You’re setting up for a family BBQ, and you need plates that won’t break when dropped. Or maybe you’re tired of replacing ceramic dishes that chip easily.
That’s where IKEA stainless steel plates come in. These durable, lightweight plates offer a smart solution for families who want practical dinnerware that lasts.
IKEA’s stainless steel dinnerware combines Swedish design with everyday functionality.
Whether you’re hosting outdoor parties or feeding hungry kids, these metal plates deliver both style and durability.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about IKEA steel plates – from safety features to the best models for your needs.
You’ll discover which plates work best for children, how to care for them properly, and whether they’re truly worth the investment.
Let’s dive into the world of IKEA’s metal tableware and find the perfect plates for your home.
IKEA’S CURRENT STAINLESS STEEL PLATE LINEUP
IKEA offers several stainless steel plate options that cater to different needs and preferences. Currently, their collection focuses on versatile designs that work both indoors and outdoors.
TUVHÄTTA Serving Plate
The TUVHÄTTA serving plate stands out as IKEA’s premium stainless steel option. This 13-inch diameter plate features a sleek, minimalist design that fits perfectly with modern dining aesthetics.
What makes this plate special is its versatility. You can use it as a serving tray, a decorative display piece, or even a large dinner plate for special occasions.
The stainless steel construction gives it a professional kitchen look that many customers love.
However, the price point is higher than that of typical dinner plates. It’s positioned as a serving piece rather than everyday dinnerware.
The size also makes it less practical for children or casual dining.
GRILLTIDER Deep Plate/Bowl
The GRILLTIDER collection targets outdoor enthusiasts and camping lovers.
These 8.5-inch deep plates combine the functionality of a bowl with the convenience of a plate.
For those seeking a complete outdoor dining solution, these work perfectly alongside IKEA outdoor dinner plates from other collections.
The design features raised edges that prevent spills – perfect for outdoor dining where tables might not be perfectly level. The stackable design saves space in your camping gear or kitchen cabinets.
These plates work exceptionally well for families with young children. The deeper bowl design helps contain food, making mealtime less messy.
Plus, the lightweight construction means kids can carry them safely without worrying about breakage.
The GRILLTIDER series also includes matching cups and bowls, creating a complete outdoor dining set.
This coordination appeals to people who value matching tableware for their camping adventures or backyard gatherings.
For those who enjoy baking outdoors, IKEA ramekins can complement these plates perfectly for individual desserts or side dishes.
ARE IKEA STAINLESS STEEL PLATES SAFE?
Safety is a top concern when choosing dinnerware, especially for families with children.
IKEA stainless steel plates generally meet food safety standards, but there are some important considerations.
Food-grade stainless steel is considered safe for food contact. Unlike some plastics, stainless steel doesn’t leach chemicals into food.
This makes it a healthier choice than many alternatives, particularly for hot foods.
However, some customers have reported concerns about black residue appearing when cleaning certain IKEA stainless steel items.
This issue seems to affect some units more than others, suggesting possible quality control variations.
For families with children, stainless steel plates offer significant safety advantages. They don’t shatter like ceramic or glass, eliminating the risk of cuts from broken dishes.
The smooth surface is also easier to sanitize completely compared to porous materials.
When compared to plastic alternatives, stainless steel performs better with hot foods.
You don’t need to worry about melting or warping, which can happen with lower-quality plastic plates.
Additionally, stainless steel offers better durability than ceramic or porcelain options, which can chip or crack with regular use.
WHAT GRADE OF STAINLESS STEEL DOES IKEA USE?
IKEA doesn’t specify the exact grade of stainless steel in its product descriptions. However, based on the performance characteristics and price point, they likely use standard food-grade stainless steel.
Most kitchen-grade stainless steel falls into the 300 series, which offers good corrosion resistance and durability.
This grade balances cost with performance, making it suitable for everyday use.
The specific grade affects how well the plates resist staining and corrosion. Higher grades typically perform better but cost more to manufacture. IKEA’s budget-friendly approach suggests they use adequate but not premium grades.
For most home users, the grade IKEA uses provides sufficient durability and safety.
However, if you need restaurant-quality performance, you might want to consider higher-end alternatives.
RUST RESISTANCE AND LONGEVITY
One of the main advantages of stainless steel dinnerware is its resistance to rust and corrosion. IKEA stainless steel plates generally perform well in this area, though proper care is essential.
Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective layer that prevents rust. This makes it naturally resistant to corrosion, even when exposed to moisture and food acids.
However, not all stainless steel is created equal. Lower grades may develop rust spots if exposed to harsh chemicals or if the protective layer is damaged. This is why proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial.
To maximize longevity, avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool on your IKEA stainless steel plates.
These can scratch the surface and compromise the protective coating. Instead, use mild dish soap and soft cloths or sponges.
Regular maintenance also includes thorough drying after washing. While stainless steel resists rust, prolonged exposure to moisture can still cause problems, especially if there are scratches or imperfections.
HEAT RESISTANCE PROPERTIES
Heat resistance is another important consideration, especially if you plan to serve hot foods directly from the stove or oven.
IKEA stainless steel plates handle heat better than plastic alternatives, but have some limitations.
Stainless steel conducts heat efficiently, which means the plates can become very hot when exposed to high temperatures.
This can make them uncomfortable to hold or potentially dangerous if not handled carefully.
For most serving purposes, this isn’t a problem. However, if you’re considering using IKEA plates in the oven, you should check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations.
While stainless steel itself can handle oven temperatures, some designs may not be suitable for direct oven use.
When serving hot foods, consider using trivets or heat-resistant mats to protect your table surfaces.
The plates will transfer heat to whatever they’re sitting on, which could damage furniture finishes.
IKEA STAINLESS STEEL DINNERWARE FOR KIDS
Parents often choose stainless steel plates for their children because of the safety and durability benefits.
IKEA’s designs offer several features that make them particularly suitable for young diners.
The unbreakable nature of stainless steel eliminates the worry about shattered dishes. This is especially important for toddlers who are still learning to handle tableware properly.
Parents can feel confident letting their children use these plates without constant supervision.
The GRILLTIDER deep plates work particularly well for children. The raised edges help contain food, reducing spills and making it easier for kids to eat independently.
The lightweight construction means children can carry their own plates without strain.
Cleaning is another advantage for busy parents. Stainless steel doesn’t stain easily, and you can sanitize it thoroughly without worrying about damage.
This is particularly important for families dealing with food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
However, there are some considerations for children’s use. The plates can get hot when used with warm foods, so parents should test the temperature before serving.
Additionally, the metallic surface might feel different to children accustomed to ceramic or plastic plates.
Unlike the IKEA 365 collection dishes, which include various sizes for different ages, the stainless steel options are more limited in size variations.
This means you might need to consider whether the available sizes work for your children’s needs.
DISCONTINUED IKEA STAINLESS STEEL DISHES
IKEA regularly updates its product lines, which means some stainless steel dishes that were once popular are no longer available. This can be frustrating for customers who want to expand their existing sets.
The company’s approach to product rotation means that today’s favorites might be tomorrow’s discontinued items.
This is part of IKEA’s strategy to keep its catalog fresh and respond to changing consumer preferences.
If you’re looking for discontinued IKEA stainless steel dishes, secondary markets like eBay or Facebook Marketplace might have options. However, be prepared to pay premium prices for rare or sought-after pieces.
For current customers, this discontinuation pattern suggests buying complete sets when you find designs you like. Waiting to expand your collection later might mean missing out on matching pieces.
The good news is that IKEA typically introduces new stainless steel options to replace discontinued ones. While the exact designs might change, the functionality and quality levels usually remain consistent.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Like any dinnerware material, IKEA stainless steel plates have both strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision.
Advantages:
- Unbreakable construction eliminates breakage concerns
- Lightweight design makes them easy to handle
- Easy to clean and sanitize thoroughly
- Suitable for outdoor use and camping
- Affordable compared to premium stainless steel brands
- Stackable design saves storage space
- Safe for children to use
Disadvantages:
- Can get very hot with warm foods
- Limited design options compared to ceramic alternatives
- May show water spots if not dried properly
- Some units may develop black residue issues
- It has a less elegant appearance than fine china
- Can be noisy when stacked or dropped
The balance of these factors depends on your specific needs and priorities. For families with young children or active outdoor lifestyles, the advantages typically outweigh the disadvantages.
WHICH IKEA STAINLESS STEEL PLATES SHOULD YOU BUY?
Choosing the right IKEA stainless steel dinnerware depends on your specific needs and intended use. Here’s how to decide which option works best for you.
For families with children: The GRILLTIDER deep plates offer the best combination of safety and functionality. The raised edges help contain spills, and the size is appropriate for most children’s meals.
For outdoor dining and camping: The GRILLTIDER series is specifically designed for outdoor use. The stackable design and lightweight construction make them ideal for camping trips and backyard gatherings.
For entertaining and serving: The TUVHÄTTA serving plate works well for special occasions and dinner parties. Its larger size and elegant design make it suitable for presenting food attractively.
Budget considerations: Both options are reasonably priced, but the GRILLTIDER plates offer better value for everyday use. The TUVHÄTTA plate is more of a specialty item with a higher price per piece.
Consider buying in sets if you like a particular design. IKEA’s product rotation means today’s favorites might not be available later.
Having matching pieces creates a more cohesive look for your table settings.
IKEA VS. OTHER STAINLESS STEEL DINNERWARE BRANDS
When comparing IKEA stainless steel plates to other brands, several factors come into play: price, quality, design, and availability.
Price comparison: IKEA’s stainless steel plates are significantly less expensive than premium brands like All-Clad or Vollrath. This makes them accessible to budget-conscious consumers who still want durable dinnerware.
Quality comparison: While IKEA plates perform well for their price point, they don’t match the quality of professional-grade options. The stainless steel grade and construction methods are adequate but not premium.
Design differences: IKEA focuses on simple, functional designs that appeal to its target market. Other brands might offer more sophisticated styling or specialized features.
Availability: IKEA’s widespread retail presence makes its plates easy to find and purchase. However, their product rotation means specific designs might not always be available.
For most home users, IKEA stainless steel plates provide excellent value. They offer the main benefits of stainless steel construction at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives.
FAQS ABOUT IKEA STAINLESS STEEL PLATES
Yes, IKEA stainless steel plates are generally dishwasher safe. Use standard dishwasher detergent and avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the surface.
No, stainless steel plates should never be used in microwaves. The metal will cause sparking and could damage your microwave or create a fire hazard.
For most stains, warm soapy water and a soft cloth work well. For stubborn stains, try a paste made from baking soda and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch the surface.
Yes, but be careful. Stainless steel conducts heat efficiently, so the plates can become very hot. Use caution when handling, and consider using trivets to protect table surfaces.
With proper care, IKEA stainless steel plates can last for many years. The durability depends on usage patterns and maintenance, but most users report excellent longevity.
While stainless steel plates won’t shatter like ceramic or glass, they can dent if dropped on hard surfaces. However, dents don’t affect functionality, and the plates remain safe to use.
CONCLUSION AND FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS
IKEA stainless steel plates offer a practical, durable solution for modern dining needs. They excel in situations where breakage is a concern, such as homes with children or outdoor dining scenarios.
The current product lineup, including the TUVHÄTTA serving plate and GRILLTIDER deep plates, provides options for different needs and budgets.
While they may not match the elegance of fine china or the variety of ceramic alternatives, they deliver solid performance at affordable prices.
For families with young children, these plates are particularly valuable. The safety benefits and easy maintenance make them a smart choice for busy parents.
Similarly, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the lightweight, stackable design that makes camping and picnicking more convenient.
However, consider your specific needs carefully. If you frequently serve very hot foods or prefer elegant table settings, you might want to explore other options.
The limited design choices and heat conduction properties might not suit every household.
Overall, IKEA stainless steel plates represent good value for money. They’re worth considering if you prioritize durability, safety, and practicality over beauty.
For many families, these plates provide years of reliable service at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives.