While both IKEA and Corelle plates are made from tempered glass, they differ significantly in construction, durability, and style. Corelle plates are crafted from a patented triple-layer material called Vitrelle glass, making them exceptionally chip- and break-resistant, whereas IKEA uses standard tempered glass that offers solid everyday durability at a much lower price point.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which dinnerware brand is the right choice for your kitchen and dining style.
IKEA Tempered Glass Plates
IKEA offers tempered glass dinnerware that embodies its signature Scandinavian design philosophy: simple, functional, and highly affordable. These plates are a go-to for shoppers aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic without a large investment, making them popular for first apartments, dorms, and casual daily use.
- What it is: Dinnerware made from standard tempered glass, where the glass is treated with heat to increase its strength and resistance to thermal shock.
- Key features: Modern, minimalist designs, often in clear, smoked gray, or subtle tints. Plates are dishwasher- and microwave-safe for convenient everyday use.
- Price: Typically costs between $3 and $8 per plate, with multi-piece sets offering even greater value.
- Style: Sleek, clean, and contemporary. The focus is on the simple beauty of the glass itself rather than on patterns or decorative elements.
- Materials/Construction: Single-layer tempered safety glass. It's designed to be more durable than standard glass but is generally thinner and more susceptible to chipping than Vitrelle.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. Simple and modern design fits well with contemporary decor. Easy to find online or in-store. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Noticeably less durable and more prone to chipping than Corelle. Limited design variety. Can shatter suddenly if a pre-existing flaw is impacted.
This dinnerware is a great choice for anyone on a tight budget who values a minimalist aesthetic and needs practical plates for casual, everyday dining.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/plates-20596/
Corelle Plates
For decades, Corelle has been a household name synonymous with durability. The brand's signature product is its line of dinnerware made from Vitrelle, a proprietary laminated glass that is remarkably resistant to breaking, chipping, and stains. This makes it a long-term investment for busy homes.
- What it is: Highly durable dinnerware made from patented Vitrelle glass, a three-layer laminate material that combines lightweight properties with incredible strength.
- Key features: Exceptional chip- and break-resistance. Dishwasher-, microwave-, and often preheated oven-safe. Non-porous surface resists stains and odors. Ultra-thin profile for compact, space-saving stacking.
- Price: Generally ranges from $4 to $12 per plate, with sets offering the best value.
- Style: An extensive variety of styles, from timeless plain white to intricate floral patterns, geometric designs, and bold solid colors to suit any taste.
- Materials/Construction: Vitrelle glass, which consists of a core layer of glass sandwiched between two outer layers of clear "skin" glass, all bonded together thermally.
- Pros: Superior long-term durability and chip-resistance. Very lightweight and easy for all ages to handle. Huge selection of patterns and styles. Plates are thin and stack very compactly.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost compared to IKEA. While extremely durable, it can shatter into many small, sharp pieces on rare occasions when it does break from a severe impact.
Corelle is built for households that prioritize longevity and resilience, especially those with children or anyone looking for a "buy it once" dinnerware set.
Shop this product: corelle.com/shop/dinnerware/dinnerware-by-product/plates
IKEA vs. Corelle Comparison
Materials & Durability
The primary difference lies in the material. IKEA's tempered glass is strong, but it's ultimately a single layer of treated glass. It can handle daily use but is susceptible to chips on the edges from knocks in the sink or dishwasher. The winner for durability is unquestionably Corelle. Its patented Vitrelle glass construction is in a different league. It resists chips, cracks, and breaks from everyday drops and bumps far more effectively, making it a reliable choice for families.
Style & Aesthetics
Style is a matter of personal preference, and the two brands cater to different tastes. IKEA excels at a clean, modern, and minimalist aesthetic. Their plates, often clear, transparent green, or smoked gray, serve as a neutral backdrop for food. They are perfect for contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired settings.
Corelle, on the other hand, offers a vast library of styles. Whether you want a simple winter frost white, a classic country floral pattern, or a contemporary geometric design, there's a good chance Corelle has a collection to match your kitchen decor. They offer far more variety for those who want their dinnerware to be a decorative element.
Price & Value
IKEA plates are significantly cheaper on a per-plate basis. If your top priority is staying within a strict budget, IKEA is the clear winner for upfront cost. However, value is a different calculation. Because Corelle plates are designed to last for many years without chipping or breaking, they represent a better long-term value. Investing in a Corelle set often means you won't need to replace broken or chipped plates for decades, which can be more cost-effective over time.
Care & Daily Use
Both brands are designed for modern convenience - they are microwave-safe for reheating and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The main practical difference in daily use is weight and storage. Corelle plates are remarkably lightweight and thin. This makes them easier to handle, especially for children or those with limited strength, and allows them to stack very compactly in cabinets, saving valuable kitchen space.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer great products, but they serve different priorities and households.
Choose IKEA plates if:
- You have a tight budget and need an affordable dinnerware solution right now.
- You exclusively prefer a minimalist, modern Scandinavian style.
- You are buying plates for a temporary situation like a dorm or first apartment.
- You are generally very careful with your dishes and don't need maximum durability.
Choose Corelle plates if:
- Durability is your most important factor - especially if you have kids.
- You want dinnerware that will last for years without chipping or breaking.
- You value lightweight dishes that are easy to handle and stack compactly.
- You want a wide selection of patterns and styles to match an established decor theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA and Corelle plates?
The biggest difference is the material. Corelle uses a patented triple-layer Vitrelle glass that is extremely resistant to chipping and breaking. IKEA uses standard single-layer tempered glass, which is durable for everyday use but not as resilient as Corelle.
Is Corelle really unbreakable?
No dinnerware is truly unbreakable, but Corelle is exceptionally break-resistant. It can withstand most accidental drops and impacts that would easily shatter other plates. However, a hard enough impact at the right angle can cause it to break.
Which brand is cheaper?
IKEA plates are less expensive to purchase upfront. Corelle costs more per plate, but its longevity and durability can offer better long-term value since you won't have to replace them frequently.
Are IKEA tempered glass plates durable?
Yes, for general everyday use, IKEA's tempered glass plates are reasonably durable. They are much stronger than standard, untreated glass. That said, they are more likely to get small chips along the rim compared to Corelle.
Can you put IKEA and Corelle plates in the microwave?
Yes, both IKEA tempered glass plates and Corelle Vitrelle plates are safe for use in the microwave, making them convenient for reheating food.
Which plates are better for families with kids?
Corelle is the superior choice for families with children. Their lightweight nature makes them easy for small hands to carry, and their legendary chip- and break-resistance provides peace of mind.
Which brand offers more styles?
Corelle offers a significantly wider range of styles, from classic plain white and traditional floral patterns to modern geometric designs and bold solid colors. IKEA focuses almost exclusively on minimalist, solid-color or clear glass options.
Do Corelle plates get hot in the microwave?
Like any dish, Corelle plates can get hot in the microwave, especially with prolonged heating times or with very hot food. It's always best to use caution when removing any dish from the microwave.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
