Stainless steel has been the gold standard in the medical and food industry for decades. After years of plastic dominance, it is making its way back into homes of parents who want longer-lasting and safer materials for their children. In the rest of this page you will see why inox is used as tableware in nurseries, hospitals, the military, restaurants and food production.
Benefits of metal tableware for kids
When you compare metal tableware with plastic, the differences in safety and durability are significant. Here are the concrete benefits stainless steel brings:
Zero chemical migration
Unlike plastic, stainless steel does not release any chemicals into food, at any temperature. Hot soup, cold puree, sour fruit mash, steel stays chemically neutral in all conditions.
Exceptional durability
Metal tableware does not crack, break, or deform. It can survive countless falls from a high chair, throws to the floor, and intensive washing. One investment lasts for years.
Hygiene
The smooth surface of stainless steel does not absorb odours, food colours or bacteria. Unlike plastic, which can develop micro-cracks where bacteria settle, steel remains hygienically clean after every wash.
Ecological advantage
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be recycled over and over without losing material quality. While plastic tableware ends up in a landfill after a few months of use, metal tableware can serve for generations, and when it does reach its end, it is fully recycled.
Stainless steel grades: what the numbers mean
Not every stainless steel is the same. Different grades have different chemical compositions and properties. For kids tableware, two grades are relevant:
Grade 304: food-grade steel
The most commonly used grade of stainless steel for tableware and cutlery. It is corrosion-resistant, easy to work with, and fully safe for food contact. Most quality kids plates and cutlery use this grade, the food-grade standard used in home and professional kitchens around the world.
Grade 316: medical-grade steel
Contains added molybdenum, which makes it more resistant to corrosion and chemical reactions, especially with acidic and salty foods. Both 304 and 316 are food-grade and fully safe for children, 316 is simply a technically higher standard. Our cutlery (spoon and fork) is made from this material.
For more information about all the safe materials we use (stainless steel 304/316 and food-grade silicone), see our safe kids tableware guide.
Metal tableware in our range
Divided metal plates
Our steel-and-silicone plates are extremely popular because the silicone suction cups grip the table and stop the child from throwing the plate to the floor. That makes them a natural fit for the baby-led weaning method. On the small divided plate, the dividers create a clear, easy-to-read split between foods, helping the child distinguish new ingredients and learn flavours and textures at the start of weaning. The Large plate with suction also grips the table, and it holds bigger portions of food.
Metal bowls
All our metal bowls are wrapped in food-grade silicone, and one of them has a suction option that grips the table. They are great for hot soups and stews because the metal part is in contact with the food, and it does not release anything harmful into it.
Metal cutlery
Spoons, forks and knives in stainless steel sized for small hands. Shorter handles, rounded tips and a thicker grip make it easier for children to eat on their own.
Metal cups
Stainless steel cups are drop-resistant. They do not absorb the smell of tea, yoghurt, lemonade, juice or smoothies. The 4-in-1 cup has interchangeable spouts: a hard spout, a straw, and a snack lid, and it can also work as an open cup. The lids on this cup stop liquid from spilling when it falls. The Classic cup is great for toddlers: if they knock it over during play, it will not break.
What to look at when buying metal tableware
Not all metal products offer the same quality. Here are the key things to look at:
- Steel grade:look for a clear 304 (18/8) or 316 marking. Products that state only "stainless steel" or "inox" without a grade can be lower quality.
- ✓At-home magnet test: Grade 304 (austenitic steel) is very weakly magnetic, or not magnetic at all. A strong magnet (the kind that holds things on a fridge) should not "stick" to real 304. If a magnet pulls hard onto tableware that is advertised as 304, it is most likely a cheaper grade like 201 or ordinary magnetic steel. The test is not absolute, but combined with a certificate it is a reliable enough signal.
- Edge finishing: edges should be smooth and rounded. Sharp or uneven edges are a sign of low quality and can be dangerous for a child.
- Suction base: for babies and small children, a suction base is a practical feature. Check that the mechanism is firm and that it releases easily for the parent.
- Lab-tested at our labs: all our tableware has passed independent lab analyses for migration of harmful substances. Details and original reports are on our Trust Center page.
For more questions about safety and materials, see our FAQ page.
Frequently asked questions about stainless steel kids tableware
Is stainless steel safe for babies?
What is the difference between grade 304 and 316?
Can metal plates go in the microwave?
Does food stick to metal plates?
How long does stainless steel tableware last?
Does metal tableware change the taste of food?
How do I recognise quality stainless steel?
Are metal plates too heavy for kids?
Does stainless steel rust?
Stainless steel tableware from verified inox
Plates, bowls, cutlery and cups in stainless steel 304. Lab-tested, with suction bases and silicone lids.