Considering IKEA's Affordable Dinnerware Set? Here Are The Pros & Cons

Mealtime calls for dinnerware, and if your current set of dishes is looking a little worse for wear, it could be time to purchase a new collection for everyday use. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find versatile and nice-looking plates and bowls that won't break the bank. Likewise, spending a small fortune on new dishes might not be ideal if those new pieces end up breaking easily from regular wear and tear. One option is to consider purchasing an affordably-priced, moderately nice set, like the IKEA 365+ dinnerware set. This set has a generous number of dishes for your mealtime routine, keeping cost and functionality in mind — but are they a good purchase? The answer is yes if you're not expecting top-tier quality.

The IKEA 365+ dinnerware set is priced at only $59.99 for a set of 18 pieces — this works itself out to only about $3.33 per dish. With the set, you'll score six of each: bowls, salad plates, and dinner plates. The dishes are crafted from Feldspar porcelain, which is prized for its performance and ease of care. Design-wise, minimalist lines keep the visual appeal of these dishes high, while also remaining casual enough for daily meals. While this low-priced dish set is enough to get many consumers' attention, selecting a new collection of dinnerware requires a closer look at the pros and cons to determine if they're a good choice.

For starters, this set of IKEA dinnerware may be highly attractive if you're seeking something versatile and affordable. You'll also benefit from the fact that there are six of each dish in the set, making it sufficient for many families, as well as one or two guests. Many customers who have purchased the 365+ dinnerware set find it to be a good value for the price and appreciate its solid performance for everyday applications. One reviewer writes, "IKEA says these dishes can be used 365+ days of the year, and that is true! Strong enough for everyday use – stylish enough for The Holidays. I would recommend these dishes to everyone!"

If you find that the appearance of the 365+ set isn't quite in line with your personal preferences, you can always look into some competing designs from IKEA, like the VÄRDERA dinnerware set (also $59.99), which features squared dishes. Or, grab the FÄRGKLAR set: the budget-friendly dinnerware set that deserves a spot in your kitchen, retailing for just $39.99. Once you've purchased an IKEA dinnerware set, take the opportunity to optimize your kitchen's efficiency by finding the best place to store plates in kitchen cabinets.

While the IKEA 365+ dinnerware set does offer a tempting value for many consumers, there are some potential downsides worth looking into before making a decision. Certain customers complain that the dishes are not as durable as expected, chipping easily — which is at odds with the company's claims about strong Feldspar porcelain. One consumer claims that they purchased the set several years prior to purchasing a second set more recently. In their experience, the newer collection is of worse quality, with more variation in the color of the dishes, as well as the thickness, which may hint at a lapse in quality control.

Individuals concerned about poor performance or lack of quality from IKEA dishes are encouraged to save their receipts in case they need to make a return or seek out a refund. If you find that IKEA dishes simply are not the direction you want to go in, explore the most affordable dinnerware and kitchenware from Costco, which can offer a good value.