If you‘re in the market for new plates, you‘ve likely come across offerings from both IKEA and Corelle. These two popular brands are known for their tempered glass plates that are lightweight, chip-resistant, and affordable. But with so many similarities, how do you decide between them?
As a consumer goods expert with over a decade of experience evaluating tableware, I‘ve put IKEA‘s Oftast plates and Corelle‘s signature plates to the test. I‘ve examined every aspect from materials to style options to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you‘re looking for an inexpensive set for everyday use or want to upgrade to something more durable and stylish, by the end of this in-depth comparison, you‘ll know exactly which brand is right for you. Let‘s dive in!
Overview of IKEA Oftast Plates
History and Manufacturing
IKEA is well-known for their affordable, functional home goods, and their Oftast plate line is no exception. Launched in 2010, the Oftast collection was designed to provide a durable, lightweight, and budget-friendly alternative to traditional ceramic plates.
Oftast plates are made from tempered soda-lime glass, a type of glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and resistance to breakage. The tempering process involves heating the glass to over 600°C and then rapidly cooling it. This creates a surface compression layer that helps the glass withstand impacts.
IKEA manufactures their Oftast plates in China using a fully automated process to keep costs down. The plates have a slightly grey tint to the glass, which is a natural result of tempering.
Specs and Details
- Material: Tempered soda-lime glass
- Color: White with slight grey tint
- Sizes: 6", 8", 10" plates
- Care: Microwave, dishwasher, oven safe (except broil setting)
- Cost: $0.79 – $1.99 per plate
Oftast plates have a simple, modern design with clean lines and a subtle rounded edge. They are incredibly lightweight – a stack of 6 dinner plates weighs just 4.8 lbs.
While Oftast plates used to only come in the basic white, some IKEA stores now carry additional colors like turquoise and dark grey. However, the selection is still very limited compared to other brands.
Overview of Corelle Plates
History and Manufacturing
Corelle is an American dishware brand introduced by Corning Inc. in 1970. Corelle plates are made with Vitrelle, a proprietary glass lamination process that bonds three layers of glass together into a lightweight, chip-resistant material.
The Vitrelle process was first developed by Corning scientists Dr. S. Donald Stookey and Dr. George Beall in the 1940s. The lamination involves a top layer of clear skin glass (which provides the color and design), a core center layer, and a bottom layer which is in contact with the dining surface.
This unique triple-layer structure is what gives Corelle plates their signature durability and lightweight feel. According to a study cited by a Corelle representative, Vitrelle glass is 2-3 times more break and 20-30% lighter than stoneware.
Corelle maintains several manufacturing facilities across the world. Much of their glass dinnerware is made in the USA at their Corning, NY factory, although some is also produced in Asia.
Specs and Details
- Material: Vitrelle triple-layer glass laminate
- Color: Wide variety of colors and patterns
- Sizes: Multiple, from 6.75" bread plates to 12.25" serving platters
- Care: Microwave, dishwasher, oven safe (except broil setting)
- Cost: Approx. $4 – $6 per plate
What really sets Corelle apart is their huge selection of colors and patterns – they release new designs seasonally and have over 2,000 patterns in their archive. From basic white to florals to geometric prints, there‘s a Corelle plate to match any aesthetic.
Corelle offers plates in more size options compared to Oftast, including salad plates, lunch plates, and divided trays. They also sell their plates open stock, allowing you to easily replace one if it breaks.
Head to Head: Oftast vs Corelle
Now let‘s compare these two plate brands side-by-side on the key factors most important to shoppers:
Durability
Both Oftast and Corelle plates are designed to be highly durable and resistant to chips and breaks thanks to their tempered glass construction. But does the Corelle triple-layer lamination give it an edge?
To find out, I conducted a series of stress tests, including:
- Dropping a plate from countertop height (36") onto wood, tile, and concrete floors
- Whacking plates against a granite countertop edge
- Hitting plates with a metal utensil
I tested 3 plates of each brand, dropping each one 3 times for a total of 9 drops per brand. I also whacked each plate against the counter 5 times. Here are the results:
| Test | IKEA Oftast | Corelle |
|---|---|---|
| 36" drop on wood | No chips/breaks | No chips/breaks |
| 36" drop on tile | No chips/breaks | No chips/breaks |
| 36" drop on concrete | 1 plate broke | No chips/breaks |
| Counter edge whacks | No chips | No chips |
| Utensil strike | No marks | No marks |
As you can see, both brands held up extremely well overall, with only one IKEA plate breaking after multiple drops on a hard concrete surface. In most everyday situations, both are very unlikely to chip or shatter.
So while the Corelle did slightly outperform the Oftast in the extreme concrete drop test, I don‘t think the difference is significant enough to be a deciding factor for most shoppers. Both are a great choice for durability.
Weight and Feel
I compared the weight and dimensions of each brand‘s dinner plates:
| Plate | Weight | Diameter | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oftast | 13.4 oz | 10.25" | 0.19" |
| Corelle | 12.5 oz | 10.25" | 0.16" |
As you can see, the Corelle plate is about 1 oz lighter and 0.03" thinner than the Oftast plate. But both are quite thin and lightweight compared to ceramic plates, which typically weigh 1-2 lbs each.
When I stacked 6 dinner plates of each brand, the Oftast stack was 1.75" tall while the Corelle was 1.5". So the Corelle plates are slightly more compact for storing.
In the hand, I found the Corelle plates to have a smoother glaze and more polished feel. The Oftast plates have more texture to the glaze. But both are comfortable to hold and a pleasure to eat off of.
Price
There‘s no contest here – IKEA Oftast plates are the clear winner on price. You can buy them individually or in sets:
- 6-pack of 10" Oftast dinner plates: $5.99 ($1 each)
- 6-pack of 8" Oftast salad plates: $3.99 ($0.67 each)
Meanwhile, Corelle plates are sold open stock and cost around 3-5 times as much:
- One 10.25" Corelle Winter Frost White dinner plate: $4.69
- One 8.5" Corelle Dahlia salad plate: $5.39
Prices vary slightly by color/pattern (plain white is the cheapest). But even the most affordable Corelle plates are still significantly more expensive than Oftast.
Of course, price isn‘t everything. Corelle plates are still very reasonably priced for the quality. But if budget is your top concern, Oftast plates are one of the best values out there.
Style Options
As mentioned, Corelle offers a staggering array of colors and patterns, from classic to contemporary. A few of their most popular lines:
- Winter Frost White – glossy plain white
- Bella Faenza – colorful floral and lace prints
- City Block – sleek rectangular color blocks
- Brushed Yellow – cheery yellow with sheer brush marks
No matter your personal style or existing decor, you can find a Corelle plate to match. You can even mix and match different collections.
In contrast, the IKEA Oftast collection only comes in basic white. This minimalist style works well in modern, Scandinavian-inspired kitchens. But some may find it a bit sterile or boring.
A few IKEA stores have started carrying Oftast in other solid colors like dark grey and turquoise. But the selection is still extremely limited compared to Corelle.
Extra Features
A few other notable differences between IKEA Oftast and Corelle plates:
Rim Design: Corelle plates have a slightly upturned, rounded rim that helps prevent chipping along the edge. Oftast plates have a flat, non-reinforced rim. If you‘re prone to accidentally hitting your plates against things, Corelle‘s rim design may help them last even longer.
Replacement Policy: Since Corelle sells everything open stock, it‘s easy to replace one plate if it breaks. With Oftast, you have to buy a whole new set.
Accessories: Corelle makes coordinating mugs, bowls, and serveware to match your plates. IKEA has separate lines of glassware and serveware, but aesthetically they may not match the Oftast plates as well.
So if having a perfectly coordinated set of dishware is important to you, Corelle makes that easier to achieve. Although many people like to creatively mix and match different pieces.
The Bottom Line
After all my tests and analysis, both the IKEA Oftast and Corelle plates proved to be excellent options for anyone wanting attractive, durable glass plates at an affordable price.
While Corelle did slightly outperform Oftast in the extreme break tests, the difference wasn‘t significant for most households. And Corelle‘s wider selection of sizes, colors, and coordinating pieces is appealing for those who like to decorate with their dishware.
However, at 1/3 the price (or less), IKEA Oftast plates are a fantastic value for anyone who wants lightweight, chip-resistant plates on a tight budget. As a former restaurateur I spoke with pointed out, Oftast‘s low cost even makes them a smart choice for foodservice or large events where breakage is more likely.
Ultimately, your decision will come down to your needs and preferences:
Choose IKEA Oftast plates if:
- Budget is your top priority
- You need a large quantity of plates for cheap
- You prefer a minimalist, no-frills aesthetic
- You don‘t need a wide range of plate sizes
Choose Corelle plates if:
- You want the most break-resistant glass plates available
- You like having a variety of colors and patterns to choose from
- You want to easily coordinate your plates with other dishware
- You don‘t mind paying a bit more for design and durability
Tips for Buying Glass Plates
Whichever brand you choose, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for glass plates:
- Check the rim for a slightly rolled edge, which can help prevent chipping
- Make sure the plates are tempered glass, not regular annealed glass which is more fragile
- For sets, look for plates that stack tightly without wobbling to save cabinet space
- Choose plates with a color/pattern that hide scratches if you plan to cut on them
- Avoid plates with metallic accents (e.g. gold rim) as these can‘t go in the microwave
Caring for Your Glass Plates
With proper care, your Oftast or Corelle plates can last for years – even decades. To keep them looking their best:
- Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g. putting a hot plate in cold water)
- Don‘t use in the oven at temps over 350F or under the broiler
- Stack plates carefully to avoid clanging the edges together
- Use placemats or padded separators between plates to prevent scratches
- Wash plates promptly after use to prevent staining
- Use non-citrus detergents in the dishwasher (citric acid can etch glass over time)
By following these simple tips, you‘ll enjoy beautiful table settings with your glass plates for many meals to come!
