How to Test Paper Plates

Disposable plates come in a wide variety of strengths and materials.

People use paper plates for a variety of reasons. Whether you want to save cleanup time, eat outdoors at a picnic or barbecue, or serve more people than what you have china for, paper plates are a handy invention. They are not without their drawbacks, though. Some plates crumple when loaded with food or leak when they come in contact with moist foods. To ensure that you have the perfect paper plate for your needs, you may want to perform your own paper plate test.

Things You'll Need

• Several varieties of paper plates
• Food
• Microwave oven

Instructions

1. Determine your main reason for using paper plates. Do you want to heat up leftovers on them in the microwave? Are you having a picnic where your guests will want to load their plates to the max? What is the most important feature you require in a paper plate?

2. Purchase several brands of paper plates that are suitable for your needs. Plain, uncoated, white paper plates are best for microwaving, thicker Styrofoam plates are good for heavy loads, and plastic, Styrofoam and coated cardboard plates are good for preventing leaks.

3. Lay out one plate of each variety. Load each plate heavily with a variety of the types of food you plan to serve.

4. Check each plate every ten minutes for an hour, to determine how long each one can hold food without leakage. Eliminate plates which allow moisture to soak through.

5. Pick up each plate with one hand. It's best to do this over the a counter-top or sink in anticipation of the worst. Does the plate bend and spill the food? Is the plate sturdy no matter how heavily it's loaded? Eliminate plates which aren't up to the task.

6. Place each plate, one at a time, in the microwave and heat your food for a period of two minutes. Remove the plate and investigate how well the plate held up. Did it bubble or warp? What happened when you removed it from the microwave? Did it wilt and spill your food or did it hold its shape? Avoid microwaving plastic, Styrofoam or coated paper plates, as toxic chemicals may be released during heating.

7. Assess the performance of each plate, and determine which one held up best under each circumstance. Purchase the needed amount of those plates for your use.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask friends and family which paper plates they use and which they prefer.

References

• Good Morning America: Paper Plates that Win 'Good Housekeeping' Seal
• Delish: Paper Plates: The Dish on Disposables
• USDA: Microwave Ovens and Food Safety