Which cheese plates are best?
Cheese is a special kind of food. It can work as an accent ingredient in many dishes, but it also works as a delicious snack in its own right. When the time comes to enjoy a spread of yummy cheeses, there’s no better way to serve them than on a cheese plate.
But what type of cheese plate do you need? While some may prefer a basic model that’s best for passing around the living room during a football game, others may want a fancier piece for use at a dinner party.
If you’re ready to decide which cheese plate is best for you, keep reading. Our informative buying guide and reviews can help you make the right choice. Our top pick, the Toscana Circo Cheese Board with Cheese Tools, includes a set of tools for preparing and serving all your favorite cheeses.
What to know before you buy a cheese plate
Size
When choosing the size of your cheese plate, consider how many people you plan to serve, and how many cheeses you’d like to offer them. Also, think about how much storage space you have available in your home when your cheese plate isn’t in use.
Material
Wooden cheese plates are the most common type. They do, however, tend to absorb the scent of the cheese, which can be an annoyance over time. You can place a piece of fabric over a wooden cheese board to avoid this issue.
Metal cheese plates are usually made from stainless steel. While they’re easy to clean and usually don’t absorb odors like wooden plates, the silver color doesn’t always look as nice against the color of the cheeses.
Marble/stone cheese plates keep the cheese cool, and they’re very dense. Although some can be heavy, they are much sturdier than other materials. While stone is slightly porous, it doesn’t run the same risk of absorbing the cheese odors as wooden plates.
Ceramic/porcelain cheese plates are rare. They’re not very durable and somewhat heavy. Nevertheless, they look beautiful on display, so if you just want something to put up on a shelf for decoration, a ceramic or porcelain cheese plate might be the best choice.
Set vs. singular
Some cheese plates come in a set, while others come as a single plate. Sets are good for serving multiple people at the same time, while a single is best for leaving on a table or counter. Sets are more expensive but worth it if that suits your needs.
Shape
Oval cheese plates are the most traditional style. Some may include handles.
Square/rectangle cheese plates are usually called cheese boards. They add a rustic look to your cheese selection. They don’t usually include handles.
Other shapes are available, such as triangles and octagons, though they’re not common. You can also get one that is custom-shaped like your home state, football team, or company logo, to name a few.
How much you can expect to spend on a cheese plate
Most cheese plates cost between $20-$50. For $20, cheese plates are for four to five guests and usually made of wood. For $35, you can get a set of cheese plates of different sizes made from stainless steel. If you spend $50 or more, you can get a marble cheese plate or perhaps even a marble set.
Cheese plate FAQ
How long is cheese safe to leave out without refrigeration?
A. Cheese is okay to sit at room temperature for between four and eight hours. After that point, it becomes inedible, depending on the cheese in question. Harder cheeses usually last longer than soft cheeses.
Do cheese plates come with any tools for slicing?
A. Sometimes. While most cheese plates do not include tools for slicing and serving the cheese, a few models do. Those that include tools tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
What's the best cheese plate to buy?
Top cheese plate
Toscana’s Circo Cheese Board with Cheese Tools
Our take: Well-built cheese plate with top-of-the-line accessories.
What we like: Lifetime warranty. Comes with all the tools you need for slicing up your cheese.
What we dislike: Some find the serving surface to be small.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top cheese plate for the money
EMEMO’s Round Slate Cheese Board
Our take: A great price for a wholly unique cheese-serving experience.
What we like: Natural slate is smooth and can be written on with chalk.
What we dislike: Chalk could get on the cheese.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Choosy Chef’s Magnetic Cheese Board and Utensils
Our take: Style and innovation reign supreme on this cheese plate.
What we like: Includes cutting and serving utensils. Magnetized surface easily keeps the utensils in their place.
What we dislike: The serving surface could be slightly larger.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Adam Reeder writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
