10 Best Charger Plates Reviews and Buying Guide
What is a Charger Plate?
Charger plates, also called service plates, chop plates, or under plates, are decorative bases on which dishes are placed. They are often used during formal occasions like banquets, weddings, upscale parties, and other catered events. Charger plates are also used in restaurants, especially for dinner servings. They are not meant for direct food servings for safety reasons.
However, asides from the decorative effects they offer, they are used to prevent food crumbs from falling to the tables. Chargers are available in different materials, sizes, number of packs, and sold at different prices. Follow this guide to know which one fits your occasion.
Why Do You Need Charger Plates?
Do you have an upcoming social event (whether indoor or outdoor) like a party, get-together, banquet, etc. which will require food servings? Asides the table cloths on the dinner tables and the flower vases, charger plates are really decorative ware which you can take advantage of. Asides this, you can use stainless steel or rattan chargers to pass foods around. Hence, they serve both functional and decorative purposes.
Quick Summary
1. Editor’s Choice – Tiger Chef Commercial Charger Plate
2. Best Durable Charger Plate – USA Party Flower Durable Charger Plate
3. Best Charge Plate With High Quality – Allgala Heavy Quality Charger Plate
4. Best Stainless Steel Charger Plate – Brightalk Stainless Steel Round Charger Plate
5. Best Glass Charger Plate – Ms Lovely Clear Glass Charger Plate With Beaded Rim
6. Best Charger Plate With Thick Plastic – Ms Lovely Metallic Foil Thick Plastic Charger Plate
7. Best Charge Plate For Decoration – OCCASIONS FINEST PLASTIC Decoration Charger Plate
8. Best Charger Plate For Weddings – MAONAME Set Of 6 Wedding Charger Plate
9. Best Budget Friendly Charger Plates – 13 Inches Gold Rim Charger Plates
10. Best Disposable Charger Plates – Gold Round Disposable Charger Plates
Top Best Charger Plates Based on Reviews
1. Editor’s Choice – Tiger Chef Commercial Charger Plate
The Tiger Chef Commercial Charger Plate is our Editor’s Choice. This plate is designed for commercial purposes. It can be used for any occasion, it can be used for weddings, banquets, engagements, birthdays, and many more. It can also be used at restaurants, homes, and hotels.
With its 13″ diameter, this plate can be used to eat any type of food comfortably without any form of spillage. This plate is also very easy to wash and clean.
The Tiger Chef Commercial Charger Plate is very affordable and it comes in different numbers depending on what you can afford. It is very lightweight and easy to move about, even kids can comfortably carry this plate without stress.
2. Best Durable Charger Plate – USA Party Flower Durable Charger Plate
The USA Party Flower Durable Charger Plate is made with quality plastic that lasts for a long time. This plate is budget-friendly, it is reusable, and saves you the cost of repurchasing all the time.
With this charger plate, you are certain that your table set decor will be top-notch. It makes a perfect table decor for weddings, parties, anniversaries, and dinners. This plate is so lightweight, that even kids would have no issues moving it from place to place. It has a smooth surface, this makes cleaning hassle-free.
The charger plate is made of plastic, which is safe for kids, you wouldn’t have to worry about them hurting themselves or breaking it. With its 12.5 diameter, you are assured that you would not experience any form of leakage.
3. Best Charge Plate With High Quality – Allgala Heavy Quality Charger Plate
The Allgala Heavy Quality Charger Plate is made with high-quality PP material. This plate is quite light, it weighs about 12 oz. This makes transporting it very easy. Class and Elegance are the perfect words to describe this charger plate. It is very affordable yet gives off so much quality.
Each pack contains 6 pieces of plates, ensuring you have more than enough. This plate is reusable and thick; ensuring that you have no form of spillage while saving you money.
Weddings, parties, dinners, proms, and anniversaries are great occasions to use this plate. Cleaning this plate is completely stressful free. It comes in lots of beautiful colors; black, red, sage, green, lavender, pink, blue, silver, white, tan, and yellow. It offers lots of colors for you to choose from.
4. Best Stainless Steel Charger Plate – Brightalk Stainless Steel Round Charger Plate
The Brightalk Stainless Steel Round Charger Plate has a unique round shape. It is made of high-quality stainless steel copper, with a high polished finish. Its edges are beaded with an eye-catching colorful design, which gives your occasion elegance and class.
With its classy design, it can be used for weddings, birthdays, engagements, baby showers, and even at home. This charger plate is reusable which makes it budget-friendly. Its smooth surface makes cleaning super easy.
Spillage isn’t an issue with this plate, it has a diameter of 11.7 oz, this simply means it is very thick and the chances of spillages occurring is zero. Each pack of this plate comes with six pieces of plate. It also comes in very beautiful colors: rose gold, copper, gold, and silver.
5. Best Glass Charger Plate – Ms Lovely Clear Glass Charger Plate With Beaded Rim
The Ms Lovely Clear Glass Charger Plate With Beaded Rim is specially designed for adults because it is made of glass. It has beaded rims which makes it super unique. These rims come in different colors; blue, gold, rose gold, and silver.
This plate is perfect for weddings, dinners, and other special events. It is made with durable thick glass which ensures it lasts for a long time. Each pack comes with four pieces of plate. So much quality yet very affordable. You wouldn’t have to worry about this plate getting damaged in the process of shipping. This is because it is properly packed with styrofoam which prevents breakage.
6. Best Charger Plate With Thick Plastic – Ms Lovely Metallic Foil Thick Plastic Charger Plate
The Ms Lovely Metallic Foil Thick Plastic Charger Plate isn’t just made with plastic but thick plastic. It is made with high-quality plastic material, which ensures that it lasts for a long time.
With its plastic feature, it is ideal for both kids and adults. It is totally child friendly, it is lightweight and kids can comfortably use it without getting hurt. This plate is also packaged with foams upon delivery to prevent breakage.
It has a diameter of 13 which is great for preventing spillage. It can be used at weddings, birthdays, engagements, and parties. This plate is also reusable which saves a lot of costs. It comes in lots of beautiful colors Including blue, rose gold, pink, gold, red, peach, lavender, white and purple.
7. Best Charge Plate For Decoration – OCCASIONS FINEST PLASTIC Decoration Charger Plate
The OCCASIONS FINEST PLASTIC Decoration Charger Plate is made for decoration only, It isn’t meant for eating. It is great for decorating tables for weddings and other events.
As much as it isn’t meant for eating, it still has amazing qualities. It is made with polypropylene plastic which ensures it lasts for long. This charger plate can also be reused and it is easy to clean.
It comes in a variety of decorative colors: baby pink, white, blush, blue, dolphin gray, black, and turquoise blue.
8. Best Charger Plate For Weddings – MAONAME Set Of 6 Wedding Charger Plate
The MAONAME Set Of 6 Wedding Charger Plate is just perfect for weddings. It has a unique rough edge design that adds so much beauty to your table setting. This charger plate is also fit for parties, banquets, and dinners.
This plate is made with quality materials that ensure its durability. This plate is very affordable and can be reused as much as you want. It has a unique thick nature, and it comes with a puncture-proof design that prevents spillage.
It is very easy to clean as well; all it requires is a simple wash with water. This plate is made of plastic as well, making it child friendly. You wouldn’t have to worry about breakage. It also comes in six beautiful colors: gold, blue, black, orange, pink, and silver.
9. Best Budget Friendly Charger Plates – 13 Inches Gold Rim Charger Plates
This 13-inch God Rim Chargers will provide you with quality at a fair price. These charger plates are both lightweight and sturdy. Despite being made of plastic, they will fit perfectly on your dining table. However, they also work well for occasions such as banquets, receptions, and other professional catering functions.
These charger plates are not microwave safe and should not be used in a dishwasher. To prolong the life of these plates, rinse them under running water after every use. They are made of materials that make them easy to clean.
10. Best Disposable Charger Plates – Gold Round Disposable Charger Plates
The Gold Round Disposable Charger Plates are made of heavy-duty disposable paper, making them strong and long-lasting. These disposable chargers are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making them safe for use.
These chargers will bring a touch of charm and beauty to any occasion. They come in a set of 24 and are wonderfully crafted, making them suitable for any decoration or color combination. The chargers are built with wide rims to prevent spills, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.
This 13-inch charger plate is the ideal size for all of your table-setting needs. Although they are not dishwasher or microwave safe, they are strong enough to carry large food items.
7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Charger Plate
1. Different Types of Materials Used
Charger plates are available in different materials, both inaccessible and high-end materials. Among the most popular are:
Acrylic Plate Chargers
Acrylic plate chargers are durable, attractive, and strong. They help keep foods fresh and hot in their plates. These chargers are available in different shapes, finishings, and designs, from gold, silver, red, black, to copper. The most used finishing used for these types is lacquer. Acrylic charger plates are excellent additions to restaurants and other hospitality businesses that are renowned for their many course meals.
Chrome Plates
Charger plates with chrome materials are the best if you want attractive, smooth, and sleek service plates. Although a bit pricey than other regular materials, chrome charger plates deliver unequaled freshness and modern look to restaurant dishware. The solidity, smooth color, and fine coating give each plate a mirror sheen. They are a great addition to high-class restaurants. They are ideal for appetizer dishes, and as large platters.
Wood Plates
Wood is a pervading material which can be found in our homes and even among the kitchenware. As far as charging plates are concerned, there are many varieties made of both original, natural, and faux wood. Of the most popular wooden charger plates are those made from baroque wood, mango wood, bamboo wood, and Walnut materials. They can have scalloped, swirled, and various designs and colors.
These designs bring elegance as well as rustic, natural, and decorative appearance to each dining table. For DIY minimalists who want simple styles without many efforts, cleanly-sliced tree stumps in their natural form (with no treatments) are also an option. They are suitable both for indoor and outdoor uses.
Faux Wood Plates
As its name implies, faux wood is an imitation wood material. When you choose these charger plates, what you get is a pack of unique and rustic set. These types of chargers are actually made of plastics or melamine resins. The upside is that you get the advantages of two materials in one – the elegance of wood and the low cost, water resistance, and lightness of standard plastics and melamine.
Glass Plate Chargers
The main advantage of glass charger plates is that they can feature various rim designs, shapes, styles, finishings, and colors. They offer sleekness and elegance. They are great for modern indoor styles. The edges can be scalloped, beaded, have foil or gold rim, or reef edge designs. They are high-end chargers but, thanks to their elegant look, they will imprint a lasting impression on customers and event-goers.
Plastic Plates
Standard plastic and melamine serving boards are great if you’re planning to have a banquet dinner. Available in low, medium, and high-end prices, you can get wholesale plastic chargers with different colors and styles. Plastics can be used to imitate wood. Their advantages include elegance, durability, resistance to heat, chips, and scratches.
Porcelain Plate Chargers
What are the reasons to choose porcelain chargers? First, they are made from natural materials. Then, it is very resistant to wears and moisture and is more durable than those made of ceramics. Also, they’re very easy to maintain; they are beautiful; they are ideal for frequent uses, and are offered in a variety of styles. They retain food temperature and make food stay fresh. They are available in both round and square shapes and in different colors. Hence, you can find the right case that fits into your indoor decor or outdoor setting.
Rattan Chargers
Another natural and rustic material, rattan is also great as a charger plate. Due to its non-chemical composition and finishing, it is the most safe-to-use charger plate. The symmetric weavings are usually of great attraction. They come in earth-tone as well as white, orange, or milk colors. You can pick from these colors for matching indoor and outdoor decorations and style. They are perfect for scenic outdoor settings around natural elements.
Stainless Steel Chargers
If you want chargers with exceptional strength and durability, choose those made of stainless steel. Asides from this, stainless steel materials are easy to maintain and rust-resistant. Although they don’t have a lot of aesthetic effects, they look sleek and have a polished finish. Therefore, they are befitting for contemporary or modern restaurant decor style. In addition, they are also great for use at home. Due to their polished finishes, they are safe for direct contact with food. Hence, they can be used to serve fruits.
2. How to Choose the Right Size?
Charger plates are needed for decorative purposes. So, they must stand out at the base of your dishes for them to serve their purposes. Also, they are used to keep food crumbs off the table clothes or dinner tables. Therefore, their sizes are important. The standard size for charger plates is 14 inches in diameter. While you may have more length, especially with squared plates, anything shorter than this standard is unacceptable.
3. The Relationship With the Color and Environment of Use
The criteria for choosing the best charger plates do not stop at the size and quality of the material with respect to the oven, microwave, and dishwasher use. Perhaps the most important criterion is related to the blend it has with the environment and its immediate setup. Choose charger plates that can complement or add to the room or outdoor style, without any contrast.
The charger plates must have colors, designs, and styles which will blend with the tablecloths, the dishes, and the natural environment.
Note that wooden and rattan materials are great for natural settings. Stainless steel, glass, chrome, and porcelain are however suitable for contemporary or modern styles.
4. Food Safety: What Type of Finishing or Material to Choose?
Charger plates are versatile serving tableware that can be used as platters or tray for the serving or passing around of desserts or small appetizers. However, we’re often advised to place linen napkins or doilies on the top to prevent contact with foods. Specifically, many charger plates are not recommended for the direct serving of food. This is because of their unsafe chemical coatings which may be toxic to human health.
However, some natural and artificial materials are safe to use, even for the direct serving of food. If you want to enjoy versatility to the fullest, in order to use the plates for serving and for directly holding food, choose the food-safe materials or finishing.
So, what are food-safe materials? They are toxin-free materials. They are materials whose paints or coatings cannot chip off or seep into food, especially at hot temperatures. These are:
- Glass chargers: Most glass chargers, especially those which are transparent, are free of toxins. It’s preferable to choose those who don’t have chemicals or paint finishes.
- Rattan plates: These can be used to hold or pass around fruits. However, they are not dishwasher or oven-safe.
- Stainless steel chargers: The sleek and clean polish of stainless steel chargers make them safe when they come into contact with food.
5. Is It Dishwasher Safe?
For uses in banquets, weddings, and other parties, you’re going to need dozens or scores of charger plates, as well as other dinnerware. For easy and quick maintenance, you want to ensure you can put them in the dishwasher. But, unfortunately, not all materials of charger plates are dishwasher-safe. Ceramic chargers, or any plate with ceramic coating, are not safe for the dishwasher. Glazed ceramics are however dishwasher-safe. Crystals can crack in a dishwasher due to heat. Copper, rattan, and wooden materials aren’t dishwasher-safe too. A list of dishwasher-safe materials are:
- China/Stoneware
- Aluminum
- Glass
- Plastics
- Stainless Steel
6. Is It Microwaveable or Safe for the Oven?
Just as rattan chargers are not dishwasher safe, they are not also microwaveable. Asides rattan, plastic or melamine serving plates aren’t safe for the microwave. Although most porcelain chargers are safe for the microwave, some aren’t! These include porcelain plates that have additional decorative materials such as metal on the edges. Acrylic and polystyrene materials can also not go in the dishwasher. Stainless steel charger plates cannot go in the microwave. Don’t choose this if you need a microwaveable type.
If you need charger plates which you can use in the microwave, choose models with the following materials:
- Glazed ceramics
- Glass
- Melamine
7. Do You Want Eco-friendly Plates?
The word “eco-friendly” means many things. It’s used to indicate that an item isn’t harmful to us humans and our environment. Many serving plates are disposable. However, to save the planet, eco-friendly charger plates that are biodegradable (easily recycled) are great options to look at. These include disposable paper plates. Another biodegradable material is plastic. Bamboo and rattan charger plates are also eco-friendly, toxin-free, melamine-free, BPA-free, and biodegradable. However, materials such as glass are not eco-friendly. They will not biodegrade.
Conclusion
Charger plates are special plates used to dress up special events. They can be used for weddings, birthdays, engagements, and other special events. We have put together the 10 best charger plates that are both decorative and classy.
The Tiger Chef Commercial Charger Plate is our Editor’s Choice. This plate is a great choice for commercial purposes, it is also very affordable. The USA Party Flower Durable Charger Plate is made of plastic and totally child friendly. The OCCASIONS FINEST PLASTIC Decoration Charger Plate is a great option for any decorative purpose.
There are various criteria to consider if you want chargers plates that can fulfill your decorative and functional purposes. If you want elegant and highly decorative plates, choose those made of porcelain, glass, chrome, wood, and faux wood. If you want plates for a natural or rustic setting or style, the wood, faux wood plastics, and rattan chargers are abundant on the market. For a contemporary look, glass, crystal, and porcelain will give your restaurant and business a touch of class and modernity.
Finally, ask yourself if you want plates that are safe for direct food contact, the dishwasher, oven, and microwave. Then make the necessary choice as has been recommended.