While some might choose to use paper plates and disposable flatware, most will want something sustainable and reusable and strong enough to handle any meal without worry.
If you plan to prepare your meals while camping, you’ll need good pots and pans, utensils, and dishes that will travel well and be durable while on your camping adventures.
You might be wondering if Corelle dishes are good for camping, if they are safe and durable, and if they are a better choice than stoneware. The short answer is yes. Corelle dishes are very well suited for use in your camper or RV and should be looked at while considering the types of dishes you want.
What Are Corelle Dishes?
Corelle dishes are made in America and crafted out of Vitrelle. Vitrelle is a glass laminate consisting of two different kinds of glass laminated into three thermally-bonded layers. They are sturdy, chip-resistant, and they do not break easily.
They are affordable and available in many retailers, making them easy to find and economical to use. You can purchase Corelle by place settings, but you can also buy Corelle piece by piece, meaning you can customize your set to include the pieces you most want and need. They are extremely popular as daily-use dishes.
You might already be familiar with Corelle dishes since they are commonly used in many homes and have been popular since the 1970s. You can buy plain white Corelle dishes, but they come in a wide variety of patterns. Many complement one another, making it fun and easy to mix and match if you prefer that over a matched set.
Do Corelle Dishes Break Easily?
Some say Corelle dishes are unbreakable, but that’s not true. They are resistant to scratching, chipping, staining, and breaking, but if you drop a Corelle plate on concrete, odds are this tempered glass plate will break like any other.
Most are microwave and dishwasher safe, some are oven safe, and the company has a good warranty package, making them a good buy. While there is no promise the dishes won’t break, they are not likely to be chipped or cracked in the jostling of travel.
Like most heat resistant materials and ceramics, if you drop a hot Corelle dish into the water, you run the risk that it could explode. This is entirely avoidable if you don’t drop any hot dishes into water.
Is Corelle Dangerous?
Since it’s less likely to break than china or stoneware, the danger of injury from broken shards of glass is very slim. But if you buy older Corelle patterns from a thrift store or yard sale, you should be aware that like most every other brand of older dishes, early Corelle patterns contained lead in the paint on some patterns and designs.
Eating food off dishes that contain lead can be harmful as some lead can leach into food.
Corning, the manufacturer of Corelle Dinnerware, is considered a leader in the industry to create safe dishes. Since 2018 the Corelle brand has not had any patterns exceed the permissible levels of leachable lead. So when it comes to safety, Corelle is no more dangerous and is, in fact, less risky than other industry dishes when it comes to lead in their designs.
Is Corelle Better Than Stoneware?
While Corelle is made from thermally-bonded layers of glass, stoneware dishes are non-porous ceramics made from clay that has been fired at over 2150 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s thicker and heavier than china and porcelain. Both Corelle and stoneware are described as durable and sturdy.
It’s not necessarily true that Corelle is better than stoneware for use in an RV, but it is undoubtedly harder to break Corelle dishes than stoneware dishes. By learning some of the tips and best practices from experienced RVers, you can travel-proof your cabinets and learn to store your dishes in a way that keeps them safe while traveling, regardless of the materials used to make them.
But even when you exercise extreme caution, there’s no way to avoid the fact that traveling with breakables increases the risk of breakage. So with that in mind, Corelle does make a safer bet than stoneware since they do not break, shatter, or chip as easily.
Some choose Corelle over stoneware since it’s so easy to clean. While stoneware is reported to be dishwasher safe, the manufacturer’s recommendation is to hand wash with soapy, warm water using a cloth or a nylon scrub brush. Some foods, like citrus juices and some cleaners, like dishwasher detergents that are citrus-based, can cause the exterior gloss to become dull over time and should be avoided.
Just as some Corelle patterns, especially old ones, have lead that can leach into food, stoneware can also have small lead traces. If a dish has cracks or chips, it can cause the lead to leach into food, and serving acidic food or microwaving food in a stoneware dish can cause lead leaching, so these risks are industry-wide and span most materials, not just Corelle and stoneware.
Proper Dishware is Essential for Rvs and Camping
Camping has become increasingly popular for all ages, and with more ways to camp than ever before, that trend will not change anytime soon.
Some campers prefer a minimalistic and straightforward approach and head out to camp with nothing more than a backpack with a hammock or tent for sleeping. Others have high-end luxury RVs that cost more and are more elegantly equipped than some traditional homes.
Between those extremes are a plethora of tents, travel trailers, camping cabins, yurts, and luxury recreational vehicles, making it possible for everyone to camp in the way that best suits their needs.
There are motorhomes, or motorized RVs divided into class A, class B, and class C, with each type having different characteristics. There are fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, pop-up campers, and toy haulers that are all towable. No matter the type of RV or camper you prefer, you’ll need to outfit your rig with supplies to make your camping experience a good one.
Some essential supplies you’ll need are the ones that will allow you to prepare and enjoy meals while you’re camping. Nearly all RVs have excellent, if small, kitchens with a refrigerator and stovetop. Some have ovens, microwaves, and even dishwashers.
Your camper might have minimal storage space for your kitchen supplies, or it might have cabinets and a pantry that rival the ones in your home. Either way, you’ll want to maximize your space and take with you only what you need and will use.
Final Thoughts
So what’s the final word, or the last bite of info on how Corelle dishes rate in terms of RV use? They are an excellent option. They are sturdy, easy to clean up, and not likely to be scratched, chipped, or broken in the regular travel that is part of RV life.
They are affordable, easily accessible, and stylish to match nearly any décor at home or on the road.
If you’re looking to outfit your RV with dishes that will look nice, work well, and last, you should take a good look at what Corelle has to offer. With such a wide variety of colors and patterns, you’ll be sure to find one that works well for you.