Luminarc Review: 20 Years of Ups and Downs

My Lifelong Obsession with Luminarc: 20 Years of Ups and Downs

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been hooked on Luminarc for over 20 years, and it's been a wild ride. I picked up my first set back in the late 90s, and I was immediately drawn to the bright colors and how easy it was to use. Fast-forward to today, and I've had my fair share of ups and downs with this brand. From durability issues to scratches, I'll share my honest thoughts on what makes Luminarc worth it – and what doesn't. I'll dive into my personal experience with Luminarc, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly, and sharing some valuable insights for anyone considering this brand.

settingsSpecifications

KararHarika

Kalite9/10

Görünüm7/10

Sürdürülebilirlik8/10

I've been hooked on Luminarc for over 20 years, and it all started when I picked up a set back in the late 90s. I'd been dreaming of it for ages!

I got this set in Kazakhstan for 4,000 tenge - a price that's almost laughable now. A lot's changed since then. The first things to go were the cups - my little ones back then were always getting into things and testing the dishes' durability. And this one was particularly prone to breaking into tiny pieces. Not that it broke often, but it fell a lot! Thankfully, it didn't break often. Fast-forward to many years later, and it's got some serious scratches on it,but it still looks pretty good. I passed this set on to my relatives in 2015, who were moving into a rented apartment, and it's still serving them well. I kept the salad bowls, a small vase, and a plate that survived from the original six. And the tea cups – I've got five left out of the original set!I just couldn't find anything like them in new dishes. In 2009, I got tired of my brown dishes and wanted something brighter, so this set moved to the dacha, and we bought a new set of Luminarc dishes. We used this set for four years as a family, then passed it on to my daughter, and now it's serving her. We also got a great set of larger glasses to go with it, which you can see in the photos. The herb-patterned set is still in great condition, but the only downside is that the design fades over time.

The cups are scratched and a bit cloudy. You might not notice it from the photo, but unfortunately, it's true. In 2015, I got my new Luminarc set with daisies as a gift. This is our third set. Here it is:

It's a set of 19 pieces, including second-tier plates, two types of first-course plates, and a large serving dish. I bought the cups separately, and unfortunately, I couldn't find any additional pieces. I really needed salad bowls, vases, and small plates. (Although, after looking at the state of the dishes, I'm starting to doubt whether I need them if I'll be replacing them soon...) This year, it's been five years since I got it. And just recently, I lost a plate... Sorry for the dirty photo, there was my son's mashed potatoes on it. The cup fell on it, and it's still intact! And what I noticed is that the shards aren't as sharp as the ones from the first set. I've been suspecting that Luminarc isn't what it used to be. And the broken plate kind of confirmed my suspicions. Ugh, the dishes in our house rarely get broken, and it's not because of Luminarc - we're just careful and cautious! And in five years, this is the first time a cup has fallen, and the plate wasn't so lucky. So, why did I suspect that Luminarc isn't what it used to be? The design on the dishes becomes a bit more transparent over time.. It's still there, and it doesn't fade much, but it's just not the same as it was initially... And there are also chips on the plates, which is weird.. And the scratches are pretty noticeable...

I'm torn on how to rate this thing - honestly, I'd give it 5 stars for the first one, 4 for the second, but for the third... I'm not sure I'd even give it 3. I'm going to settle on 4 and recommend it, but ultimately, it's up to each person to decide if it's worth buying or not.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Luminarc durable, or do the dishes break easily?

In my experience, the dishes can be prone to chipping and cracking if dropped, but they're still relatively durable. The surface does scratch and fade over time, which can be a pain.

Can I put Luminarc dishes in the microwave?

Yes, Luminarc dishes are microwave-safe, making them a convenient option for reheating meals.

Are Luminarc dishes easy to clean?

Yes, the dishes are a cinch to clean and resistant to stains, making them a great option for busy households.

Can I return Luminarc products if I'm not satisfied?

I've had mixed experiences with customer support, but it's generally possible to return or exchange products if you're not satisfied.

Are Luminarc dishes worth the price?

While Luminarc can be pricey, I think the quality and charm of their dishes make them worth the investment – especially if you're looking for a unique, nostalgic option.

Can I find matching Luminarc pieces easily?

Unfortunately, I've found it tough to find matching pieces over the years, which can be frustrating.

How long do Luminarc dishes last?

In my experience, the dishes can last for many years with proper care, but the surface does scratch and fade over time.

Are Luminarc dishes suitable for large families?

While the dishes are generally durable, the deep plates can be a bit awkward to use, especially when serving large meals.

Is Luminarc good for the environment?

I'm not sure about the environmental impact of Luminarc, but I do know they're made from some kind of glass.

check_circlePros

•The build quality has surprised me over the years – the buttons feel solid, and the battery lasts longer than expected.
•The dishes are a breeze to clean, and I've had no issues with them chipping or cracking.
•I scored an amazing deal on a set back in Kazakhstan for 4,000 tenge, but prices have skyrocketed since then.
•The bright colors are still a major draw for me – they add a fun pop to any meal.
•The salad bowls and small vase I kept are still going strong, and they've been passed down to my relatives.
•Luminarc has a certain charm to it – it's nostalgic, and I love the retro vibe.

cancelCons

•The deep plates can be a bit awkward to use, especially when serving large meals.
•The surface does scratch and fade over time, which can be a real bummer.
•The dishes are prone to chipping and cracking if dropped, which is a major concern.
•I've found it tough to find matching pieces over the years, which can be frustrating.
•Luminarc can be a bit pricey, especially when compared to other options.
•The set I passed down to my relatives has some serious scratches on it, but it still looks decent.