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Hefty Serve 'n Store

by Michael Chu
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A few months ago, Hefty released a new line of products called the Hefty Serve 'n Store tableware. There's nothing revolutionary about a set of plastic plates or microwavable storage containers - but the Hefty Serve 'n Store is definitely a clever improvement over its parents: the plastic disposable plates and the low-cost multi-use disposable plastic container. Each plate interlocks with another plate of the same design to form a resealable container. We tried them in our daily lives (and under some contrived tests) and they performed admirably.

Pactiv Corporation manufactures the Hefty Serve 'n Store
tableware in two varieties: Everyday Tableware and Party Tableware. The Everyday variant is white plastic with a matte finish that is supposed to be sturdy, easy to grip, and microwavable. The Party variant, as far as I can tell, is just a brightly colored version (available in red and blue) of the Everyday tableware. I tested the Everyday variant.
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Written by Michael Chu
Published on June 30, 2005 at 05:56 PM
38 comments on Hefty Serve 'n Store:(Post a comment)
On July 07, 2005 at 06:44 PM, Stephanie (guest) said...
Hey Mike :) Cool-o will have to get out and get some of my own for testing! Hope you guys had a fantastic trip :D
On July 07, 2005 at 06:45 PM, stefoodie (guest) said...
oh.my.gosh. my hubby, a mechanical engineer, could have written your post. he loves these things and thinks they're the neatest thing to come out in a long time.
On July 07, 2005 at 06:45 PM, biz (guest) said...
They sound great! - What a thorough review. I'll be tossing them in the basket next time I shop. BUT I would be reluctant to microwave one; as I am with any plastic container -- aren't there studies on toxins released into the food. The FDA has written SOMETHING, somewhere about it... ;-)
On July 07, 2005 at 06:46 PM, Michael Chu said...
The FDA does say something.
They say it's safe to use containers marked as microwave safe.

I touch on this topic briefly in the Bacon Cooking Test (Part I) (yes, yes, Part 2 is coming) and Microwave Safe Containers articles.
On July 07, 2005 at 06:47 PM, an anonymous reader said...
s/over it's parents/over its parents/
On July 07, 2005 at 06:47 PM, an anonymous reader said...
A good way to know whats inside once covered with the other plate is to use a thin permanent marker to write on the top plate when stacked what the contents are and the date. :-)
On July 07, 2005 at 06:48 PM, snekse_repost (guest) said...
Cool. I'll try picking these up this weekend for our party.

Can you do a write up of Korean BBQ?
On July 07, 2005 at 06:48 PM, Michael Chu said...
re: s/over it's parents/over its parents/

Thanks, fixed it.

re: writing contents on plates

That's a great suggestion. I had thought of it when we first realized that we didn't know what was in the containers, but never followed up (and forgot to mention it in the article).

re: Korean BBQ

I'm still in the process of experimenting with a homemade Kal Bi sauce/marinade, but as soon as I'm satisfied with it, I'll post it.
On July 07, 2005 at 06:49 PM, disgruntled computer (guest) said...
I'm a bit worried that you would consider discarding these after a single use ... the manufacturers obviously have an incentive to advise this but it would be a shame to throw away what sounds like a substantial amount of plastic. If reused, these would be a great improvement on paper plates and plastic wrap & also on ziplocs. If they ever come out over here (UK) I'd consider buying them, but not if they're not re-usable.
On July 07, 2005 at 06:49 PM, Chef Jim_repost (guest) said...
Excellent review of the product. Did you try using them in the freezer? I'm thinking since you said they are not water tight that air would also leak in therefore not making them effective in the freezer. What did the manufacturer say about freezing?
On July 08, 2005 at 06:10 PM, guest (guest) said...
Subject: hefty interlocking plates freeze and wash
They work great in the freezer and if they can be microwaved, obviously despite the disclaimers, they can also be washed in the dishwasher. I've been test-washing one plate every day for 2 months with no sign of warping or disintegrating yet. I use mine mostly for food prep and storage and for keeping things warm while cooking. When I do serve food on them, I just put them on top of a clean regular plate for stability and insulation. They are AWESOME!
On September 01, 2005 at 03:29 AM, Anderson Imes (guest) said...
Subject: Waste
Have you analyzed the rate at which you consume these plates versus your typical disposable plate? Of course there would be waste from whatever you desicde to cover your food with (paper towel, plastic wrap, etc), but these plates seem to be quite a bit more wasteful (could be in my head). Any increase in disposal rate would also increase the real cost of the plates.

Course you could wash 'em like 'guest' mentioned...
On November 09, 2005 at 02:15 PM, darus67 (guest) said...
We use the plates and bowls. They're wonderful. We just toss 'em in the dishwasher.
You can also use a plate to cover a bowl of the appropriate size.

The Party variant is specifically labeled as NOT microwave safe on the packaging.
The everyday version has verbage stating that it IS microwavable molded right into the plates. To me they seem to be different kinds of plastic.
On November 19, 2005 at 04:29 PM, cooks4fun said...
Subject: More on Hefty Serve'Store
We are packing our household to move from San Diego to Tallahassee, FL. These plates and bowls will see us through our last several meals after we finish packing all of our everyday pottery plates and bowls. We are enjoying as much "real" Mexican food as we can, while still in San Diego. We just can't find freshly made tortillas or masa there! And, we will miss TJ's (Trader Joe's) s-o-o-o-o much!!!

I checked out the website for more info on the product. Here is the URL:

http://tinyurl.com/9tu6f

I'm glad that you wrote the article reviewing them. We don't watch TV and hadn't seen the commercial.

I enjoy reading your reviews and the articles on recipes you have tested and posted. When I need a lift or a smile in my day, I log on and see what has been posted since last I checked the site. It always makes for a positive attitude adjustment. <grin>

Mucho gusto and gracias - javascript:emoticon(':)')

Ruth





:)
On April 20, 2006 at 07:20 PM, Kawartha said...
Subject: Sold!!!
SOLD! Nicly done and very thorough :) Thank you

Kawartha
On October 20, 2006 at 08:33 PM, ddk (guest) said...
Subject: ugh
ugh ugh - more land fill fodder!
On March 03, 2007 at 12:20 PM, an anonymous reader said...
The hefty website lists the everyday product as being pp5(polypropylene #5) which falls into the"durable" category of consumer plastics, often microwaveable and dishwasher safe. Caveats include to "avoid using them to heat sugary foods, like syrup or sweetened tomato sauce, which reach very high temperatures and are more likely to melt plastic."

The party plates are ps6 (polystyrene#6), more commonly known as styrofoam,and "are made with benzene and could leech styrene, a possible human carcinogen and hormone disrupter; they also can't be recycled in most communities."
Even storing foods (cold) in these plates risks leeching these chemicals if the foods have a higher fat content (more prone to leeching.)

People- follow MFG's directions and don't use the colored ones in the microwave! Heck if you can't recycle them and they're not as durable- why use the colored ones at all?

Thanks for the great article- I had bought some 2 weeks ago in anticipation of grillilng weather, and appreciate the input!

quotes from "plastics unwrappedby Josie Garthwaite, Body & Soul magazine, March 2007, pgs. 64&65.
On August 05, 2007 at 07:06 PM, Smiley (guest) said...
I wash them in the dishwasher and reuse them, but they are no good for storing and transporting wet foods if you have kids or clumsy people in the house.
On February 20, 2008 at 04:55 PM, Shamana (guest) said...
Subject: Plastic Plates
Just wondering if these are recyclable?
On February 20, 2008 at 07:08 PM, Michael Chu said...
Shamana wrote:
Just wondering if these are recyclable?

Yes they are.
On April 10, 2008 at 11:46 PM, Pam (guest) said...
Subject: Interlock plates
We need the interlock plates back on the shelves. I have gone to several stores and tried to find them. They are no where to be found. Please help me get these plates back on the shelves.
On July 11, 2008 at 08:36 PM, guest_bc (guest) said...
Subject: Discontinued and at Big Lots
These have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Big Lots closeout store has bought the remaining inventory, so if you have a Big Lots nearby run and stock up while you still can.
On September 01, 2008 at 04:18 PM, Larry (guest) said...
Subject: can't find plates in Houston
I love these plates, I cannot find them in Houston, Texas. Does anyone know where I can get them?
On September 03, 2008 at 02:03 AM, Michael Chu said...
Subject: Re: can't find plates in Houston
Larry wrote:
I love these plates, I cannot find them in Houston, Texas. Does anyone know where I can get them?

I've heard reports that they are now discontinued.
On November 12, 2008 at 11:47 AM, lnoack@kc.rr.com (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty Interlocking Plates
The Hefty interlocking plates were wonderful and I am unable to find any. These were great for taking meals to senior citizens or people who were recuperating from surgery. I even washed them in the dishwasher when they were returned to me and they worked equally well when reused. I am now down to about 4 plates and would love to find some more.
On December 31, 2008 at 12:11 PM, Karen (guest) said...
Subject: hefty serve 'n store bowls
:) I also am unable to find the hefty serve 'n store bowls. I stocked up but am running out of red and green. I use them during the holidays in my work with young children. They give their parents homemade gifts in them. Where can I get more?
On April 20, 2009 at 05:05 PM, jonirenee (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty interlocking plates!
I really counted on these plates forever when they first were available and am terribly dismayed they are no longer available. My daughter always saved individual portions and froze them for me.............yum. It was such a wonderful convenience and we miss them and are hoping someone will manufacture them again. PLEASE..............
On November 04, 2009 at 11:16 AM, LindyLu (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty Interlocking Serve 'n Store Paper Plates
What do we have to do to get the manufacturers to return these to the marketplace? I have used them happily for years (the same ones since they are dishwasher safe) and now want to buy more for friends to use.
On December 19, 2009 at 03:50 PM, Smitty (guest) said...
Subject: Really missing these plates.
I bought several packs a few years ago. We've used them, thrown them in the dishwasher, and reused them over and over. We've given away alot of cookies and other food in these plates. Now I am almost out and bummin' that I can't get more. Only a few have cracked and needed tossed - I guess that's the downfall, they can't sell enough when they last so long. I sent a request on the Hefty web site to please make them again. Maybe if everyone does, they'll make it happen.
On January 17, 2010 at 10:41 PM, an anonymous reader said...
Not knowing these were discontinued, I gave away my last 2 at Thanksgiving! Doh!!! I am so upset!!
On February 11, 2010 at 03:00 AM, Denise T (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty interlocking playes
I love these plates they have replaced my plates which have not been taken out of my cabinet in years. Sadly i am left to search in vain for these plates to no avail. Can someone please tell me where we can fine more. I have grown use to placing them on my paperplate holders which works great for stability and it is as if you have a regular plate that you can store your leftovers or even freeze meals like tv dinners. Great plates I want them back, mine are so old they barely lock anymore. :angry:
On April 12, 2010 at 03:49 AM, an anonymous reader said...
Anyone that feels comfortable using the site linked below, could you let us know if this is a viable way to obtain these dishes?


http://shop.mywebgrocer.com/shop.aspx?&sid=38257442&sid_guid=11327699-aa40-4ce1-b6e7-a70ceaa01a44&strid=250D989&shopurl=search.aspx&k=Serve%20N%20Store&ns=1

They might just list whether an item is in stock after you sign in or something. But, as far as I could tell they don't list them as being out of stock like everywhere else does.
On May 07, 2010 at 01:00 PM, cef6 (guest) said...
Subject: Trying to find older version with clear plastic lid
I have a set of square plastic containers in varying sizes with clear flat plastic lids that were put out by Hefty Food Containers eons ago but I love them. Does anyone know if these are still made and where I might get them?
On November 17, 2010 at 12:13 AM, twocases62 (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty interlocking pleate
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, bring back the interlocking plates. They were great for freesing levtover meals to be enjoyed at a later date! The plates are missed
On May 21, 2012 at 01:13 AM, ladle3 (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty microwave safe interlocking plates ?
Does anyone know where the Hefty interlocking microwave safe plates can be pruchased/ordered ? Is there a reason why these are not available? I am lost without them. HELP! Thank you ladle 3 FL
On September 12, 2012 at 05:57 PM, Lostball (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty Microwaveable Interlocking Plates
:( Hefty had a great product here but they evidently stopped producing them. They were made by a company called Pactiv. I sure wish they would put them back in production. I guess we'll have to buy from their competition.
It seems that so many times when we find a good product they stop making it ... bummer!
On January 08, 2013 at 10:07 PM, lee.wineinger (guest) said...
Subject: missing interlocking plates
bring them back. i purchased three packages in 03/04 and have been microwaving, freezing, refrigerating, and putting them thru the dishwasher for nearly 10 years now. now cannot find any in tn, ga, fl, sc, nc, or ky. been looking for 5-6 years. pls send info to where i can get some now. i'm now down to 4 plates left, because they do eventually tear up. but for 10 years use is a fabulous bargain of every day use.
On April 09, 2013 at 08:59 PM, arlene holmes (guest) said...
Subject: Hefty plates
YES!! Please!! If anyone knows where these plates can be purchased, please post!
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