MELAMINE PLATES VS CERAMIC

Thinking of the best dinnerware set to get for your family, wedding gift, or a special occasion?

Melamine plates vs ceramic is a clash of durability and elegance, when it comes to choosing dinnerware, the decision between these dinnerware types has significant implications for both functionality and attractiveness.

It is the various dinnerware material that gives each dish the unique quality they possess which gives you an idea of which dinnerware will meet your needs.

Whether you prioritize durability or beauty appeal, let’s see which is better when it comes to choosing between ceramic dishes and melamine.

MELAMINE PLATES MEANING

What material is Melamine made up of? What does Melamine plate mean?

To begin, Melamine plate is made up of a hard plastic material, which is a type of hard resin combined with other reinforcing agents.

In other words, Melamine plates mean or are synonymous with hard plastic.

MELAMINE PLATES VS CERAMIC

Find below the major differences between Melamine plates and ceramic dishes;

Melamine is lightweight and can be carried easily by kids and the elderly while Ceramic dishes are heavy, especially for kids and the elderly.

Melamine plates often have a glossy finish and can mimic the appearance of ceramic or porcelain and they come in a wide range of colors and patterns while Ceramic dishes, on the other hand, have a more traditional and natural look with variations in glaze, texture, and color.

Melamine dishes hardly break because of their lightweight design but the weight of Ceramic dishes makes them break easily.

Melamine plates are made from melamine resin, a type of hard plastic, while ceramic dishes are made from clay or porcelain that is fired at high temperatures.

The thickness of ceramic plates makes them a good retainer of heat which makes them a go-to-dinnerware for storing and serving hot meals but Melamine can’t retain heat and is not a healthy option to serve hot meals.

Ceramic is expensive when compared to Melamine plates.

Ceramic is a popular dinner set for health-conscious people, suitable for serving both hot and cold food, do not react with the food while Melamine can react or leach harmful chemicals into our food especially when served with hot food.

Melamine has lightweight properties but not Corelle is durable and scratch-resistant more than Ceramic dishes as they deserve extra care during use and handling.

Melamine dishes can’t be recycled like Ceramic dishes when they break because of the hard plastic material resin composition.

Melamine plates are not suitable for use in high-temperature environments such as ovens or microwaves, as they can warp or release harmful chemicals when exposed to excessive heat while Ceramic dishes, on the other hand, are oven-safe and can withstand higher temperatures.

Ceramic dishes have a higher value perception when used in serving food than Melamine dinner sets.

Melamine cannot bear temperatures more than 71 degrees centigrade but Ceramic dishes can bear higher temperatures because various types of ceramic tableware are formed under various temperatures during manufacturing.

IS MELAMINE PLASTIC OR GLASS?

Melamine is simply a hard plastic material and not glass, both have different product material compositions.

IS MELAMINE A PLASTIC OR CERAMIC?

Melamine is a type of plastic that is a hard resin plastic material, not the “general plastic” and Melamine is not ceramic either.

DISADVANTAGES OF MELAMINE

Melamine is a synthetic compound that has various uses, including in the production of plastics, resins, and laminates.

While it offers several advantages, such as durability and heat resistance, it also has some disadvantages. Here are a few of them:

Melamine can migrate from food containers or utensils into food, particularly under high temperatures or acidic conditions.

This migration is a concern because it can result in human exposure to melamine, which may pose health risks.

While melamine is known for its durability, it can still be damaged by sharp objects or abrasive cleaners. Once scratched, the surface can become a breeding ground for bacteria or stains.

Melamine products, such as dinnerware or laminates, are prone to scratching and staining, making it challenging to clean or restore their original appearance.

While melamine is heat resistant to a certain extent, it has its limitations. Exposing melamine products to high temperatures, such as placing them in the microwave or oven, can cause them to warp, melt, or release harmful substances.

The production of melamine involves the use of formaldehyde, which is a volatile organic compound (VOC). Formaldehyde emissions can contribute to air pollution and have potential health and environmental impacts.

The disposal of melamine-based products can pose challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature, contributing to landfill waste.

MELAMINE PLATES GOOD FOR HEALTH?

From the disadvantages of Melamine dishes explained above, you will see that it is not advisable to use or eat from Melamine plates or dishes frequently especially to serve hot food because it can easily leach harmful chemicals, this is according to the FDA.

Therefore, Melamine can pose health risks under certain conditions, when ingested in large amounts, it can lead to kidney damage and in severe cases kidney failure.

For the records, Melamine has been involved in several food safety incidents where it was added illegally to food products to increase their protein content especially, in animal feed.

That’s why we recommend Corelle plates for dog feeding but not Melamine dishes.

CERAMIC PLATES

You would agree with me that in almost every home, you would find a Ceramic Plate, it is not hard to notice because they are a versatile dinnerware that can serve various purposes; indoor and outdoor use.

One of the reasons you find Ceramic dishes in homes is because of their beautiful and decorative designs, they are a pleasant work of art!

It is generally accepted that Ceramic plates are made up of clay materials, examples of the popular ceramic materials aside from clay include; kaolin, feldspar, silica, and alumina.

These ceramic materials are simply mixed during manufacturing and molded into the desired shape, thereafter, they are fired to remove moisture and the final product is a rigid thick structure.

Ceramic dinnerware popularity has been linked to their features and before we discuss that, we have to understand that ceramic plates were created by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians.

However, over the years it has tremendously improved based on modern technology, if you want temperature-resistant dinnerware, easy to clean, and has industrial applications, then get Ceramic dishes.

Below are the prominent features and advantages of Ceramic dishes;

• Ceramic dishes do not interact with acidic or alkaline foods making them a safe and suitable choice for serving various types of food even acidic dishes like tomato-based sauces or citrus-infused recipes.

• Ceramic plates are eco-friendly than plastic dinnerware sets, it are a good choice for reducing waste.

• Ceramic dishes are generally safe for food use. High-quality ceramic materials are free from harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium, ensuring that they do not leach into the food during cooking or serving.

• Ceramic dishes have natural and traditional appeal bringing authenticity and connection to cultural heritage to the dining experience.

TYPES OF CERAMIC DISHES

Above, we stared that ceramic dishes are fired at various temperatures during manufacturing, thereby, leading to other types of ceramic dishes, they are; Earthenware, Stoneware, and Porcelain.

For further reading, kindly check the difference in strength between porcelain and stoneware.

Let’s see more about these different types of ceramic dishes:

Earthenware: Made from clay fired at relatively low temperatures, earthenware plates are porous and typically require a glaze for better functionality.

Stoneware: Fired at higher temperatures, stoneware plates are durable, less porous than earthenware, and often have a matte or glossy finish. See the comparison between stoneware and melamine dishes

Porcelain: Porcelain plates are made from fine clay and fired at very high temperatures. They are non-porous, translucent, and have a delicate appearance.

CERAMIC VS PORCELAIN PLATES

Ceramic and porcelain plates are both popular choices for dining and serving dishes. While they are similar in many ways, there are some key differences between them.

Here’s a comparison of ceramic and porcelain plates:

Ceramic plates are made from a mixture of clay, minerals, and water, which is then fired at a high temperature while Porcelain plates, on the other hand, are made from a specific type of clay called kaolin, which is fired at an even higher temperature than ceramic plates.

Porcelain plates are generally more durable and less prone to chipping and cracking compared to ceramic plates.

The high firing temperature makes porcelain plates denser and harder than ceramic plates, giving them superior strength.

Porcelain plates have a smoother, more delicate, and translucent appearance compared to ceramic plates. They often have a pure white or creamy color, and their surface is typically glossier.

Ceramic plates, on the other hand, can have a wider range of colors and finishes, including matte and textured options.

Porcelain plates are generally more expensive than ceramic plates. The higher cost is due to the specific type of clay used and the higher firing temperature required to produce porcelain.

Porcelain plates have better heat retention compared to ceramic plates. They tend to keep food warmer for longer periods, which can be an advantage for serving hot meals.

Porcelain plates are often favored for formal dining or special occasions due to their elegant appearance and durability while Ceramic plates, with their versatility in colors and finishes, may be preferred for casual dining or everyday use.

Finally, both ceramic and porcelain plates are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Based on the difference above, you can easily know between ceramic and Porcelain plates, which is better.

They are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care guidelines.

MELAMINE VS PLASTIC

Melamine and plastic are both materials commonly used in various applications, including household items and food ware.

There is always confusion when we say Melamine is a hard plastic material, is it the same with the Plastic we all use and know?

Let’s find out below the difference between Melamine and Plastic;

Melamine is a type of thermosetting plastic derived from melamine resin, which is made by combining melamine and formaldehyde while Plastic is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of synthetic materials made from polymers derived from petrochemicals.

Melamine has a smooth and shiny surface, often imitating the look of ceramic or porcelain while Plastic can have various appearances, including transparent, translucent, or opaque, depending on the type and composition.

Melamine is known for its high durability and resistance to scratches, chipping, and staining. It is also heat-resistant to a certain extent while Plastic can vary in terms of durability, depending on the specific type.

NOTE: Some plastics are more resistant to impact, while others may be more prone to scratching or breaking.

Melamine is commonly used to make dinnerware, tableware, and kitchen utensils. It is also used in laminates for furniture and countertops while Plastic has a wide range of applications, including packaging materials, household items, toys, electronics, automotive parts, and construction materials.

Finally, while melamine is generally considered food-safe, it should not be used for cooking or heating food in microwave ovens as it can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.

But for Plastic, we have Food-grade plastics that are designed to be safe for food contact and are commonly used for packaging, storage containers, and disposable cutlery.

However, some plastics may release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat or acidic foods, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

MELAMINE VS ACRYLIC PLATES

Melamine and acrylic are two different materials used in various applications, including furniture and kitchen surfaces. Here are some key differences between them:

Melamine plates are made from melamine resin, which is a type of plastic they are molded and typically has a matte or slightly textured surface while Acrylic plates are made from acrylic plastic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), they are clear and transparent, similar to glass but lighter.

Melamine is primarily derived from urea and formaldehyde while Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic material made from petroleum-based polymers.

Melamine is durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture to some extent.

However, it can chip or wear at the edges over time while Acrylic is highly durable, resistant to scratches, and has excellent clarity. It’s more resistant to moisture compared to melamine and less likely to chip.

Melamine plates are heat-resistant to a certain extent but can become damaged or warped if exposed to high temperatures while Acrylic plates are heat-resistant and can withstand moderate temperatures without warping or melting.

Melamine surfaces can mimic the look of wood grain, stone, or various patterns due to the printed paper layer.

It is available in a wide range of colors and designs while Acrylic plates are transparent and glossy, similar to glass.

It can come in various colors, but it’s commonly used in clear or translucent applications.

Melamine is relatively easy to clean and maintain, but it may require more care to prevent chipping or damage to the surface while Acrylic is also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only mild soap and water. It maintains its glossy appearance longer.

Melamine is commonly used for kitchen cabinet doors, closet systems, and laminate countertops while Acrylic is often used for high-end kitchen countertops, display cases, signage, and decorative panels.

In summary, the choice between melamine and acrylic depends on your specific needs and budget.

Melamine is more affordable and suitable for many applications, while acrylic offers a higher-end, glossy look with enhanced durability.

MELAMINE VS PORCELAIN VS CERAMIC

In summary, we have seen the various compositions and features of melamine, porcelain, and ceramic dishes.

Let’s see a quick overview of the major differences between melamine vs Porcelain vs Ceramic dinnerware sets;

MELAMINE	PORCELAIN	CERAMIC
Melamine is a type of hard plastic that is lightweight, durable, and resistant to breakage.	Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and durable material.	Ceramic is a broad term that encompasses various types of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
Melamine is not microwave-safe and can become damaged if exposed to high temperatures.	Porcelain is microwave-safe and can withstand high temperatures without damage.	Depending on the type of ceramic, some items may not be microwave-safe or suitable for high-temperature applications.
It is also prone to scratches and can stain if used with certain foods or sauces.	Porcelain has a smooth, non-porous surface that is resistant to staining and odors.	Ceramic dinnerware is suitable for everyday use but may be more prone to chipping and scratching.
Melamine dinnerware is popular for outdoor use, picnics, and casual dining due to its durability.	More durable than Ceramic dishes.	Less durable than Porcelain.
Melamine is more affordable than Porcelain and Ceramic dishes.	Porcelain is more expensive than Ceramic dishes	Ceramic plates are less expensive compared to Porcelain dishes.
Melamine is made up of hard plastic resin material.	Porcelain is made from a mixture of clay, feldspar, and silica.	Ceramic plates are made from natural materials, primarily clay, which is fired at lower temperatures than porcelain.