By ANNIE RITCHIE / September 12, 2022
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It’s hard to pull yourself away from the fun and spend ages cleaning off your plates. That’s why it’s a good idea to spend some time investing in the right camping plates. They make washing dishes after a great campfire meal easy. If you pick up a set of camping plates today you’ll never again worry about washing dishes taking all night!
We understand how tricky it can be to find exactly the right gear for your camping trip. And when it comes to finding the best camping plates even more so. With a staggering array of options out there we thought it would be an excellent idea to do the research, ask the questions and draw on our own experience to provide you with our list of best choices.
Camp Casual 12-Piece Dish Set
A Cracking Choice For 4 People
Perfect for 4 People
Easy to Clean
Storage Features
We absolutely love the Camp Casual 12 Piece Dish Set for family camping trips. It comes with 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 bowls, so breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served without having to wash bowls or plates multiple times.
When you do need to clean them you’ll notice like I did, how easy they are to clean, you most likely won’t even need to use a scrubber to get the food off! After all, camping is for adventure not washing up!
The Camp Casual Set comes in a strong portable box for easy storage, so you’ll never have to deal with awful paper plates again, a plus for you, the environment and your wallet!
The plates are BPA-free and are durable enough to last for many years of trips away, but they are also very lightweight so it won’t feel like you’re hauling around ceramic plates every time you decide to go camping. The design and overall quality of the set are awesome, they don’t look or feel like your standard cheap camping plates.
Wealers Stainless Steel Plate Set
A Cracking Choice For Stainless Steel Camping Plates
Robust Material
Versatile
Compact Storage
The Wealers 8.5-inch Stainless Steel dinner set is ideal for quick getaways as they are super lightweight and are set into each other, so they are really easy to store. I love that they come in an easy-to-carry drawstring bag so you can even take them on trips from your campsite to the beach, because who doesn’t love a BBQ on the beach?
The plates are dishwasher safe so you can even use them at home, plus like any good camping plate, they are easy to clean and BPA-free. The set-in design means you can use the extra depth for stews, loose chilli and soups – it’s always great to have options!
Sea to Summit X-Plate
A Cracking Choice For Collapsible Camping Plates
Collapses for Compact Storage
Versatile
Lightweight
I think this is the ideal option if you’re planning a solo trip into the wilderness, plan to only pack one bag or have a really limited space, as this plate packs down to only 1/2 an inch!
It has a sturdy nylon base that can double as a chopping board too which is awesome, especially if you’re foraging and need to chop off the edges from some of the weird and wonderful plants you find out on your adventure!
As well as being incredibly easy to pack, it’s lightweight and has a food-grade collapsible silicone wall. When fully extended it has a depth of 1.5 inches, so you can still enjoy your morning porridge as you watch the sun come up.
LamiNami Organic Bamboo Fiber Plates
A Cracking Choice For Campers On A Budget
Organic Bamboo Material
Ergonomic design
User Friendly
I don’t know about you but I love a great deal, especially if you don’t have to compromise on quality! The LamiNami Bamboo Plates are exactly that. They are made from organic bamboo fibre and BPA-free food-safe plastic, so are much sturdier and better for the environment than paper plates.
The LamiNami plates have a slightly raised lip to limit spilling which I think is great for meals on uneven surfaces or eating out at Nature’s table. They come in 3 different sizes so you can grab the set and be prepared for every occasion.
They are light and durable as well as freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, so you’ll be able to get a lot of use for your money too!
Snow Peak Titanium Plate
A Cracking Choice For Titanium Camping Plates
If you camp as much as I do, you love lightweight equipment, especially if it has multiple uses and can cut down on the number of things to pack! That’s why I love the Snow Peak Titanium Plate. Not only is it ultra-lightweight, at just 2 ounces, but its amazing durability means it can be used as a pan to cook your food in too, how awesome is that?
The Snow Peak plate is made of corrosion-resistant titanium so it is easy to pack, won’t get damaged in transit and is easy to clean too, what more could you ask for?
It measures 7.5″ and has raised sides so if you need a plate for your chilli this is a cracking choice that will outlast many other camping plates.
Camping Plates Buyers Guide: When you are shopping for dinnerware for your camping trip you will find there is a lot on offer. We think it might be useful for you if we share with you how we made our choices so that you feel confident when it’s time to make your choice.
Size
First, consider how many people you’ll be camping with. You’ll need one plate for each person. Second, think about what size plates you need. If you’re camping with young children, you might want smaller plates so they don’t end up spilling food everywhere. Your choice of size is also related to ease of use. Plates that are compact and stackable are perfect for camping.
Material
I’ve listed some of the most popular materials below, along with their pros and cons.
Wood
Wood camping plates are durable and safe to use. They’re also affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious campers. However, they’re not as light as some other materials, and they can be difficult to clean if you don’t have access to running water.
Titanium
Titanium camping plates are incredibly light and durable. They also hold heat well, making them ideal for cooking meals over a campfire. However, they’re one of the more expensive options on the market.
Aluminum
Aluminum camping plates are usually hard and anodized, which makes them resistant to scratches and wear. They’re also often non-stick, making them easy to clean. However, they can be lightweight, making them prone to tipping over in strong winds.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel camping plates are one of the most popular options on the market because they’re durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel camping plates are scratch-resistant and durable. They’re also rust-resistant, making them a good choice for campers who will be camping near bodies of water.
However, they’re heavier than some other materials, and they can hold heat, making them hot to the touch after cooking a meal over a fire.
Soft plastic
Soft plastic camping plates are lightweight and durable. They’re also flexible, making them easy to pack into a small space.
However, they need to be BPA- and phthalates-free in order to be safe to use.
Melamine
Melamine: Melamine camping plates are made of strong plastic that is resistant to breaking and chipping. They’re also often dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean.
However, they can give off toxic fumes if they’re heated too high or come into contact with certain chemicals.
Durability
Camping is rougher on plates than when used at home. They need to be sturdy, break-resistant, and long-lasting.
Disposability
Non-disposable plates are more environmentally friendly.
Weight
Choose camping plates that are lightweight if possible and easy to carry.
Easy To Clean
It always helps to have plates that are easy to clean as it’s not always possible to have access to warm water.
Health
If possible avoid plates that are not BPA-free. BPA or bisphenol A is a chemical that has been used to make some plastics and resins since the 1950s.
I know you may have some questions. What we like to do in our articles is include answers to some of the questions that commonly come up when campers look for plates to take on their camping trips.
Your Answers Are Just A Short Distance Away, Keep Reading!
What Is A Melamine Plate?
I’m going to tell you about melamine plates. You may be familiar with them from camping, as they are a popular choice for campers because they are unbreakable.
Melamine is a type of plastic that is made from melamine resin, which is a synthetic substance. It is sometimes used in place of glass or ceramic because it is less likely to break. Melamine plates come in different colors and designs, and you can usually find them at your local store or online.
Is Ceramic Good For Camping?
I love camping. There’s something about being in the great outdoors that just helps me to relax and clear my head. One of the things that I used to worry about when camping, though, was what kind of dinnerware to bring. I didn’t want to have to worry about breaking anything, but I also didn’t want to use disposable plates and cups.
Unfortunately although ceramic is great in that it does not absorb water and get musty, it does chip and breaks easily.
That’s when I discovered other types of camping dinnerware. Enamel, bamboo, stainless steel, melamine.
I had an enamel tableware set which I LOVED. But of all those above, stainless steel is my personal favourite for camping. It’s the perfect solution for camping trips. It’s durable enough to withstand being dropped or dropped on the ground, but it’s also lightweight and easy to pack. Plus, it’s easy to clean. So if you’re looking for the perfect camping companion, look no further than stainless steel dinnerware.
How Do You Care For Camping Plates
Tips For Washing Camping Dishes
Use dishwashing liquid for easy cleaning.
Dip the utensils in water to clear the food particles.
Air dry them.
Since camping dining sets are break-resistant, it is easy to store and carry them. Here are a few tips:
Wrap the camping dinnerware set in clothes and pack it in your bag.
Clean and dry before placing the utensils in the backpack.
Use a convenient roll-up pouch for flatwares.
Wrap them in a plastic bag for ease of use.
Tips For Maintaining Camping Dishes
Check the product description and read all the directions carefully. If a product isn’t dishwasher-friendly, ensure that it is hand-washed only.
To clean the melamine dinner set, use a damp cloth and wipe the utensils.
To clean stainless steel dinnerware, you can use a dishwashing liquid.
Prefer sets that come with a mesh bag or a portable utensil holder. It not only makes it easier for you to carry but also saves a lot of space. If your dish set does not come with a bag, wrap them in a cloth and then keep them in a small cloth bag. Alternatively, look into purchasing a camping mess kit where your plates are included in the mess kit.
Are Bamboo Plates Reusable?
I never knew there were so many different types of plates! I always just used the cheap, disposable ones that were easy to buy in bulk. But now that I’m camping more, I started to look for something a little more sustainable. That’s when I discovered bamboo plates.
Bamboo plates have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. They’re strong and sturdy, yet lightweight and easy to clean.
But are they really reusable? The answer depends on how you plan to use them. If you’re only using them for camping trips or picnics, then you’re going to have to look after them if you want them to last very long. The key is to make sure that you don’t put them in the dishwasher or microwave, as this will damage the bamboo and make them more likely to break. With a little bit of care, bamboo plates can definitely be reused multiple times.
Best of all, they’re relatively affordable, so I can stock up without breaking the bank. Now I always make sure to bring my bamboo plates camping with me – they’ve become an essential part of my camping gear!
Why Do Campers Use Enamel?
Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some time in nature. However, packing for a camping trip can be a bit of a challenge. You want to bring enough food and supplies to last the whole trip, but you also don’t want to lug around too much weight.
An enamel dinnerware set is a great option for campers because it is both lightweight and durable.
Plus, it doesn’t absorb flavors or smells, so you can use it over and over again without fear of your food tasting odd.
Enamel dinnerware is also dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean it at the end of your trip. All in all, enamel dinnerware is a great choice for campers who want to travel light without sacrificing function or style.
Does Enamelware Chip Easily?
Enamelware has been around for centuries. It is made of steel coated with a layer of enamel, which gives it a smooth, shiny finish. Enamelware is durable and chip-resistant, making it a good choice for camping or picnicking. However, it is important to note that enamelware can chip if it is dropped or knocked against a hard surface. If you are using enamelware for camping, be sure to pack it carefully to avoid damaging the finish. When properly cared for, enamelware can last for many years.
Can You Put Hot Food On Melamine Plates?
As a camper, I’ve often been tempted to use my melamine plates for hot food. After all, they’re much lighter and more durable than ceramic or glass plates. Plus, they don’t break if you drop them. However, I’ve always been hesitant to use them for hot food because I wasn’t sure if it was safe. After doing some research, I found out that you can safely put warm food on melamine plates. Melamine is a type of plastic that is resistant to heat and won’t melt or release toxins when exposed to high temperatures. Overall, melamine plates are a great option for camping because they’re lightweight, durable, and safe to use for warm food.
Do Enamel Plates Contain Lead?
No – but I need to qualify that response.
Growing up, I was always excited about camping trips. My family would pack up the car and head to the mountains for a week of camping, hiking, and fishing. One of my favorite parts of camping was sitting around the campfire at night, telling stories and roasting marshmallows. My grandmother always brought her special enamel plates to use on these trips. I loved how they were bright and colorful, and they always seemed like they would be sturdy enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Years later, I found out that those plates may not have been as safe as I thought. It turns out that many vintage enamel plates contain lead, which can be harmful if ingested. While my grandmother never experienced any problems from using her plates, I now know that it is best to be cautious when using enamel cookware.
Vintage enamel cookware, especially colourful cookware can contain lead. Lead was added to help preserve the colours.
This is not the case now, however.
Enamel itself does not intrinsically contain lead, and so is not found in modern-day enamel dinnerware.
Wealers Stainless Steel Plate Set
LamiNami Organic Bamboo Fiber Plates
I hope this article has saved you some time as we uncovered some awesome camping plates for you. Now that you don’t have to spend hours doing research, you can get started on planning your trip and focus on the fun.
Keep Asking Questions And We Will Keep Finding Answers For You.
Make Your Choice A Cracking One!