Dining in the great outdoors, whether that's in the woods, on a patio or deck, or on a picnic, can make mealtime fun and exciting. In situations like this, especially where boisterous kids are involved, it is never a good idea to bring your precious china plates outside unless you want to risk the destruction of all of them. This is where the plastic kitchenware steps in. Dinnerware made from plastic will not break easily; it is more affordable, is usually available in beautiful colors and designs, is lightweight, and is easy to keep clean. They are the perfect option for serving guests without worrying about mishandling and breakage. With the myriad of plastic plates available on the market, there are some important factors you need to know to make the right choice.
Types of Plastic Dinnerware
Melamine
When it comes to plastic dinnerware, melamine is the best material. Plates made with Melamine are BPA-free, non-toxic, and pose zero threat to your health. At first glance, you may even mistake it for stoneware or ceramic dish because of how closely it mimics them. This material is dishwasher-safe, will not break easily, is scratch-resistant, and is leak-proof. Melamine dinnerware can be reused as many times as possible and is usually lower in cost when compared to other types of materials. It is important to mention that melamine plates should never be microwaved.
Tritan
When it comes to sturdy and unbreakable dinnerware, Tritan plastic holds that title. Dinnerware made with Tritan looks closely like glass. They are transparent, smooth, and long-lasting. When you hear plastic, you think of something soft and easily breakable. But that is not the case with Tritan plastic. This material is used to make water bottles, plates, and cups that look a lot like glass. They can be cleaned with a dishwasher and would last for years.
Polypropylene
This type of plastic is usually inexpensive when compared to others. It is the most common type of plastic there is for making tableware. Polypropylene plates are not very durable and scratch-resistant. Unlike other types of plastic plates, polypropylene tableware is almost rubbery in look and feel. It is commonly used for casual dinnerware, kids' plates, cups, and picnic plates. This type of plastic is inexpensive and BPA-free.
Polycarbonate
This type of plastic is rare and expensive. It is the most expensive plastic for tableware. Polycarbonate is the same material used in making bulletproof glass, hence, its pricey status. You will find many plastic glasses but you won’t find as many plates made with polycarbonate. This material is durable, unbreakable, and BPA-free.
SAN
This type of plastic is available in different shapes, sizes, and colors; from glass-like products to more casual and colorful styles. Dinnerware made from SAN plastic is durable, scratch-resistant, and leak-proof. The items made out of SAN can be washed in a dishwasher and reused as many times as possible.
How to Choose a Reliable Dinnerware Set Made from Plastic
Material
When it comes to plastic dinnerware, there are tons of them out there made from different types of plastic materials. Make sure to check that whatever type of plastic you use follows proper safety regulations and is safe to use for serving meals! Generally, melamine plastic plates are considered to be the best because they are BPA-free and certified non-toxic. Plates made from this material can also be washed with a dishwasher, are scratch-resistant, and are sturdy.
Durability
The quality of the material used in making the dinnerware determines how durable it will be. Unlike ceramics, your ideal plastic plates are much more durable. Because of their composition, they are harder to break, sturdy enough to hold large meals and some may be disposable — thrown away after use. When choosing the right plastic dinnerware for your event, ensure that it does not bend easily, can be used to serve hot meals, and is leakproof.
Safety
The finest plastic dinnerware should be made from materials that are of food-grade quality. Ensure that they are created with food-grade and BPA-free material. It is always advisable to buy plastic plates that can be used again and if you must use disposables, ensure that the material is recyclable or biodegradable. Disposable plastic plates that cannot be recycled end up polluting the environment, making it toxic to live in.
Number of courses served
Formal events are not like your regular parties or dinners with friends and family. There are several courses that should be served, such as appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, so you need different types of plates and silverware for each course. Some brands sell plastic dinnerware in sets, with different plates available for different courses; some even come with cups, silverware, and napkins. It is more cost-efficient to buy a set. Some sets can be used to serve as many as 50 guests!
Type of gathering
The type of party you intend to throw influences the type of plastic dinnerware you get. If it is a party for kids, colorful plates would be more suitable. However, if you are hosting a more formal event, such as a wedding reception or an awards night, you want to choose dinnerware that looks classy and elegant. Plastic dinnerware is available in different styles and colors. The most popular colors are gold, silver, and rose gold. Choose dinnerware that is tasteful and would complement the décor of your event.
Ease of cleaning
If you don't want to be bothered with doing chores after hosting a party or dinner with family and friends, disposable plastic plates will come in handy. If you, however, intend to buy large sets that you intend to use again, you may want to consider choosing the type that can be easily cleaned with a dishwasher.
