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The different kinds and sizes of plates in dinnerware

By admin | January 8, 2009

Here is some general sizing information about dinnerware plates and what the dinnerware and tabletop industry means when they list different words to describe a dinnerware plate.

Plates – usually round, but can also be square or oval.

Dinner plate – usually 10” to 12” in diameter, but can be smaller. Some dinnerware manufacturers call a 9″ plate a dinner plate. Be aware that most top kitchen cabinets are only 11.5” deep, and cannot hold a 12” dinner plate. Older dishwashers can also have problems holding a 12” dinner plate, the 12” item will usually bump into the top rack, and make it a problem to close. Newer dishwashers, where the top rack is slanted, easily hold a 12” dinner plate on the one side, where the top rack is on the high part of the slant.

Lunch or Luncheon plate – usually 8” to 9 ½” in diameter

Salad plate – usually 6” to 7 ½” in diameter, rarely is also called a dessert plate

Bread and Butter plate – usually 4” to 5 ½” in diameter, can also be called a dessert plate

Dessert plate – usually 4” to 5 ½” in diameter, call also be called a Bread and Butter plate

Charger – usually greater than 12” in diameter. When setting the table, these plates are set under the dinner plate. Chargers can function either as a large Dinner plate or as a small round Platter. Be aware, Chargers may be purely decorative pieces and not food safe. Please carefully read the descriptions to ensure you are buying what you want. A Charger can also be called a Chop plate.

Chop plate – usually greater than 12” in diameter. When setting the table, these plates are set under the dinner plate. Chop plates can function either as a large Dinner plate or as a small round Platter. Be aware, Chop plates may be purely decorative pieces and not food safe. Please carefully read the descriptions to ensure you are buying what you want. A Chop plate can also be called a Charger.

Buffet plate – usually a different size/shape than the dinner plate. The Buffet plate varies in size, depending upon the dinnerware manufacturer. The Buffet plate can be larger or smaller than the dinner plate, depending on the manufacturer.

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