Table of Contents
Platters are versatile items, commonly used in home kitchens, restaurants, and catering businesses all around the globe. These versatile platforms excel in serving a wide range of food, from cheese and fruit to sushi and barbecue. Picking the right platter for your cravings or business may seem like a simple task. However, after researching and testing various types and materials, we understand that the wrong platter can indeed affect your presentations and the mood you aim to set. Here, we share our knowledge and findings, striving to guide you towards the perfect choice.
Quality platters should not only have an appealing design but should also be durable, easy to clean and maintain, and be sized appropriately for the food they are intended to serve. The striving goal is to ensure that the platter occupies a harmonious place in the overall presentation, enhancing – rather than detract from – the food it holds.
The material of the platter also plays a vital role. Platters are crafted in a variety of materials, including wood, porcelain, glass, metal, and plastic, each offering unique characteristics. For example, wood platters impart a rustic charm, while stainless steel platters provide a sleek modern look. Selecting the right material will depend on your personal preferences and the intended use of the platter.
Within this guide, we aim to pass on our specialized insight and personal experiences, having extensively researched and evaluated a plethora of platters. By the end of this guide, we hope that you’ll have ample information to select the best platter to elevate your dining or catering setup.
Best Platters
Identifying the ideal platter is critical in serving food in a visually appealing and practical manner. A well-executed platter choice should both complement and enhance the array of food it supports. The overwhelming array of platter choices on the market, each boasting its own set of benefits, can make the selection process daunting. Combining our substantial research and field-tested findings, we have assembled a list of the best platters to aid you in making the most informed decision.
Lifewit Serving Tray Plastic for Party Supplies, 15″ x 10″ Platters for Serving Food, 4 pcs Thanksgiving White Reusable Tray for Veggie, Snack, Fruit, Cookies, Desserts in Kitchen/Pantry Organization
If you’re looking for a simple and elegant serving tray for your Thanksgiving feast, the Lifewit Serving Tray is a great option.
Pros
- The tray is made of durable plastic, making it reusable and easy to clean.
- The white color adds a classic and timeless touch to any table setting.
- The tray is large enough to hold a variety of dishes, but still fits comfortably on most dinner tables.
Cons
- The tray may not be as sturdy as some other materials, such as metal or glass.
- The white color may show dirt or stains more easily than other colors.
- The tray may not be suitable for very formal dinner parties, as it has a more casual feel.
We’ve used the Lifewit Serving Tray for several holiday gatherings, and it has always held up well. The plastic material is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which is especially helpful when carrying multiple trays at once. The tray is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
One of the things we really like about this tray is its classic and timeless design. The white color adds a touch of elegance to any table setting, and it pairs well with a variety of other colors and styles. The tray is also large enough to hold a good-sized dish, but it doesn’t take up too much space on the table.
However, there are a few downsides to this tray. While the plastic material is durable, it may not be as sturdy as some other materials, which could be a concern if you’re carrying a heavy dish. Additionally, the white color may show dirt or stains more easily than other colors, which could be a problem if you’re using the tray for multiple courses or dishes. Finally, the tray may not be suitable for very formal dinner parties, as it has a more casual feel.
Overall, we think the Lifewit Serving Tray is a great option for anyone looking for a simple and elegant serving tray for their Thanksgiving feast. It’s durable, easy to clean, and adds a touch of classic elegance to any table setting.
100% Compostable Oval Paper Plates [50-Pack] – {PFAS-Free} – {BPI Certified} – [12 Inch] Heavy Duty, Eco-Friendly, Biodegradable Bagasse Platters – Natural Brown 12″ Oval Platter Plates by Stack Man
![100% Compostable Oval Paper Plates [50-Pack] - {PFAS-Free} - {BPI Certified} - [12 Inch] Heavy Duty, Eco-Friendly, Biodegradable Bagasse Platters - Natural Brown 12](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BQtBw661L.jpg)
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for your party plates, the 100% Compostable Oval Paper Plates by Stack Man are a great choice.
Pros
- Made from sugarcane pulp, a renewable resource, these plates are 100% compostable and biodegradable.
- Heavy-duty construction ensures that these plates can hold up to hot and wet foods without bending or breaking.
- BPI certified, these plates meet ASTM standards for compostability.
Cons
- While these plates are microwave safe, they may not be as durable as plastic plates and may not hold up as well to repeated use in the microwave.
- The natural brown color of these plates may not be as visually appealing as white or colored plates.
- At 12 inches in diameter, these plates may not be the best option for those with limited storage or dishwasher space.
We’ve used these plates for a few small gatherings and have been pleased with their performance. The heavy-duty construction has held up well to hot soups and stews, and the plates have not broken or bent. We’ve also appreciated the eco-friendly aspect of these plates, knowing that they will break down naturally in a composting environment.
While these plates may not be the best option for those who need a large quantity of plates for a large event, they are a great choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly option for their everyday dining needs. Overall, we would recommend the 100% Compostable Oval Paper Plates by Stack Man to anyone who is looking for a durable, eco-friendly option for their party plates.
DELLING Large Serving Platter Set 16/14/12inch Large Serving Tray – Rectangular White Serving Trays for Party, Sushi, Oven Safe Dinnerware Set of 3, White
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable serving tray set, the DELLING Large Serving Platter Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set includes three different sized trays, making it perfect for serving a variety of dishes.
- The trays are made of high-quality porcelain and are oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and durable.
- The trays have a smooth and non-porous surface, making them easy to clean and stain-resistant.
Cons
- The trays are quite large, so they may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or dining areas.
- Some customers have reported that the trays are prone to cracking or chipping if not handled carefully.
- The trays are only available in white, which may not be suitable for all decor styles.
We’ve used the DELLING Large Serving Platter Set for several parties and events, and we’ve been impressed with its durability and functionality. The set includes a 16-inch tray, a 14-inch tray, and a 12-inch tray, which are perfect for serving everything from appetizers to main courses to desserts. We’ve also used the trays to serve sushi, and they worked great for that as well.
One of the things we love about these trays is that they’re made of high-quality porcelain, which makes them durable enough to be used in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. They’re also easy to clean and stain-resistant, which is a huge plus.
However, we have to note that the trays are quite large, so they may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or dining areas. Additionally, some customers have reported that the trays are prone to cracking or chipping if not handled carefully, so it’s important to be gentle with them. Finally, the trays are only available in white, which may not be suitable for all decor styles.
Overall, we would recommend the DELLING Large Serving Platter Set to anyone who’s looking for a versatile and durable serving tray set that can handle a variety of dishes and temperatures.
Gibson Home Gracious Dining Dinnerware, 3-Tier Rectangle Plate Set with Metal Stand, White
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional serving solution, the Gibson Home Gracious Dining Dinnerware, 3-Tier Rectangle Plate Set with Metal Stand, White is a great option.
Pros
- The three-tier design maximizes counter space and allows for easy access to all dishes.
- The set includes three round serving plates and three rectangular serving plates, making it perfect for serving a variety of dishes.
- The stand is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and easy to clean.
Cons
- The set only includes six plates, which may not be enough for larger gatherings.
- The plates may not be large enough for very large dishes.
- The stand may take up some counter space, although it is designed to be space-saving.
We’ve used this serving stand for several gatherings, and it has always been a hit. The three-tier design is perfect for keeping everything organized, and the stand is sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest dishes. The plates are also high-quality and easy to clean, making this set a great investment for anyone who loves to entertain.
One thing to keep in mind is that the set only includes six plates, so it may not be the best option for larger gatherings. Additionally, the plates may not be large enough for very large dishes, so keep that in mind when planning your menu. Finally, the stand may take up some counter space, although it is designed to be space-saving.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and functional serving solution, the Gibson Home Gracious Dining Dinnerware, 3-Tier Rectangle Plate Set with Metal Stand, White is definitely worth considering.
Sweese White Serving Platters, Porcelain Serving Trays for Parties, Large Rectangular Plates – 15.5 Inch, Set of 4
If you’re looking for a stylish and practical way to serve your dishes, the Sweese White Serving Platters might be just what you need.
Pros
- The set of 4 rectangular plates is made of high-quality porcelain, making it durable and resistant to cracks and chips.
- The plates are large enough to serve a variety of dishes, measuring 15.5 inches in length and 11.8 inches in width.
- The elegant white color of the plates makes them suitable for any occasion, from casual dinners to formal parties.
Cons
- The plates are quite heavy, which might make them difficult to handle for some users.
- The plates are not microwave-safe, so you’ll need to transfer your food to a microwave-safe dish if you want to reheat it.
- The plates are not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to wash them by hand.
We’ve used the Sweese White Serving Platters for several occasions, and we’re quite satisfied with their performance. The plates are well-made and sturdy, and they’ve held up well despite frequent use. The large size of the plates is also a plus, as it allows us to serve a variety of dishes without running out of space.
The elegant white color of the plates is also a great feature, as it makes them suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a casual dinner or a formal party, these plates will add a touch of sophistication to your table.
However, there are a few downsides to these plates. They are quite heavy, which might make them difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, they are not microwave-safe, so you’ll need to transfer your food to a microwave-safe dish if you want to reheat it. Finally, the plates are not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to wash them by hand.
Overall, we think that the Sweese White Serving Platters are a great choice for anyone looking for stylish and practical serving dishes. While they might not be the most convenient to clean, they are well-made and will add a touch of elegance to any table.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best platter, there are several factors to consider. We have tested and used various platters, and here are the key features to look for:
Material
The material of the platter is crucial as it affects the sound quality. We have found that platters made of materials like aluminum or acrylic provide better sound quality than those made of plastic. The material should be sturdy enough to prevent vibrations and resonance, which can affect the sound.
Size
The size of the platter is another important factor to consider. A larger platter can provide better stability and reduce vibrations, resulting in better sound quality. However, larger platters can also be heavier and more expensive.
Weight
The weight of the platter is also an essential factor to consider. A heavier platter can provide better stability and reduce vibrations, resulting in better sound quality. However, heavier platters can also be more challenging to move and store.
Belt Drive
The belt drive is a crucial component of a platter. It ensures that the platter rotates at a constant speed, which is essential for proper playback. We have found that direct drive platters can provide better precision and stability than belt-driven platters.
Speed
The speed of the platter is another important factor to consider. The standard speed for a record player is 33 1/3 RPM, but some platters can also play 45 RPM and 78 RPM records. It’s essential to choose a platter that can play the speed of the records you have.
In summary, when choosing the best platter, it’s essential to consider the material, size, weight, belt drive, and speed. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a platter that provides the best sound quality for your record player.
