If you are in search of new dinnerware or serveware, you will likely come across a range of materials including one called melamine. The question however is – what is melamine? Whether you are looking to find out more about melamine plates or find yourself asking – is melamine dishwasher safe? We have all the answers for you.

What Is Melamine?

The most simple answer to the question "what is melamine?" is plastic. A little more complexly put, this material is made of an organic-based and nitrogen-rich chemical compound blended with strengthening materials and thermoset into the various products. While plastic plates may not sound particularly fancy, the truth is that melamine dinnerware has been rising in popularity due to a number of reasons.

Is Melamine a Good Investment?

If you are considering purchasing a new melamine dinner set, you will likely be interested in the benefits it has to offer. There are an impressive array of pros to melamine plates and why they might be a good fit for you.

• Thanks to their lightweight, heat-resistant, and durable properties, melamine plates are exceptionally strong.
• Melamine products come in a variety of forms including; plates, bowls, saucers, and a range of serveware.
• It is an aesthetically versatile product that can be made to look like wood, stoneware, glass, or ceramic but at a much lower cost.
• This affordable price tag makes melamine the best alternative to these more high-end materials while still maintaining a modern and upmarket look.
• Thanks to its easy production, it is possible to find melamine dinnerware in virtually any color, style, size, or patterns.
• Melamine is temperature resistant, meaning it doesn't absorb the heat from plated food – making it ideal for children to use.

Is Melamine Breakable?

Due to the fact that melamine is a durable plastic that goes through a rigorous thermosetting process, it is both difficult to break and easy to replace. For this reason you can also invest in a broad range of melamine products for both indoors and outdoors without the concern for safety and breakability.

• Additionally, melamine will not shatter when dropped.
• It is less likely to chip than more expensive materials such as glass or ceramic.

Is Melamine Dishwasher-Safe?

Melamine products are typically considered 100% dishwasher-safe, though it is always a good idea to double check this. Most melamine plates can handle temperatures that exceed those of dishwashers.

• Melamine is also easy to clean thanks to its stain-resistance.
• Food particles have a tough time sticking to the melamine surface which means you can hand-wash it in cold or warm water if you prefer to avoid using the dishwasher.

Is Melamine Microwave-Safe?

Although melamine can handle high temperatures, it is not microwave-safe. The plastic should never be in contact with food while being heated. In fact, no plastic that is not labeled "microwave-safe" should ever be placed in the microwave.
You can however, use a microwave-safe plate to heat the food and then serve it on a melamine plate.
Placing melamine in the microwave can also cause it to wrap, melt, and discolor.

Tip!

According to the FDA, melamine is a food-safe plastic. As long as it is not heated to temperatures of 160°F or more, is it safe to eat from.

How to Care for Melamine Dinnerware

While melamine is a durable product, it does have a lifespan of between two and five years, at which point it may need replacing. Fortunately this is extremely affordable and easy to do. In order to help preserve your melamine products, avoid the following:

• Using serrated knives.
• Using bleach.
• Placing your melamine products in the microwave or oven.
• Using abrasive cleaners, only light-duty scrubbers.

Armed with this knowledge, your question should no longer be – what is melamine? But rather – where can I buy my melamine dinnerware? The answer is – right here!