Stainless steel plates are a robust alternative to traditional plates made from porcelain, glass and plastic. They can be used at the dining table, for children, in holiday homes, on picnics and camping trips—in short, anywhere you want tableware that can withstand everyday use.
But which stainless steel plate should you choose, and what is the difference between a flat and a deep model? Here, we have gathered the most important information to help you make the right choice without making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Why choose stainless steel plates?
Stainless steel combines high mechanical strength with good resistance to corrosion. This is one of the reasons why different grades of stainless steel are widely used in kitchen equipment, food production and products intended for contact with food.
When it comes to plates, the material offers several practical advantages. A stainless steel plate will not shatter like glass or porcelain if dropped, and its solid construction makes it well suited to the everyday handling that comes with family meals.
The surface is also smooth and easy to clean. A stainless steel plate may develop scratches and normal signs of use over time, but this does not mean that it has lost its functionality.
304 stainless steel and 18/8 – what does it mean?
Many kitchen products are made from 304 stainless steel. This is also commonly known as 18/8 stainless steel because it typically contains around 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Chromium plays an important role in forming the protective surface layer that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance. Grade 304 is therefore widely used for kitchen equipment and products intended for food contact.
SteelMate's flat and deep stainless steel plates are made from 304 (18/8) stainless steel.
Flat or deep stainless steel plate?
The choice mainly depends on what you usually serve.
A flat stainless steel plate is ideal for everyday main meals, lunch, bread, vegetables and dishes that do not require a high rim. SteelMate's flat plates measure Ø23 cm, making them similar in size to a standard dinner plate.
A deep stainless steel plate is more practical for soup, pasta, casseroles, breakfast and other dishes where a higher rim helps keep the food on the plate. SteelMate's deep model measures Ø20 cm and has a depth of 3.8 cm.
For many families, it therefore makes sense to have both types rather than trying to use the same plate for every meal.
Are stainless steel plates suitable for children?
Stainless steel is well suited to everyday life with children because the material can withstand being dropped and handled a little less carefully than tableware used by adults.
Stainless steel plates can therefore be a practical choice once your child has moved on from their first baby tableware but you still want to avoid plates that can easily break.
For younger children, however, a plate with compartments or a suction base may be more practical, depending on the child's age and eating habits.
Can you serve hot food on stainless steel plates?
Yes, you can serve ordinary hot food on a stainless steel plate. However, it is important to remember that a single-wall stainless steel plate is not insulated. Metal conducts heat, so the plate can become hot when very hot food is poured or placed onto it.
This is particularly important to consider when serving food to young children. Always check the temperature of both the food and the plate before serving.
Stainless steel plates for picnics, camping and outdoor activities
Outside the kitchen, stainless steel plates really demonstrate one of their most practical advantages. They can be packed in the car, camping gear or picnic basket without the same risk of chips and breakage associated with porcelain and glass.
Stainless steel plates can also be stacked neatly, allowing you to carry several plates without taking up much space. This makes stainless steel tableware practical for holiday homes, camping trips, picnics, boats and other places where tableware often needs to be moved around.
Are stainless steel plates dishwasher-safe?
It always depends on the specific product, but SteelMate's stainless steel plates are dishwasher-safe.
Limescale spots or superficial marks from washing and drying may appear over time. These do not necessarily affect the stainless steel and can often be removed with ordinary cleaning. Rust-like spots on stainless steel can also be caused by foreign iron particles, such as flash rust. Their presence does not automatically mean that the stainless steel itself has rusted through.
Can you use a stainless steel plate in a microwave?
No. Stainless steel plates must not be used in a conventional microwave oven.
If you need to reheat food, heat it first in a container suitable for microwave use and then transfer it to the stainless steel plate.
Stainless steel, plastic or porcelain?
No single material is best for every situation.
Porcelain and glass work well on many dining tables, but they can break if dropped. Plastic can be very lightweight and is available in many different shapes and designs. Stainless steel is an interesting option when durability, easy cleaning and the ability to withstand frequent everyday use are important priorities.
This makes stainless steel plates particularly suitable for families, children, outdoor activities and other situations where tableware needs to do more than look good. It also needs to handle everyday use without requiring too much care.
Stainless steel plates from SteelMate
At SteelMate, you can find stainless steel plates for different types of meals. Our flat and deep plates are made from 304 (18/8) stainless steel and designed with a focus on practical functionality, durable quality and a simple look that works for both children and adults.
This is tableware you do not need to save for a special occasion. It is made to be used.
Ready to find your next SteelMate?
SteelMate is a Danish brand focused on thoughtfully designed products for everyday life. We develop functional products for children, adults and families, with an emphasis on durable quality, good materials and simple design. Our products are created to be used again and again.
We have a particular appreciation for stainless steel, but always choose materials according to the purpose of each product. Whether you are looking for something for your lunch box, work, school, kitchen or life on the go, our aim is to make it easy to find products that work in practice.
If you have any questions about materials, sizes, use or cleaning, you are always welcome to contact us. We are happy to share our experience and help you find the right solution.
Explore our range of kitchenware. We dispatch orders from Denmark, with delivery typically taking 1–2 business days. You also get free shipping to a parcel shop on orders over DKK 499.
SteelMate – products made to be used, and made to be your mate in everyday life.
