In today’s culinary world, versatility takes center stage, they are the forefront of modern kitchen. The era of overcrowded cabinets packed with one-purpose cookware is over. One of the top trends taking our home is the emergence of multi-use cooking plates that has transformed meal preparation and serving, providing convenience without sacrificing culinary excellence. These clever stove-to-table plates effortlessly shift from stovetop to oven to table, reducing cleanup while enhancing table presentation.

What is a multi-use cooking plate? A multi-use cooking plate is a versatile piece of cookware designed to go directly from the stovetop or oven to the serving table. They are designed for multi-tasking purposes like sautéing, baking, roasting and serving all in one, this eliminating the need for multiple dishes and preserving food temperature.

After testing dozens of options across various materials, price points, and designs, I’ve compiled this comprehensive 2025 review of the 5 best multi-use cooking plates available. Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking for professional-grade cookware or simply looking to streamline your kitchen arsenal, these versatile cooking vessels deserve your attention.

Best Cast Iron: Lodge 12″ Chef Dish

| Material: Cast Iron | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No

Lodge has long been synonymous with quality cast iron, and their Chef Collection serving dish continues this tradition while addressing some of cast iron’s traditional drawbacks.

The first thing you’ll notice about this piece is its thoughtful design—slightly shallower than traditional cast iron skillets but with gently sloped sides perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking fruit cobblers. The dual pour spouts and ergonomic handles make transferring dishes effortless.

What truly sets this plate apart is Lodge’s improved pre-seasoning process. The cooking surface arrives with a remarkably smooth finish that continues to improve with use. During testing, I found that even acidic tomato sauces didn’t impart metallic flavors, often a concern with lesser cast iron products.

Pros:

• As exceptional heat retention and distribution
• Works on all cooking surfaces (including induction)
• Oven-safe to 500°F.
• Develops natural non-stick properties over time
• Doubles as an attractive rustic serving piece
• Lifetime durability with proper care

Cons:

• Relatively heavy (5.8 pounds)
• Requires specific cleaning and maintenance
• Not ideal for highly acidic dishes prepared for extended periods

The Lodge excels at high-temperature cooking—delivering restaurant-quality sears on proteins while transitioning beautifully to the table, where its heat retention keeps dishes warm throughout the meal. The dark surface develops gorgeous caramelization on everything from vegetables to desserts.

Best Ceramic Hybrid: Staub Black Matte Cooking Plate

| Material: Cast Iron with Ceramic Coating | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Staub has created something truly innovative with their hybrid plate, combining the heat retention of cast iron with the versatility and aesthetics of ceramic. The matte black enameled interior looks stunning while requiring none of cast iron’s maintenance concerns.

The ceramic cooking surface prevents food from sticking while distributing heat remarkably evenly. During testing, delicate fish fillets released effortlessly, while chicken thighs developed perfect crispy skin. The slightly rounded edges prevent sauce spillage while allowing easy access with serving utensils.

Pros:

• No seasoning required
• Dishwasher safe
• Works on all stovetops including induction
• Oven-safe to 500°F
• Resistant to scratching and chipping
• Available in multiple exterior colors

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Heavier than pure ceramic options
• Limited lifetime warranty (compared to traditional cast iron’s indefinite lifespan)

What impressed me most during long-term testing was the Staub’s versatility. It handled everything from pancakes (with minimal oil) to broiled appetizers with equal proficiency. The elegant design means it transitions seamlessly from kitchen to table, with the black interior making colorful dishes pop visually.

Best Value: Made In Carbon Steel Cooking Platter

| Material: Carbon Steel | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No

Made In carbon steel has disrupted the cookware industry with professional-quality pieces at accessible prices, and their blue carbon steel serving platter continues this tradition. Lighter than cast iron but with similar heat retention properties, this plate offers a compelling balance of performance, price, and versatility.

The naturally non-stick surface develops with use, much like cast iron, but with a fraction of the weight. During testing, the plate heated exceptionally evenly on gas, electric, and induction cooktops. The slightly raised rim prevented spillage while maintaining an elegant profile suitable for direct table service.

Pros:

• It’s lighter than cast-iron alternatives
• Reaches high temperatures faster.
• Develops natural non-stick patina
• Oven-safe to 1200°F (far beyond typical cooking needs)
• More affordable than premium competitors

Cons:

• Requires initial seasoning and maintenance (though less intensive than cast iron)
• Not dishwasher safe
• Can react with acidic foods if the patina isn’t well-established

I found the Made In particularly excels at high-heat applications—creating perfect charred vegetables and crusty flatbreads that transferred beautifully to the table. The sleek design feels modern yet timeless, making it appropriate for casual family dinners and sophisticated entertaining alike.

Top Stylish Pick: Our Place Perfect Pot.

| Material: Ceramic-Coated Aluminum | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Our Place has mastered the art of multifunctional cookware with Instagram-worthy aesthetics, and their Perfect Pot Serving Dish exemplifies this approach. This ceramic-coated piece features a thoughtfully designed pour spout, integrated steamer, and modular lid system.

The non-toxic ceramic coating excelled in tests, allowing food to release effortlessly while achieving superb browning. Its distinctive shape—broader and shallower than conventional Dutch ovens yet deeper than standard skillets—was ideal for one-pot meals that go straight to the table.

Pros:

• Exceptionally versatile design
• Non-toxic ceramic coating
• Dishwasher safe
• Oven-safe to 425°F
• Available in stunning different color options.
• Comes with a custom wooden serving spoon that nests in the handle

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Ceramic coating may wear over time with heavy use
• Not compatible with metal utensils
• The maximum temperature is lower than some competitors

What sets Our Place apart is its thoughtful functionality during testing. I appreciated how the modular lid system transformed the piece from a stovetop vessel to an elegant serving dish in seconds. The pour spout handled everything from reducing sauces to serving stews without drips. While not the most heat-resistant option, it excels at everyday cooking and serving tasks.

Premium Copper Choice: De Buyer Prima Matera

| Material: Copper with Stainless Steel Interior | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No

For the serious culinary enthusiast willing to invest in exceptional cookware, de Buyer’s copper serving plate represents the pinnacle of form and function. The 2mm copper construction offers unparalleled heat responsiveness, while the stainless-steel interior provides durability and food safety.

What distinguishes this piece from traditional copper cookware is its ferromagnetic bottom, making it fully compatible with induction cooktops—a rarity among copper options. During testing, the temperature control was simply extraordinary, allowing for perfect execution of temperature-sensitive dishes like hollandaise sauce and delicate fish.

Pros:

• Has unmatched heat responsiveness.
• Works on all cooking surfaces, including induction.
• Oven-safe to 450°F.
• Stunning tableside presentation.
• Exceptional durability with proper care.

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Requires polishing to maintain exterior appearance
• Not dishwasher safe
• Heavier than carbon steel alternatives

The de Buyer truly shines with dishes requiring precise temperature control. I found it perfect for creating restaurant-quality pan sauces that could be served directly in the stunning vessel. The copper naturally develops a beautiful patina over time, though it can be maintained in its original glory with occasional polishing.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Perfect Multi-Use Cooking Plate in 2025

The ideal stove-to-table cooking plate for your kitchen depends on your specific cooking needs and budget:

For overall versatility and value, the Lodge 12″ Chef Dish offers unbeatable cast iron performance at a reasonable price point. Its durability makes it a lifetime investment that will only improve with age.

For maintenance-free convenience: The Staub Black Matte Cooking Plate delivers exceptional results without cast iron’s upkeep requirements, making it perfect for busy households seeking premium ceramic-hybrid performance.

For the weight-conscious cook: Made In’s Carbon Steel Cooking Platter provides much of cast iron’s performance at a fraction of the weight, ideal for those who find heavier cookware challenging.

For the design-conscious kitchen: Our Place Perfect Pot delivers style and substance with thoughtful features and head-turning aesthetics that make serving directly from cooktop to table a joy.

For the culinary perfectionist, de Buyer’s Prima Matera copper masterpiece offers unparalleled performance for those willing to invest in the absolute best thermal control and presentation.

In my kitchen, I find myself reaching for the Staub most frequently for everyday cooking, while the copper de Buyer makes appearances for special occasions and dishes requiring precise temperature control.

Regardless of which multi-use cooking plate you choose, these versatile pieces will transform both your cooking process and presentation, proving that sometimes the most valuable kitchen tools are those that serve multiple purposes with style.