When we first heard about the plates, we thought, "Why can't we just use plastic wrap to seal the plates? Is it really necessary to use another plate to cover your leftovers?" Well, usually plastic wrap doesn't stick or seal well when used on paper or plastic disposable plates, so you have to wrap all the way around so the plastic will stick to itself. Also, once the plate has been wrapped, stacking plates doesn't work too well when the only thing separating the bottom of your top plate from the bottom plate's content is a thin sheet of plastic. The interlocking plates solved the problem for us and we efficiently stacked the leftovers without worrying about tilting plates or ill-fitting plastic wrap.
Conclusions
After using the Hefty Serve 'n Store tableware for a couple weeks, we are convinced that the product lives up to its advertised promises - plus they're quite convenient and the plates are high quality for the price ($2 for a 24 pack of 9-in. plates). Also, the bowls interlock with the 9-in. plates to form deep dish storage containers. The plastic is solid and has a nice textured feel (as opposed to other brands with thin flimsy plastic that might not hold up to a hearty plate of food). These plates are an obvious choice to serve food from when you've got an informal party.
The only downside to these plates are that some people may consider them plain (even the festively colored Party plates) and not as pretty as other disposable plates. Also, they aren't the cheapest disposable plates either (but not even close to the most expensive). For the quality of the plate, it's a good bargain since comparable plates cost the same but do not interlock to form storage containers.
Conclusions
After using the Hefty Serve 'n Store tableware for a couple weeks, we are convinced that the product lives up to its advertised promises - plus they're quite convenient and the plates are high quality for the price ($2 for a 24 pack of 9-in. plates). Also, the bowls interlock with the 9-in. plates to form deep dish storage containers. The plastic is solid and has a nice textured feel (as opposed to other brands with thin flimsy plastic that might not hold up to a hearty plate of food). These plates are an obvious choice to serve food from when you've got an informal party.
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.
Can you do a write up of Korean BBQ?
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.
Course you could wash 'em like 'guest' mentioned...
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.
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
:)
Kawartha
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.
Yes they are.
I've heard reports that they are now discontinued.
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.
It seems that so many times when we find a good product they stop making it ... bummer!