporous. This material is a nonstaining, nontoxic surface, and it will not absorb or leach anything. The glazes are formulated in-house to meet all industry standards and are food safe, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Also, It will not discolor or chip, it’s warp resistant even when heated or chilled, and is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

8. Bennington Vermont Dinnerware

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The Bennington Vermont Hand Crafted Dinnerware Made in the USA since 1975. The finest quality clay is shaped and fired at temperatures as high as 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a non-toxic, lead-free product. Each piece is made by hand and carries the unmistakable pride of craftsmanship.

In addition, it has a lovely look that will make any meal served up in it look like it came straight from a 5-star restaurant. And if you’re looking for a great gift, this dinnerware set fits the bill.

Conclusion

Fine China, Crystal, Flatware, and Dinner Sets, including the very popular Bella line of dinnerware and the beautiful Corelle dinnerware sets, are all lead and cadmium free dinnerware made in the USA.

However, it’s all about finding what you like and what works for you. Try out different plates and find which ones are most satisfying. Talk to friends and family members and see if they have any suggestions. Most importantly, enjoy your dinnerware and use them often.

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