Have you ever considered the drawbacks of using silver plate to serve food? It may look nice, elegant and fit perfectly to your kitchen, but are there any disadvantages?
In the past we’ve talked about some safety related queries about Silver wares such as whether or not; worn silvers are good, Silver plated cups are safe, and whether you can use them everyday.
However, in this post, we’ll cover every disadvantage you may need to know about Silver plates.
What are the Disadvantages of Eating in Silver plate?
Many cultures have a long-standing custom of serving food on silver plates. In fact, they’re thought to provide antibacterial qualities that keep food clean and fresh. Yeah, they could, but there are also some disadvantages.
Below is a list of these disadvantages:
- High cost ¨C Silver plates are made of a precious metal, and as such, they come with a high price tag. This makes them an impractical option for everyday use, and most people reserve them for special occasions or as decorative pieces.
- Maintenance ¨C Silver plates require regular polishing to maintain their shine and prevent tarnishing. Neglecting to clean them regularly can cause discoloration and affect the taste and appearance of your food.
- Prone to damage ¨C Silver is a soft metal, which makes silver plates prone to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. Using a knife and fork to cut your food on a silver plate can easily cause scratches or even leave small pieces of silver in your food, posing a choking hazard.
- Safety hazard ¨C Small pieces of silver that end up in your food can pose a serious choking hazard, especially for children or elderly individuals. Moreover, if a silver plate is damaged, it can break into sharp pieces that can cause cuts or injuries.
- Allergic reactions ¨C While rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to silver, which can cause a rash, hives, or other symptoms. If you’re allergic to silver, using silver plates can be a serious health risk.
- Limited availability ¨C Silver plates are not as widely available as other types of dinnerware, which can make it difficult to find replacements if one gets damaged or lost. Moreover, the cost of silver plates may limit your options when it comes to choosing a set that fits your needs and preferences.
- Weight ¨C Silver plates are heavier than other types of plates, which can make them cumbersome to use, especially for elderly or disabled individuals. The weight of silver plates may also limit their portability, making them less suitable for outdoor dining or travel.
- Not microwave-safe ¨C Silver plates should not be used in the microwave, as the metal can cause sparks and damage the appliance. This can be inconvenient if you’re used to using a microwave to heat up your meals.
- Not dishwasher-safe ¨C Silver plates should be hand-washed, as they can be damaged in the dishwasher, as they’re not dishwasher safe. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially if you’re hosting a large dinner party or event. If you accidentally put them there, then you might be up for a doom.
- Styling limitations ¨C Silver plates may look out of place in modern or minimalist dining settings, limiting their versatility in different dining occasions. Moreover, the ornate designs and patterns of some silver plates may clash with other elements of your table setting, making them less suitable for certain events.
Also, because silver is a reactive metal, acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus fruits can cause it to react. This would lead cooking acidic foods with them have a bit of a metallic taste, especially for longer hours. This could also lead to discolouration.
Alternatives to Silver Plate
While silver plate may be a traditional and elegant option for serving food, there are several alternative options that are more practical and sustainable. Here are a few examples:
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a durable, long-lasting, and non-toxic substitue to silver plate. It is dishwasher safe and can be used with acidic foods. It’s also more affordable than silver plate and doesn’t require regular polishing.
- Glass or Ceramic: Unlike Silver plate flatwares, Kitchen wares made of Glass or ceramic can be used with acidic foods and are microwaveable and dishwasher safe. They are also frequently less expensive than silver plate and exist in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and designs.
- Bamboo or Wooden plates: These plates not only enhance the table setting with a rustic and natural feel, but they are also eco-friendly and biodegradable. They are a fantastic substitute for Silver plates, especially when going or outdoor meals and picnics.
- Reusable Melamine plates: Disposable paper or plastic plates can be replaced with melamine plates. They are available in a variety of hues and patterns, are lightweight, and are strong. They are also excellent for outdoor meals and dishwasher-safe..
Conclusion
In conclusion, utilizing silver plates for eating has some advantages but with also some drawbacks that should be taken into account, as with everything you can think of.
If you decide to use silverware, it is crucial to maintain it properly to prevent damage and assure its durability. Additionally, it’s advised to steer clear of very acidic dishes on silver plates and to consider the price and weight of silverware while making your purchase choices.
