Need recommendation for ADULT size divided plates

February 15, 2022 10:44 AM

I've been searching for an hour and can't seem to find what I want exactly. Trying to do some portion control, and I need an ADULT sized plate that (more inside)

1. Can be washed in the dishwasher
2. Can be microwaved (unfortunately this leaves out all the many thali plates in stainless I see)
3. Has three compartments (one large, two smaller), or failing that...
4. Is an ADULT sized plain (no graphics to peel) "Myplate" style plate and
5. Doesn't cost more than $10-$12 a plate.
6. Would also vastly prefer something with deep sections, so the Corelle divided plate is a little shallow.
A square tray-type plate would be fine, as long as it's freaking sized for an adult. Please hope me Mefi!

posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee to Home & Garden (20 answers total)

Are these from Nordic Ware large enough? They have more compartments than you ask for but you could use one for a drink and another for utensils, or you could double up on what things go where if you want larger portions.
posted by Mizu at 10:56 AM on February 15, 2022

These ones might work? Definitely are microwave/dishwasher safe, but might be too deep for good portion control.
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 10:56 AM on February 15, 2022

Would searching for a microwaveable bento box get you what you want?
posted by LizardBreath at 10:56 AM on February 15, 2022

How about these?
posted by guessthis at 11:13 AM on February 15, 2022

Best answer: These are really pretty.
posted by Mchelly at 11:14 AM on February 15, 2022

Seems like these would work?
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:14 AM on February 15, 2022

Response by poster: So just some feedback to help define more...the "food storage containers" are flimsy and won't work for eating dinner with any pleasure out of. Same goes for the college plates, though they look good and I was hopeful the reviews say they're about the consistency of solo cups so, also not great for dinnerware. The ceramic ones are closer but I would love to hear of less expensive options, and I did see bento boxes but again they are expensive since you get a lid most times etc. I'm still searching but keep up the suggestions, some of these are ones I didn't come across when I was looking. Thanks!
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 11:29 AM on February 15, 2022

How about these GSI Outdoors camping plates? Polypropylene should be microwave and top rack dishwasher safe.
posted by blueberrypuffin at 11:43 AM on February 15, 2022

Corelle makes them in their classic Winter White, in 8.5" and 10.25" diameters. Would those work? (sorry, I see not)
posted by Lyn Never at 11:44 AM on February 15, 2022 [4 favorites]

Best answer: This plate is $35 for a set of two, and instead of using a raised structure to define each type of food, it uses an attractive design of painted vines to define each area. This set is similar, but adds notes about what food goes in what spot, and comes in a set of four for $45.

I have an alternate suggestion, as well: instead of looking for portion control plates, use portion control containers like this to measure out the various food groups. They're designed for advance food prep, but you can just use them like measuring cups and then turn the measured food out onto any plate you like. And since they come in a bulk set with enough to last you for 14 days, you don't have to wash the little cups every day.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:49 AM on February 15, 2022 [1 favorite]

Try searching for fondue plates. There’s tons of options in your price range
posted by shesdeadimalive at 12:10 PM on February 15, 2022 [1 favorite]

Are you good with vintage? These Corelle ones are lovely and edging lower in price , and searching for "vintage divided plates" gets you a lot of options on Etsy and EBay...
posted by Mchelly at 12:25 PM on February 15, 2022

Best answer: Just saw that the vintage Corelles may be the same depth as the modern ones you think may be too shallow, but restaurant ware options might be deeper...?
posted by Mchelly at 12:33 PM on February 15, 2022 [1 favorite]

The older term for this item, in a standard adult size, is "grill plate." Unfortunately some grilling equipment has picked up that term too, but it's fruitful on Etsy; here are some vintage, non-Corelle ones that might suit:

Shenango China Plates, Green Wave, Everglade, Set of 4
Syracuse China, Four Grill Plates, Peppermint, Red Wave, Restaurant Ware, New York, 1970
Wellsville China Grill Plates Set of Three San Tan USA Red Stripes Divided
posted by jocelmeow at 12:45 PM on February 15, 2022

This plate might have deep enough separators to meet your requirements.
posted by MiraK at 12:46 PM on February 15, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Have you tried searching for "adaptive" or "adapted" plates? Here are a few possibilities that came up when I did:

Partitioned Scoop Dish with Cover - $12.95 (also comes in red)
Divided Scoop Dinner Plate - $9.95
Partitioned Scoop Dish With Lid - $15.69
High-Side Divided Dish - $6.09
posted by Lexica at 12:50 PM on February 15, 2022

Counterintuitively, searching for divided trays and serving platters might get you to a normal adult sized plate. That's how I found these (4 for $46), and they look like regular plates to me, but perhaps a bit shallow.
posted by deludingmyself at 1:05 PM on February 15, 2022

Are these too small?
posted by stormyteal at 8:46 PM on February 15, 2022

This requires a phone call, but Fishes Eddy almost always has very sturdy looking -- likely vintage overstock -- full-sized ceramic plates with dividers in stock and their prices are usually pretty good. They don't have all their inventory online though, so you'd have to call and ask them to email you a photo to check if what they have meets your needs. Or, if you happen to be in NYC, you could drop in and look.
posted by snaw at 3:58 AM on February 16, 2022 [2 favorites]

Since you're buying only one, it might not matter, but a heads up: I have a lovely vintage one and it can't be stacked with other plates, unless it's on top.
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:39 PM on February 17, 2022