I am a big fan of plastic storage containers. I have a cupboard full of both Rubbermaid and reusable-disposable containers. So when I found out I would have an opportunity to try a new product from Solo - The Deep Dish Plate I was more than excited. Maybe the plates would be good for storing leftovers??? Finally the long awaited plates arrived and I was both excited and disappointed.

First thought "These are a pretty good size dish."

Second thought "Wow! these look really flimsy."

The Solo Company has been making disposable dishware for centuries now including plastic plates, bowls and cups. We use these at my office and they work great for one time use. These plates seems to try to be one-time use and compete with re-usable plastic ware. So should you try this Solo product out? Here's what they are all about.

Deep Dish Plates
The Solo To Go Deep Dish Plates are oval-shaped disposable plates, with lids so you can take a meal to go. Each plate measures approximately 9" by 8" and about 2" deep. The clear, dome-like lids add an additional 1 1/2" to the top (more on these later). One has to remember that these are marketed as plates not bowls so they definitely hold up to the Deep Dish name on that aspect.

Each side has an easy grip tab that juts out about an inch. These tabs makes the dish easy to hold when grasping both tabs, especially right out of the microwave, but they are weak and fold if only one is held. The tabs also make the dish easy to carry of you have two hands full of work gear and can only spare a finger and thumb - as was my case the other day.

These plates are made from a light plastic that reminds me of plastic take out dished you get from Chinese places. The plastic is pretty pliable and I did not notice any cracking or stress marks in either the lid or the plate.

The plates are microwave safe when cooked less than four minutes, but are not dishwasher, oven or freezer safe. I did wash these in my dishwasher to see if anything would happen and did not notice any adverse affects - But I also have a mini-dishwasher that does not get as hot as a regular dishwasher.

The Lids... oh Those Lids
The first thing you must do when trying to use these plates in conquer the lid. Yes, there is a bit of a trick to them, but this is what makes them leak resistant. There were actually directions on the package on how to snap the lids together. I found these confusing. But if you have ever placed a lid on a Tupperware bowl this is fairly similar. First, line up the tabs, putting the tabs of the lid on top of the tabs of the plate... then press down inserting the rim into the plate opening. Press the rim into the plate all the way around - on both sides. A loud pop will be heard when the lid is secure. Once snapped the lid creates a pretty good leak resistant seal. I carried ravioli (with runny sauce) facing down by the tab of the plate and there was no leakage. In my experience the lids snapped on each time. My husband on the other hand could not get the lids and gave up after one try. Some were more difficult than others and heating seem to make them pop into place easier. But does this mean the seal isn't as good?

Now for the Use...
Heat, eat and store all in one. Solo claims you can go from microwave to table to fridge all with the same plate. There are a variety of uses, some I can see these being useful for:

- Storing dinner for a family member not present.
- Taking home thanksgiving leftovers.
- Transporting baked goods like cookies.
- Taking a salad to work. (as long as you have a fridge to put it in since it wouldn’t fit any lunch bag)
- Transporting a single item like ravioli or spaghetti.
- Packing different courses for a pic-nic.
- Some one suggested using for children's supplies - I may have to try that one.
- Leftovers from lunch at work. (my boss often gives my fried rice that I sometimes can't eat that same day. These plates would be nice to have on hand to keep it semi-fresh)

They do stack which makes several fit in the fridge nicely.

So I put the plates to the test. The first test was a simple test of size using pizza. The plate fit one slice of pizza nicely in the bottom so I had to stack the second piece on top. Obviously not good if the pizza is still hot. I warmed my slices with one in the plate and one on the lid. No adverse reactions to either part.

Next was leftover hamburger helper (we really do normally eat better than this). There was a lot left and it fit very well in the plate. sadly this did not get reheated due to unfavorable stomach issues (not the plate’s fault). So Solo will help me with clean-up.

Taking ravioli to work was another test. The plate fit one full can of ravioli with room to spare. The larger amount of space helped the food heat evenly instead of creating hot spots. Since I was at work with this runny sauce ravioli, it was nice to be able to seal the lid and not have to worry about disposing of the left over sauce.

So What are my Thoughts?
Solo To Go Deep Dish Plates should be available in stores sometime spring 2007. For around $2.50 per package, buyers receive five disposable plate/lid sets.

That being said, we probably will not end up purchasing these plates for a variety of reasons...

First, right now, disposable products are not budget wise for us. The most disposable we get in our home right now is paper towel and I use the life right out of them. I much prefer dishes I can easily wash and reuse often.

Second, for the price, I would expect to get either more product (even ten would be better) or a sturdier grade reusable plastic dish.

Third, We don’t really have a practical use for these plates. Sure they store a lot, but I get re-usables with my lunchmeat purchases which are sufficient for our leftovers. Most of the travel done with food is my son's lunch which generally needs smaller containers.

Fourth, if several different food items are transported, they would have to be fairly dry as this is one large compartment with no division and everything will mix.

So... these are alright plates, if you can figure out the lids and they fit a need in your home. I figured out the lids, but don't have pressing a need for this style plate at this time.

On the recomendation... it would really depend on the person and what they needed the plate for. I would recommend it to a friend if I knew they had a need for a storage plate like this.

I received this product free from SCC Grossman in exchange for an honest opinion

Recommended: Yes