these dishes are just right for our family with a loved one who has been sick and often drops things.  They have not broken, even when dropped on a ceramic tile floor.  Some of the dark blue trim around the edges has come off in the dishwasher, but it isn't bad enough to warrant not using them.  After a year they are still bright and cheerful.  In addition, the dishes weigh more than normal melamine and look like glazed stonewear on the table.