Why this plate earns its place
Melamine is a lightweight plastic alternative to porcelain: chip-resistant, scratch-resistant, and unbreakable in a commercial dishwasher. A 165 mm plate is sized for sides, bread, or a light salad course—useful in multi-course service where a dessert plate is unnecessary. It's designed for establishments where volume and durability outweigh presentation: schools, care homes, catering venues.
The practical advantage is survival and storage efficiency. Melamine won't crack when it hits a plate rail or tumbles in a dishwasher; it bends and bounces. It stacks efficiently (the narrow rim prevents rocking), stores light, and is freezer-safe if your operation requires plating ahead. A busy kitchen running 50+ seatings per service won't worry about lost breakage to the budget.
Melamine will show wear over time: dishwasher cycles leave fine scratches, and hot foods with strong colour (curry, beetroot, coffee) stain if left to soak between services. The white finish isn't pristine after heavy use. This is catering crockery, not restaurant tableware.
