Stainless Steel Plates for Everyday Eating
Plates. Everyone uses them. It’s hard to imagine dinner being set directly on top of a table and the free-for-all that would ensue. But, as mundane an item as a plate may seem, there is actually tremendous variety among plates. One of the most important aspects of the humble plate is its material. Plates can be made from a variety of materials, such as glass, porcelain, plastic, wood, and earthenware, but one material is prized for its elegance, durability, and sustainability: stainless steel. Below, we break down everything you need to know about stainless steel plates.
What are Stainless Steel Plates? Are They Worth It?
Stainless steel plates are built to last a lifetime, which makes them the hardiest of the plastic-free plates. They are a good bet for camping, for kids, or for any other time you need a drop-proof product.
Stainless steel is also a non-reactive metal containing no harmful chemicals, making it a great addition to your collection of safe kitchenware products. Stainless steel is easy to clean and looks clean, too. What’s not to love?
Top 6 Stainless Steel Plates: How We Chose
We scoured the internet for the best stainless steel plates we could find. We considered a variety of important factors and selected the items on our list based on material, durability, price, and design. For your convenience, we listed whether each product is dishwasher safe and how much it costs. Let’s take a closer look!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Crate & Barrel Stainless Steel Charger Plate
| Material | Hand-pressed stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Price | $12.95 each |
| Size | 13 inches |
The Crate & Barrel Stainless Steel Charger Plate is an elegant, well-crafted addition to your safe kitchenware collection. We love that it’s reasonably priced and features a matte center with a polished rim.
Highlights
This handsome plate is made in India. It’s the perfect design for the modern dinner setup, and its full stainless steel build ensures that it will be there for tomorrow’s dinner as well.
Things to Consider
This product by Crate & Barrel is priced individually, but at under $13 each, it won’t break the bank. It is quite large at 13 inches, but still a great find.
2. Ferm Living Tumbled Plate
| Material | Tumbled stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Price | $19 each |
| Size | 7.87 inches |
The Ferm Living Tumbled Plate is an inviting, rustic option for those who prefer a worn appearance. But make no mistake: this item is not distressed and never will be. A quality stainless build is complemented by a timeless design.
Highlights
A great find in stainless steel plates, the Tumbled Plate is great for indoor or outdoor dining. The tumbled texture is great in hand, and it looks great on the table, too.
Things to Consider
Although somewhat more expensive than some other available options, this is still a great item that will last forever. It’s smaller than a standard dinner plate, though, so this may not work for every use.
3. Gorilla Dirt International 304 Stainless Steel Plates
| Material | Real 304 stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | No, handwash only |
| Price | $33 for 4 pieces |
| Size | 10.25 inches |
The Gorilla Dirt International Plate is as rugged as the name implies. It is lightweight, easy to clean, and comes in sets of 4.
Highlights
A plate that recalls an old-timey mess hall, this product balances toughness with an elegant appearance. Made for good times spent indoors and outdoors, this plate will please campers and party guests alike.
Things to Consider
Although they are easy to clean, these plates are not dishwasher safe, which may be problematic for some consumers. Overall, this is a quality product at an affordable price.
4. Hydro Flask Camp Plate
| Material | 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Price | $16.95 each |
| Size | 9.25 inches |
Outdoor adventurers, rejoice! This stainless steel camping plate by Hydro Flask was built for you. Its dent-resistant construction and stackable design will delight diners, and its size is perfect for everyday use.
Highlights
The Hydro Flask Camp Plate is available in two neutral colors, is BPA-free, and features a temperature-reducing outer layer. It is versatile enough for indoor/outdoor use and rugged enough for any adventure.
Things to Consider
We think this pick is priced reasonably per plate, and it seems able to stand up to whatever punishment you can dish out during your travels. It’s a quality product that we would love to have for our next picnic – we think you would, too!
5. Ahimsa Purposeful Plates
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Price | $88 per set of 4 |
| Size | 9 inches |
The Purposeful Plate by Ahimsa is designed for portion control, making it great for kids. Your little ones are also sure to love the colorful, reflective surface.
Highlights
This product is plastic, lead, and formaldehyde-free, making it a safe, family-friendly choice. They are stackable and available in three colors, and their construction ensures that they will last a lifetime.
Things to Consider
This is a quality product by Ahimsa, but also an expensive one. It is recommended to avoid harsh detergents and abrasive cleaning materials, but otherwise, these plates will stand the test of time.
6. Budget Find: Paoli Food Grade Stainless Steel Dinner Plate
| Material | 8/10 stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Price | $26.98 for 4 pieces |
| Size | 9 inches |
As the most budget-friendly option, these OEKO-TEX bath towels are soft on the skin with a thick, plush texture. They also come in a variety of pleasant, fade-resistant colors.
Highlights
These Casaluna bath towels are Global Organic Textile Standard certified and made in the USA. They are designed to be extra absorbent and low-lint to prevent shedding.
Things to Consider
At the time of publishing, the hand towel size is only available for one color.
How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Plates
Consider your personal needs when shopping for your next plate. Think about what you would use the plates for, your design preferences, and your budget to find the right fit. Below are some other features to look for.
- Materials: Make sure you choose a product made entirely of stainless steel and lesser alloys with a stainless coating. The product you choose should be free of harmful chemicals for safety and sustainability. Remember that a high-quality stainless steel plate is designed to last a lifetime, even if it costs a bit more.
- Appliance Friendly: Most stainless steel plates these days are dishwasher safe, but this isn’t always the case. Do you intend to use your next plate in the oven? If you do, make sure you get a product that fits the bill. Always remember: metal plates, including stainless steel, are NOT microwave-safe.
Stainless steel dinner plates are durable, elegant, and sustainable. Consider looking for them next time you go shopping for plates. The right purchase will last you and your family a lifetime.
Featured image via Crate & Barrel
