If you’ve ever been in charge of a party, meal, or anything else that requires serving food to a large group of people, you know it’s tough. For one thing, you have to make sure everyone gets enough to eat—and that means you need to be able to whip out as many plates as possible at once.
But not just any plate will do! You need something that can hold all those different foods and keep them organized. And that’s where these large serving platters come in handy! Read on for facts and details about large serving platters.
What Makes a Good Serving Platter?
When it comes to serving food, there’s no denying that a good platter can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for something to serve your family dinner or a new platter that will wow your friends at your next social gathering.
There are a few things you should know before you shop around. Here are some things to consider.
Size/Shape
A good large serving platter should be big enough to hold a lot of food but small enough that it doesn’t take up too much real estate on your table.
The same goes for shapes: circles are better for small portions of food like desserts, while squares are better for larger quantities of side dishes or entrees. In general, choose a serving platter that fits the type of food you’ll be putting on it!
Material
The best serving platter will be made from thick, high-quality material that can hold up to the weight of whatever it’s carrying. The last thing you want is a flimsy dish that will buckle under pressure and dump your carefully prepared meal onto the floor!
Look for heavy-duty materials like glass and ceramic—they’ll stand up to the test of time better than plastic or paper.
Weight/Durability
When choosing a serving platter, think about how much weight it can hold and how long it’s likely to last. If you plan on using your serving platter daily, look for something durable and strong enough to stand up against frequent use.
Price
How much are you willing to spend on a new serving platter? Does this fit within your budget? As with most things in life, there’s a wide range of prices out there when it comes to serving platters.
You don’t have to break the bank on your first purchase, but if you’re looking for something that will last more than just a few uses, consider investing in something pricier (but still affordable). Then, you can use it repeatedly without having to buy another one anytime soon.
Color
When choosing between multiple options, color can be an essential consideration. For example, a dark-colored serving platter can help add contrast against lighter foods like cheese or fresh fruit, while a white or light-colored tray will allow foods with vibrant colors like tomatoes or strawberries to pop!
What Are the Different Types of Platters?
Here’s a rundown of some of the most common types of platters:
Glass Serving Platter
Glass serving platters are great for displaying food at a buffet or with a casserole dish. They are durable and easy to clean as long as you don’t drop them on the floor. Glass platters are made of tempered or untempered glass.
Knowing which kind you have before putting anything hot or wet on them is essential because they may shatter under certain conditions.
Ceramic Serving Platter
Ceramic serving platters are another popular choice because of their durability and versatility. You can also use them to serve both hot and cold foods alike—make sure it’s oven-safe before putting anything in there!
Ceramic platters often come in bright colors and neutral tones, so they’ll fit into most kitchens seamlessly.
Wood Serving Platters
Wood is one of the most popular materials for serving platters, but it’s not as easy to clean as other options. Wood is porous, meaning any liquid that spills on it will soak into the surface and leave stains behind.
However, you’ll find that wood serving platters come in many different styles and designs—some even have handles so you can carry them easily.
Stainless Steel Platters
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for large serving platters because it’s easy to clean and won’t warp or crack if you expose it to high heat during cooking or storage.
It also won’t retain odors from previous use, making it an ideal surface for serving foods like cheese or crudités where aroma matters. However, stainless steel is often more expensive than some other materials.
Plastic Platters
Plastic platters are an excellent option for those planning to serve a large group of people. They are easy to clean and inexpensive.
Also, plastic serving platters are lightweight, making them easier to move around. The main drawback to plastic serving platters is that you cannot use them in the oven or microwave. In addition, they may break if dropped onto a hard surface.
Top 5 Large Serving Platters
The following are our choices for the five best large serving platters that will work well for your events, parties, or other serving needs.
DOWAN Large Serving Platter
This option is the perfect serving platter for your next dinner party. It’s made of porcelain, so it’s durable and will last a long time. In addition, it has a leak-proof design that keeps your food fresh and delicious, and it’s also safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven!
This large serving platter has a silky touching feeling that makes it feel like you’re holding a piece of art in your hands—not just a platter. Its stylish oval shape makes it easy to serve on any table or countertop.
Pros
- It’s easy to clean
- It’s heat resistant
- It’s durable
Cons
- Easy to shatter if exposed to a lot of heat
i BKGOO Foodservice White Plastic Platter
Whether you’re looking for a new serving tray or want to add some variety to your kitchen, this white plastic tray from i BKGOO will do the trick. It has a lightweight design and is stackable for easy storage.
It is also durable, stain and scratch-resistant, and features an elegant white color that will pair well with any decor. The melamine construction makes it a safe bet for even the most finicky of eaters – no worries about dropping or scratching these beauties.
Pros
- Melamine is lightweight and easy to carry around
- It’s easy to clean
- Great for outdoor activities serving
Cons
- It’s not microwave-safe
Large Serving Platter Set – DELLING
Anyone who wants to create a beautiful culinary masterpiece will appreciate the DELLING Large Serving Platters (Set of 3).
This set includes 3 round platters in different sizes: 16-inches, 14-inches, and 12-inches. They are made of high-fire ceramic, which ensures long-lasting durability.
Other features include a sturdy, non-slip base and raised sides for safe transportation. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe, so you can clean them easily after use. These platters are also perfect for serving pasta, sliced meats, seafood dishes like sushi or pancakes, and sandwiches and pizzas.
Pros
- It’s versatile- you can use it as a serving dish, platter, or tray.
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- May easily break from high heat exposure
Le Creuset Stoneware Oval Serving Platter
When serving food on such a large scale, presentation is everything. Le Creuset’s Stoneware Oval Serving Platter is stylish, sturdy, and reliable. The Serving Platter is made from hard-wearing stoneware, which is a great material as it is both heat and shock-resistant.
This platter is safe to put in the oven, freezer, or microwave, so you can heat them without worrying about cracking or melting. In addition, the consistent tones add great design detail to any kitchen setting.
Pros
- They are safe to use in the dishwasher
- It Has handles, so it is easy to carry around
Cons
- A bit pricey
LAUCHUH Extra Large Porcelain Serving Platter Perfect for Display
The LAUCHUH Serving Tray with Handle Extra Large Porcelain Serving Platter is a must-have for those looking to upgrade their serving platters.
This gorgeous piece will solve all your problems with large servings. It has a generous platter size, raised edges, and an extended handle for easy carrying.
This tray is made from high-quality porcelain, making it oven safe and dishwasher safe. It is also perfect for outdoor or indoor entertaining and everyday use. Plus, its simple yet eye-catching design won’t disrupt the decor of your dining area.
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- It is versatile
- It’s very convenient since it has handles
- Large
Cons
- The curved edges may reduce the space on the tray
- A bit heavy
Wrapping Up
Large Serving Platters are a necessity for any dinner party. They also work well for your meal prep needs to feed your family or a large crowd.
With such fantastic variety in shapes and sizes, you can use these plates to serve anything from appetizers and side items to main courses and desserts.
They also add an elegant touch to the party. There are many platters to choose from, such as oval-shaped, square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, etc.
If you are going for a budget, check out the types from different shops, the quality and price, and the material. It is important to have all the factors in mind.
