The Best Dishes for RV

The RV is not only an excellent place for sleeping but also for eating. One of the essentials for RVing is to pick the top-tier bowls and platters to make a comfortable dining experience. The best dishes for RV should be lightweight, break-resistant, and easy to wash.

I have picked 10 popular dishes, which are to my belief the perfect ones for RV. Consequently/ For that reason, I review them to help RV buyers make their most suitable choices. If you want to shop around, I also created a helpful shopping guide below.

• Material: Dinnerware sets can be made of different materials such as ceramic, glass, and paper. Most dishes in this list are made of melamine, while others are of recycled plastic and even metal. The key is to find a material that suits your preference, whether you like aesthetics or durability.

• The Number Of Dish Pieces: Since most camper dinnerware sets are varied in number, choose one that’s enough for daily use. The sets that we reviewed below come with six to 24 pieces. Make sure that you have a dinner plate, bowl, and tumbler at least.

• Safety: Your food will come in contact with your plate, so ensure that the surface is safe. Choose non toxic RV dishes made of melamine, ceramic, and wheat straw. To prevent melting the dishware when baking or reheating, choose dishes for RV camping microwave safe models.

But first, let’s get started with the reviews.

Top-Quality Dish For RV Reviews

1. Corelle Vitrelle Dinnerware Set

Corelle Vitrelle offers an excellent set of dinnerware for traveling. The 18-piece set includes bowls, appetizer plates, and dinner plates for RV. I love the sizes because they’re easy to hold, especially the 18-oz bowls.

What I enjoy most about the Vitrelle set is its durable construction. The tempered glass seems to be break resistant because the plates didn’t get broken when I accidentally bump them on the countertop. They even look pristine after being put in the microwave and dishwasher, making them easy to clean at the same time.

Surprisingly, the plates and bowls are lightweight. I think the entire set measures about nine pounds only, which doesn’t weigh down my cabinet. The top-rated part is that the plates and bowls are stackable, so they take up less space in the kitchen.

As a minimalist myself, I appreciate the classic white color. It matches well with any meal and decor in the kitchen. Moreover, I’m confident that these dishes will last long because the manufacturer offers a three-year limited warranty.

2. Stansport Tableware Set

The Stansport Deluxe offers a complete set of RV dishes and accessories for a more enjoyable eating experience. This 24-piece set includes four bowls, four plates, and four mugs, as well as other essential RV accessories like spoons, knives, and forks.

I find the blue enamel finish beautiful and long-lasting as the pieces are double-coated for heavy-duty use. The dishes are made of metal and have stainless steel edges, which adds durability to them. Surprisingly, this tableware set is lightweight to bring to the campsite and use for children.

As long as the enamel still exists, there is no need to worry about rust forming on the dishes. I have used them for several months and found no sign of corrosion. Rest assured that these items contain no lead and are safe to use.

The plates have the right size for spaghetti and steak, while the bowls are ideal for cereals. The cups are my go-to for hot beverages like coffee and cocoa. Best of all, they are easy to clean by the dishwasher.

3. Gibson Dinnerware Set

If you want something fun and vibrant, try the Gibson dinnerware set available in assorted colors (orange, green, red, and blue). You’ll get four sets consisting of a dinner plate, bowl, and salad plate. Just by looking at these colorful dishes, I get a pleasant feeling when eating.

I accidentally dropped a few dishes; surprisingly, they didn’t break. The dishes seem relatively break-resistant, so they’re perfect for RV use. As for the sizes, the dinner platters are large at 10.5 inches, while the salad platters and bowls are eight inches and six inches, respectively.

Another thing that I love about these dishes is their lightweight design. They’re not heavy, like typical ceramic and porcelain indoor tableware. The dishes are sturdy yet light enough to carry even for a kid.

This set is excellent for my cheerful RV design. The assorted colors look lively, and the surface texture appears like hand-thrown pottery. The platters are thin, so they store compactly in my kitchen.

4. Camp Casual CC-001 Dish Set

Nothing impresses me more than the cool design of the Camp Casual CC-001. This RV melamine dinnerware set has retro images printed on the bowls and plates. The print finish seems heavy-duty to last for a long time.

The 11-inch dinner platters are reasonably large, while the salad platters and bowls are around 9.5 inches and 6 inches in size, respectively. All of these 12 pieces stack nicely, so storage isn’t a problem.

I like the fact that the dish set is made of melamine, so I don’t have to worry about breaking them while driving. These dishes are BPA-free to ensure you don’t digest harmful chemicals into your system. My favorite is the dishware set’s cardboard box because it can be reused to store the dishes.

These dishes are quite sturdy yet lightweight for camping. They’re dishwasher-safe to make the cleaning process/task hassle-free. I had been using Corelle dishes for RV, and had put them away in favor of these melamine dishes because they’re more suitable for picnics.

5. Marjoy Melamine Dinnerware Set

If you like marble tablewares, these Marjoy melamine dishes are perfect. This dinnerware set consists of four 11-inch dinner platters, four 9-inch salad plates, and four 6-inch bowls. Melamine might feel like ceramic, but it’s lighter and less prone to breaking than the actual ceramic material.

I love the marble pattern because the classic style complements my RV kitchen’s decor well. The bowls and plates are stackable, so storage will take less space in the RV cabinets. I run the dishes in the dishwasher, and they come incredibly clean.

Since they’re made of hard plastic, these Marjoy trailer dishes won’t break easily. My friend dropped the plate once, and surprisingly, it’s still intact. These dishes are lightweight, so they’re easy to carry even for children.

6. Yinshine Rustic Dinnerware Set

This Yinshine RV dinnerware set impresses with unique rustic design. The 12 piece dish set consists of four 7-inch bowls, four 8-inch dessert platters, and four 10-inch dinner plates. The dishes are lightweight, so they’re convenient to carry to any RV camping sites.

The RV plates and bowls are made of melamine, which is a lot thicker than regular plastics. Thankfully, the melamine material is free of BPA, so I don’t have to worry about plastic leaching onto our food. Also, this RV dish set is safe to use in the dishwasher, so cleaning is not a burden.

As for the aesthetics; the rustic design makes the dishes look edgy. The dishes look very pretty when you dine outside on the RV. I’m even more pleased that the green color is more affluent than the picture.

The melamine dish set is break resistant because it’s not as vulnerable as authentic ceramic. The dishes stack perfectly, which means that they save space in the cabinet. Moreover, they’re heavy enough to carry delicious steaks to the center.

7. Marjoy Dinnerware Set

The Marjoy melamine dinnerware set 12 stands out with its cool camping pattern. The plates have a nice RV image on the center with cool borders on the seams. These 12 sets of dishes are ideal for four people as they include four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls.

This set is exactly what I need for RV because the dishes are lightweight yet durable. One plate fell on the ground, and I was surprised that there were no scratches on it. I also tried putting the tableware in the dishwasher, and they survived tremendously.

I love this dinnerware set because the dishes are easy to stack on the cupboard. They’re BPA-free, so I have no worries about toxic chemicals mixing into my food. I admire the bowls because they’re quite capable of handling hot soup.

8. Gibson Home Dinnerware Set

The Gibson Studio Mauna dishware set has this beautiful ice rustic design that looks like stone. These dishes are made of chip-resistant melamine, which is sturdier than regular plastic. The crackle glaze looks vintage and fits right on my classic RV kitchen.

I’m pleased with the Mauna set because the dishes go nicely into the dishwasher’s top shelf. The plates come out clean without any signs of chipping or fading. Furthermore, the 11-inch dinner platters are good for large meals, while the 6-inch bowls are excellent for ice cream sundaes.

I believe that the Mauna set will last for very long because the melamine dishes are almost unbreakable. While they appear like ceramic dishware, Mauna is lightweight. These dishes fit well on my RV and motorhome.

You’ll get four of every dinner plate, bowl, and salad plate for this set. Melamine is BPA-free, so I have peace of mind when serving hot food on the plate. As you well know, plastic can leach into your food when exposed to high temperatures.

9. Camp Casual CC-006 Nesting Bowl

The Camp Casual CC-006 is perfect for leftovers as they come with BPA-free lids for cover. These four bowls are also made of BPA-free melamine that’s FDA-approved to be safe. The yellow bowl holds the largest capacity, followed by blue, red, and green ones.

I use the bowls mostly for mixing and serving meals. They’re so gorgeous, and the colors look pretty on the table. Since the lid and the bowl are dishwasher safe, cleaning is easy.

Another great aspect of the CC-006 is its nesting capability. Every bowl nests perfectly with every lid in place, so I’m not worried about losing them. Furthermore, the nesting bowls come with a pretty box, which I use for storage.

The bowls seem sturdy and can withstand heavy use on the RV. The melamine material isn’t easy to break, so they fit for RV use. I have dropped these bowls a few times, and they didn’t show any crack signs.

10. EUODIA Plastic Plates

EUODIA offers six pieces of 10-inch flat plates for the entire family. The platters are made of wheat straw fiber, a natural material free of BPA and other chemicals. I like this material because it’s easy to decompose when I have to throw them away.

The plates come in different colors, including blue, red, and yellow. Each of them weighs barely 5 oz, so I let the kids use them without worries. My toddler nephews dropped a couple of them on the ground, and they showed no signs of chipping or cracking.

The good news is that these dishes are microwave safe and can withstand a temperature up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. The plate’s 10-inch size is perfect for reheating sandwiches, pasta, and other meals. These plates are also useful for serving desserts, salads, and appetizers.

Besides being microwave safe, the EUODIA plates are freezer safe. Even if I put the dinnerware in the freezer, they don’t crack or break. Best of all, the set is also dishwasher safe, which adds more convenience for cleaning.

What To Know Before Buying RV Dishes

It’s a bit of a struggle to choose the right RV dishware because they almost provide the same features. Nearly all of the RV dishes are lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and plastic-made. Here are some vital details that you should know when shopping for the right RV dishes.

Different Types Of RV Dishes According To Sizes

Serving plates come in various sizes and shapes, from bowls to dinner plates. Each plate serves its purpose. Here are the standard sizes of tableware that you should consider

• Dinner Plates

The dinner plate is the biggest dishware, measuring between 10-12 inches. This dish item is basically utilized for main courses, like spaghetti and steak. Many people choose this plate for both lunch and supper.

Choose wider rimmed plates if you want to reduce food portions. If you’re going to have more room for large food servings, look for narrow rimmed plates.

• Dessert Plates

This type of plate is used for various functions, including desserts, appetizers, and snacks. The size is around nine inches.

• Bowls

There are two types of bowls, the soup bowl and the salad one. Obviously, soup bowls are used for holding soups, stews, and pasta. The top area contains an arch-like design to store liquid more securely.

On the other hand, the salad bowl is used explicitly for salads and sometimes cereals. These dishes have a round shape and come in two sizes, 8.5 inches, and 7.87 inches. They’re often more extensive than soup bowls, making them more versatile.

I prefer round-bottomed bowls over flat-bottomed ones because they’re easier to access. On the other hand, steep-sided deep bowls are slightly cumbersome because you have to hold your silverware at such an awkward angle.

• Tumblers Or Mugs

Some RV dish sets offer tumblers or mugs for beverages. The capacity may vary from 8-12 oz. Regardless of your size, try the handles to ensure they’re comfortable to hold. Also, check the circumference to ensure that it’s not too narrow that it smacks your nose.

Different Types Of RV Dishes According To Material

Dish sets are also available in various materials to suit different occasions. China and porcelain are suitable for formal dinners, while plastic is perfect for RV dishes and cookware. Let’s get to know each material carefully.

• Ceramic

Ceramic is probably the most common dinnerware type that individuals use regularly. These dishes are significantly useful and versatile that the range goes from standard plates to incredibly stylish ones. The ceramic styles are usually visually appealing, ideal for any occasion.

• Stoneware

Stoneware plates may be defined under the ceramics category, but it has a particular distinction. Compared to other ceramics, stoneware is more durable and less prone to scratches. The clay used in these plates gives a very unique aesthetic.

• Earthenware

Earthenware dishes are somewhat similar to stoneware ones in a lot of ways, but they possess some remarkable differences. Those made from the earthenwave material are a lot coarser and feature a glazed finish. The glaze presents an excellent opportunity to place detailed designs on the plates.

Most earthenware dishware sets are available in solid colors. They’re excellent for daily use and come at reasonable prices. These dishes can be exquisite, but they aren’t fragile so you don’t have to worry about them.

• Glass

Glass dinnerware sets are popular because of their fancy design. They’re not incredibly expensive, but some pretty sets may cost a lot. Your options are endless because glass plates may vary from clear varieties to colored ones.

Cleaning the glass plates is relatively easy because most of them are dishwasher-safe. However, glasses for RV may be less ideal because they break easily, especially if you accidentally drop them on the floor.

• Melamine

Melamine is a popular choice for RV use because it appears like ceramic but lighter. This material is technically plastic without harmful chemicals, like BPA. These dishes are famous for camping and outdoor activities because they don’t break like glass when you drop them on the ground.

Melamine plates are easy to work with and can be designed with various beautiful designs. Most of them are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, but they’re not microwavable. You can only use these dishes for serving food.

• Bamboo

If you like an eco-friendly option, choose bamboo dishes for your RV. These dishes give a natural vibe that suits your unique senses. These dishes are easy to dispose of because they’re biodegradable and won’t harm the environment.

It’s possible to use bamboo dishes multiple times as long as you’re willing to hand wash them after use. They’re durable to withstand many uses, but they can’t be put on the dishwasher. This fact explains why many individuals choose to use these platters as disposable tableware.

• Paper

Paper plates are the most popular choice for those looking for disposable dishware. These plates are commonly used at birthday events because they’re lightweight, affordable, and hassle-free. After use, you don’t have to clean these dishes because you can simply throw them away.

However, these dishes aren’t the perfect choice if you want to impress your guests. They don’t look as fine as ceramic. You can’t also serve hot soup with these paper plates.

• Disposable Plastic

Disposable plastic platters are another convenient option if you don’t like to clean afterward. They’re disposable, but you might want to think twice if you’re environmentally conscious. These plates only pile up on the environment and release chemicals into the soil.

Benefits And Drawbacks Of RV Dishes

It’s worth buying an RV dish set because they make your road life even more comfortable. RV dishes allow you to eat with convenience. The platters are usually lightweight, so carrying them will be comfortable, even for your kids.

Since most of these dishes are stackable, they save space in your kitchen cabinet. As you might know, space matters in RVs. You want your RV kitchen to have all essentials without the clutter.

Many RV dishes are sturdy for road use. These bowls and plates are usually made of melamine or sturdy BPA-free plastic to withstand a hard fall. They’re also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

The top-tier dinnerware for RV features a beautiful design. Aside from functionality, you can find dinnerware in several prints and colors. Best of all, they’re quite affordable.

However, many RV dishes can’t be used in the microwave. They can melt at high temperatures, especially the melamine ones. Also, some melamine tableware sets easily get scratched with sharp cutleries.

What To Look For On A Good Dish Set For RV

Once you’ve decided what size and material you want, it’s time to think about the features. Here are what you must consider when shopping for new RV dishes.

• Place Settings

RV dinnerware is often available in place settings, including all the necessary pieces that you would need at the dining table. The fundamental place setting consists of a dinner plate, a dessert plate, and bowl. Other sets even include tumblers.

Dinnerware sets compose of various place settings to serve the entire table. Most sets include 20 tableware pieces to serve four individuals. To ensure that you have sufficient tableware for general use, look for 12-24 piece sets.

• Chip And Break-Resistant Dinnerware

For RV and other outdoor entertainment, you must get chip and break-resistant dinnerware. You’ll never know when your kids or guests drop the plates. The last thing you need is to clean shards of broken plates on the floor or ground.

Break-resistant tableware sets are often made of melamine and other sturdy plastic. These materials won’t break even when they accidentally fall from the table.

• Safe For You And The Environment

If you must choose plastic dinnerware, make sure that they’re BPA-free. Exposure to BPA may cause serious health concerns, like hypertension, diabetes, and neurological problems. Melamine, polypropylene, and SAN are materials that are indeed free of toxic chemicals, like BPA.

It also makes you feel at ease that you choose dinnerware that won’t harm the environment. Some RV dishes are made of natural materials, like bamboo and wheat straw fiber, to dispose of correctly.

• Easy To Clean And Store

Cleaning after a happy meal is always a challenging chore. If you like to skip the handwashing, look for dishes that are dishwasher safe. These platters are easy to run on the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

For compact storage, look for RV dishes that stack perfectly. Consider the dishes’ size and shape to make sure that they fit in your cabinet space. The easy way is to compare your everyday flatware’s size to the dinnerware you want to purchase.

• Microwave-Safe

It would be excellent to have serving plates that also double as microwave-safe containers. Reheating your food will be so much easier when you don’t have to transfer the food from one container to another. Most RV dishes are microwavable up to a couple of minutes only.

• Comfortable Weight

Dinnerware differs in weight, so I recommend holding different material sets to get an idea of what you want best. The most lightweight dish sets are made of plastic and paper. You want to choose the most comfortable weight, so you don’t drop the dishes; they’ll be easy to carry around.

• Designs And Patterns

If you care about aesthetics, look for a design that suits all occasions. Dish sets with decorative prints can be fun but usually outdated. Hence, I recommend that you select tableware with a simple classic style.

To enliven up your dinner or lunch party, look for dishes with more embellishments. Choose colorful pieces that suit the festive mood in the RV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who makes the most trusted RV dishes?

US Acrylic makes the top-quality RV dinnerware because it has been in the business for more than four decades. Their flagship brand, Cambridge, offers all essential place settings to satisfy your dining needs. Cambridge is so sturdy that it can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.

Marjoy, Yinshine, and Camp Casual are other excellent brands that make top-rated melamine tableware sets. Their dishes come in beautiful designs, and they’re all dishwasher safe. If you like something more eco-friendly, the EUODIA brand is a good choice.

What dishes are unbreakable?

Melamine dishes are technically unbreakable. This sturdy plastic won’t break even when thrown away. Paper and other plastic plates seem to be less prone to breaking, as well.

Can I use RV dishes in my microwave?

Not all RV dishes are microwavable. For example, melamine can’t be used in the microwave because they tend to melt with high heat exposure. Only ceramic and other dinnerware which specifies that they’re microwave-safe should be utilized.

How do you clean and care dishes for RV?

Before you start washing the dishes, scrape any leftover food. Fill your sink with dish soap and hot water then scrub the dishes to remove any grease. Finally, rinse and dry the dishes with a towel or air dry.

If you find some hard water spots on the dishes, try soaking them in white vinegar for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Coffee stains on cups and platters can quickly disappear with a simple rub of baking soda and water. Stacking the dishes is alright, but to prevent them from chipping, insert a fabric between every piece or place them in a padded storage container.

How to pack dishes in a travel trailer?

Don’t throw the cardboard boxes that come with the dishes because they can be used for storage while not in use. A tie organizer is perfect for keeping your glasses safe while driving down the road. To keep the mugs from moving, dab a food-grade silicone around the edge before you stack them.

For the plates, stack them and put something in between to prevent breaking. Dab a tiny amount of food-grade silicone at the bottom of each plate and stack them for compact storage. Do the same for dessert platters and bowls.

How to keep dishes from moving in RV?

One way to keep the RV kitchen dishes secure while driving is to place a non-slip shelf liner underneath them. The liner will serve as a buffer for the fragile pieces from bumping into hard surfaces. If you own metal camping dishes, you can insert some shelf liner pieces in between to keep them from clunking.

A neater solution is to stack the RV plates and cups inside the drawer with a pegboard organizer. You can adjust the organizer to fit the dishes anytime you want.

What type of dinnerware is least likely to chip?

Bone china and porcelain are two of the RV dinnerware sets that are chip-resistant. These high-end dishes have undergone high temperatures in the production process, hence creating a strong surface.

Stoneware is also chip-resistant because it’s made from refined clay and glazed at high temperatures. As a result, it turns into a less porous material being as dense as a rock.

Tempered glass like the Vitrelle set from Corelle is also less likely to chip because the glass layers are bonded with high heat.

A more affordable option is melamine. This hard plastic is lightweight yet resistant to chipping because of its strong resin material.

Is melamine dish good for camping?

Melamine makes good dishes for boats and RVs because it’s durable. It can endure the rigorous situation in the camp. Even when you drop the plate on concrete, the dish won’t break and chip easily.

Coleman is one of the main producers of melamine shatterproof dishes on the market today.

Besides durability, melamine is also lightweight, making it convenient to carry in a backpack. You can also find many pretty designs for aesthetics. More importantly, these dishes are easy and quick to clean, making each meal a pleasure and less of a chore.

Conclusion

After reading this article, I hope choosing the best dishes for RV is no longer difficult for you. Let the guide help you decide the right dishes for your RV. Among all the brands I reviewed above, my top pick is the Cambridge Plastic Dinnerware Set because it’s microwavable up to two minutes, unbreakable, and lightweight. Their fade-free colors also make these dishes beautiful for many years.

For RV owners who are looking for microwave safe RV dishes, I recommend Preserve’s Everyday Tableware Set and EUODIA flat plastic platters. If you prefer melamine plates, the Marjoy and Yinshine are among the best choices. Regardless of your choice, ensure that the dishes are convenient and safe to use on the RV.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.