Reddit mentions: The best disposable plates, bowls & cutlery

Alright, here are our assumptions.

Average dishwasher load (based on my house's dishwasher, with some adustments for roundness): 20 cups, 20 dishes, 20 utensils (combined forks/knives/spoons). This might seem like an overestimate (based on some cursory researc place setting counts seem to hover around 16), but considering that each "place setting" to us is only a cup, dish, and utensil, 20 doesn't seem unreasonable for a large dishwasher.

We could obviously fit more forks or even cups, but since you probably only use up a fork at the same time as using up a dish and a cup, this is our assumed load (we'll assume that we can only wash cups in the cup place and plates in the plate place - this is recommended for best washing efficiency anyway).


Let's assume you have the worst possible energy star compliant dishwasher. As of January 29, 2016, that means (if it can hold upwards of 8 place settings, which ours definitely can), it uses less than (for our assumptions, exactly) 3.5 gallons per cycle and 270 kWh per year.

Wait, per year?

Yeah, that number factors in both standby energy consumption and energy consumption from actually washing dishes. As far as I can tell, the only existing standard for energy consumption per cycle is this rule from 2003, which has since been deprecated and seems to no longer be strictly enforced.

We'll have to make do - from some very rough estimations based on that old requirement, it seems like standby energy is actually an extremely minimal part of energy consumption.

Those standards for energy usage per year are based on an assumption of 215 cycles per year - we then have 270/215=1.26 kWh per cycle.

The average rate for electricity is 13.15 cents per kWh - that gives us 16.6 cents in energy consumption per cycle.

Finally, water is extremely cheap. According to this probably pretty qualified quora answer (not that it matters because the numbers are so small), tap water's about .15 cents per gallon. That's .525 cents per cycle - a pittance.

We can then estimate that this massive (but efficiently priced!) dawn dishwashing liquid lasts about 150 cycles (half an ounce of detergent per cycle doesn't seem too bad, and I've incidentally learned while researching this that you probably use too much detergent right now anyways). That adds another 849/150=5.66 cents to our price.

Our total cost is then 16.6+.525+5.66=22.785 cents per cycle.

Paper plates, unfortunately, just can't match up.

The absolute lowest I could find paper plates was 1000 for only $13.99
, which is 1399/1000=1.399 cents per plate, or 27.98 per cycle equivalent (20 plates).

...and that's the game, folks! Not even counting shipping or cups or silverware, the dishwasher wins by a large margin.

PS: this doesn't consider the significant labor costs associated with washing dishes. If you value your time at even 1$ an hour, the ~15 minutes it probably takes to load the dishes adds a whopping 25 cents to the dishwasher's price per cycle, easily outweighing even some fairly expensive foam cups and plastic forks

One argument for kleanbowl is that it helps ensure no salmonella. One thing for sure, I know the food doesn't get stuck in the cracks, and honestly it is a good looking bowl and my beardie seems to have an easier time eating out of it. However, I refuse to pay 10 bucks for what? 10 bowls? Naw- I just ordered 200 for 20 bucks and they fit just fine in the kleanbowl, so if this is something you're interested in, here is a fine way to save a little bit of money.

Restaurant-Grade, Biodegradable 8 Oz Bowls Bulk 200Pk. Great for Ice Cream, Chili or Soup. Disposable, Compostable Wheatstraw Bowls are Allergen-Free, Leakproof and Microwave Safe for Hot or Cold Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8YSZVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_peLOCb3XP1SR8

Here are my thoughts, I'm not sure if you bought anything yet:

• Rent the Runway has some great wedding dresses all under $250. Also ASOS and ModCloth have gorgeous dresses under $400.
  
  
• You could probably make a corn hole game for cheaper than the customized version.
  
  
• Consider having a friend or family member officiate (unless it's a religious wedding).
  
  
• This is personal opinion but I think biodegradable plates/forks would be great. On Amazon a 50 pack of plates is $10. Also, you can get 100 biodegradable forks, 50 spoons, and 50 knives as a set for $10. The reviews on both items are great.

I love using little spoons as spatulas! I bought a pack of 100 of these and they're absolutely perfect. I also love to eat ice cream with them because it's fun to eat with tiny things :)

i'm striving for this as well. my wedding is more of a backyard bbq, so it may be a little different than a traditional wedding. we're opting for electronic invites (through paperless post), biodegradable plates/cups/utensils (i found a great deal at a yard sale. the women used to be an eco-wedding party planner!), green burlap table runners, second-hand dress from poshmark. no plans at the moment for favors, but if we decide, we'll opt for biodegradable take-home containers so people can bring home leftovers. best of luck!

these little guys

And then there’s giant things of granola and m&ms and stuff for free in the kitchen so you can load up on snacks and get back to work 😂
Or you can pee in them like I do 😂😂😂

We used china plates, real silverware, and mason jars (for water) for our dinner. We used these forks and these plates for cocktail hour. We used the plates as bread/salad plates during dinner and to serve dessert as well.

We also used these cups for our wine and specialty cocktail.

Bonus: we got these garbage bins that made it super easy for people to put something in recycling vs normal garbage. They also looked A LOT nicer than the white cardboard garbage, and were recyclable themselves.

All were a hit!

I saved about $30, I spent about $100 and I think I should just about be good until I start putting everything together with the things I already have and realize I need something else.

table runners to match my mexican/fiesta theme https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F58D6X3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bLmlDbW8D3B4X

Love and tacos sign with buffet markers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T2LBCGB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dQmlDb99A939G

Paper decor hanging fans (x3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078NQJDB1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aMmlDbMSEENNW

waterproof LED string lights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L2RTPS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1HmlDbM9P3YQX

Cake plates https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QB4S6Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3MmlDbV8DV0TA

And some beautiful teal votive holders https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKP4VRT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7NmlDb6FN5V77

So I went from this off brand, $22 at the time, box to a Monbento with the cutlery set.

Quick thoughts on the Monbento:

• It's made of thicker plastic so it feels more solid
  
  
• Microwave safe, apparently the first one I had wasn't
  
  
• The entire set holds together with the included band, the lids do snap on to their tiers pretty well.
  
  
• Pretty large, if I had a girlfriend I could easily see myself using a tier for each of us (I supplement the meals with fruit cups)
  
  The last point kinda leads into one problem I have; it feels too large for me to do anything with. I instinctively want to fill it to the brim for some reason.
  
  

Let's use cost as a basis for comparison, because it's about the only thing we can use, without detailed study, of total input costs of one thing versus another (all raw material and energy input costs, no recycling or reclamation costs).

A 32 piece dinnerware set from Pfaltzgraff costs $70:
https://www.amazon.com/Pfaltzgraff-Sylvia-Piece-Dinnerware-Service/dp/B01ATQJ3N4

A 44 Count (x5 - 220 total plates): costs $17.
https://www.amazon.com/Dixie-Paper-Plates-Inches-Count/dp/B008R6LO5O

Assuming a family of four, and that the total costs of the ceramic plates is just in the plates (not the cup, saucer or bowl):

Paper: 220/4 = 55 meals. $17/55 = $0.30/meal Forever.
At that rate, the Pfaltzgraff pays for itself in 234 meals.

Less than a year, assuming we only eat one meal a day. Faster otherwise.

Capital depreciation of both paper and ceramic should, in healthy economies, be included in the price of each product - otherwise the manufacturers couldn't stay in business. But considering the Amazon economy, it's possible this is distorted with debt, and hence would require a very thorough analysis of costs from start to finish.

But in a world where economies are healthy, a simple price comparison would should ceramic to be a winner. Raw math says ceramic wins in energy costs (and that cost is including packing materials).

Depends on the area I guess, but in general, like the other guys have said, yes, silverware and cutlery are totally interchangeable...

Lol, common enough that i found the term used on an Amazon listing https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Plastic-Silverware-Heavy-Cutlery/dp/B00RA1H8Z2.

Okay, I got to looking more, and these are super neat! Did you know they come in heart shaped? There is actually just about every size you could want,and lots of shapes too!

If you are serious about quality, then you can't go wrong with a Genuine Joe GJO20004 Spork. The medium weight construction is flexible, yet rigid for reliable use. The smooth, glossy finish makes it easy to hold and control. It is perfect for office parties, and even home use.

Frankly, I wouldn't accept anything less.

Forgive me, but you're joking right?

https://www.amazon.com/Edible-Spoon-100-Pk-Vegan/dp/B074L55SMQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bocado-Edible-Spoon&qid=1567495700&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I mean it's on amazon haha. I just never see people using it. Maybe I don't eat out that much.

I haven't personally tried this but I've seen it commented a few times: Medicine cups you can get at a pharmacy (usually in bulk).

e.g. (price is so expensive because it's massively in bulk)

https://www.amazon.com/Company-P400N-Polystyrene-Portion-Translucent/dp/B0040ZP1VE/

Lower price example:

https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Cup-Souffle-P400NSL-Sleeve/dp/B01M74Y9Y3/


I don't know what material is best. Someone here said disposable is neat because you can be sanitary by replacing it frequently.

> hadn't thought about paper bowls. That might be a solution.

I wonder if compostable bowls might be a good idea.

About the egg and fish oil . . . In medieval times, they had "trenchers" - big pieces of hard bread that were either used as plates or scooped out and used as bowls. At the end of the meal, the trencher, after it soaked up the sauce, was eaten (or given to the poor). I'm not sure where I'm going with this but brain storming . . . How's your Mal with bread? If OK, maybe try hard and/or stale rolls to use as a trencher?

> The one time I handed her an egg without it being in a bowl she took it and beelined straight for the carpet.

Can you keep her in her kennel until she's finished? Or otherwise gated away from the carpeted areas?

Thanks! I picked up the glasses and straws on amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07L462KWN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They worked beautifully for a one-time event.

Don't stress! I'm sure that whatever you choose will be lovely. An idea, My caterer recommended using bamboo plates for our dinner plates because they are cheaper and recyclable, but look pretty.
Here is an example:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0040MJR8A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1415515492&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

we had cornstarch ones in college too. They were pretty cool as well!

I don't know what you mean by watercoloring the edges. I think I would be concerned this watercoloring would rub off on my hands or on the food.

I echo /u/SuB2007 about the weight issue. (And the Oregonian in me has to cringe and foam) The last wedding I went to used bamboo plates and they were very strong, like these

I got these in the silver from Amazon. No regrets. Like, they're definitely plastic plates, but they're sturdy and look nice.

Dixie Everyday Paper Plates, 10 1/16 Inches, 44 Count (Pack of 5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008R6LO5O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cXXQybTTJT6QA

🙂

Fair enough. But he's still way off with the 100 plates/10 dollars estimate. In bulk, even cheap plastic (washable) plates would cost 80 bucks for 100. That's the sale price at 20% off. Either way, paper plates are the cheaper route.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000MJ7WYG/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1468126177&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dinner+plates+in+bulk&dpPl=1&dpID=413xUmaDGeL&ref=plSrch

When I was in college, the dining halls used biodegradable corn starch flatware, like these.

They aren't very pretty, but they are eco-friendly (compostable even!) and don't have any sort of taste or anything. I do remember if you left them in soup overnight they'd start to dissolve a little, but they were always sturdy while I was using them.