The Verdict
The MALACASA TARA 12-piece set is a well-crafted stoneware dinnerware set that blends rustic pottery aesthetics with modern, high-heat manufacturing for everyday durability. It offers a practical service for four, providing a heat-retentive and safe dining solution for households looking to upgrade their table with a unique, speckled clay design.Why We Love It (Key Features)
- Heat-Retentive ORC Ceramic: Crafted from high-density ORC clay, these dishes effectively absorb and hold heat to keep your food warm, while the material properties ensure the exterior remains cool to the touch.
- GLIDECOAT Glaze Technology: Fired at an intense 2552°F, the multi-layer crystallized glaze creates a surface that is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and odors, making cleanup remarkably simple.
- Safety-First Materials: You can dine with peace of mind knowing that each piece is completely lead-free and cadmium-free, prioritizing your family's health during every meal.
- Versatile Daily Use: The set is engineered to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen, being fully compatible with both microwave and dishwasher use without the risk of cracking or damage.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent heat retention, modern aesthetic with unique sesame speckling, dishwasher and microwave safe, lead and cadmium-free, and includes a 12-month manufacturer warranty.
- Cons: Limited to a 4-person service, which may require purchasing multiple sets for larger families or hosting guests. The stoneware material, while durable, is heavier than traditional porcelain, requiring stable storage space.
Who Should Buy This?
This set is an ideal choice for individuals or small families who appreciate the balance between traditional pottery charm and modern functionality. It is perfect for those who prioritize food safety and heat retention in their dinnerware and want a stylish, speckled aesthetic that transitions well from casual family meals to more curated dining experiences.Frequently Asked Questions
Is this stoneware dinnerware set safe to use in the microwave?
Yes, the MALACASA TARA set is designed to be microwave safe, thanks to the high-density ORC ceramic clay and the specialized firing process used during production.What is included in the 12-piece set?
The set provides a complete service for four, including four 10.25-inch dinner plates, four 8.25-inch salad plates, and four 26-ounce cereal bowls.How durable is the finish on these dishes?
The dishes utilize GLIDECOAT glaze technology fired at 2552°F. This multi-layer finish results in a low water absorption rate, making the surface scratch-resistant and highly durable against standard kitchen wear and tear.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Durable Dinnerware That Feels Like Quality! I’m really happy with the MALACASA 12-Piece Modern Stoneware Dinnerware Set — it’s become my go-to set for daily meals and casual dinner guests.What I love:The minimalist design looks great on my table and matches a lot of kitchen colors and decor. Solid, quality feel, these plates and bowls are thicker and sturdier than I expected for the price. They don’t feel flimsy at all. The dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls are all the right size for everyday use.The stoneware is durable, but like any ceramic set it can chip if bumped hard, just handle gently when stacking.Great dinnerware set for daily meals, family dinners, and guests. Looks nicer than its price tag and feels like it will last. Dishwasher safe, Microwave safe too.Definitely recommend!Variation: Size: 12 Pcs (Service for 4)Color: White
5.0 out of 5 stars I almost gave this ONE star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I almost gave these one star. I specifically waited to give a review to see what some regular use would like. EIGHT months in, I noticed what looked like scratch marks from using a steak knife periodically and I was genuinely upset. I bought these specifically because I am part of a non-toxic living group and wanted lead-free, cadmium-free dishware. The thought of a scratched surface potentially leaching anything into my food was a dealbreaker.Before I wrote a negative review I did some research and learned that what I was seeing was not scratches at all – it was metal deposits left behind from the knife blade. I made a small paste of Bar Keepers Friend and water, rubbed it gently with my finger, and it wiped clean instantly. The surface was completely intact.That experience actually gave me more confidence in these dishes than I had before.Here is what eight months of real use looks like: eight dinner plates, eight salad plates, and eight rimmed bowls through regular family meals, and grandchildren visiting. I don’t use a microwave, so I reheat food the old-fashioned way… stovetop warming from the refrigerator (yes I heat the dishes slow and low) and multiple oven uses. They still look beautiful. I have had guests compliment them at the table.For the price I was not expecting much. I was wrong. The Tara White line looks elegant, performs like much more expensive dishware, and has held up to everything my household throws at them.My only complaint is that MALACASA does not offer more stoneware options. I am already looking at their bakeware… That says everything.Variation: Size: 12 Pcs (Service for 4)Color: White
4.0 out of 5 stars Mostly amazing, just a couple of complaints Someone bought us a set of 8 of these bowls and plates (the white and brown ones) for our wedding. Our cats broke a couple of them so we bought another set of 4, because overall, I really like this set of dishes!!My only complaints are that a couple of the plates came with a chip in them like the one I took a picture of. It didn’t bother me enough to send them back, so I just kept them.Another slightly complaint I have is the stackability. They do stack, just not super well. They aren’t really wobbly, just enough to give me a mini heart attack before I realize they’re still standing. You can see in the photos what I mean about just not stacking absolutely perfectly.I love the color, it was an amazing wedding gift and we absolutely love them. We got married in May so we’ve had them for a few months and have loved them! They haven’t suffered from normal use, the only ones that broke were ones my cats so kindly shoved off our table.If you’re looking for a large set of dishes that aren’t super expensive, I would definitely recommend these.Variation: Size: 12 Pcs (Service for 4)Color: White
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and healthy dishes I absolutely love my new dishes. They are very classy looking in the white with brown trim, and I am so happy knowing I am eating on cadmium and lead-free dishes. I would absolutely recommend them to people who want style and healthy dishes.!!!!!!!Variation: Size: 18 Pcs (Service for 6)Color: White
5.0 out of 5 stars High Quality - No Chips or Issues Better than expected. Even though they have had rough use, including two drops. No shatters, chips, or cracks. I’m quite happy.Variation: Size: 12 Pcs (Service for 4)Color: White
5.0 out of 5 stars High-quality, sturdy dishes We bought these to use outside, poolside. I am very happy with the quality of these dishes!Variation: Size: 12 Pcs (Service for 4)Color: White
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente Excelente calidadVariation: Size: 12 Pcs (Service for 4)Color: White