When it comes to choosing the right crockery for your little ones, it can be so overwhelming — suction bases, divided plates, lids, single-walled, double-walled… it’s a lot! After trying just about every stainless-steel brand we could get our hands on, I wanted to share my honest reviews of the ones that stood out (and a few that didn’t).
This is a completely mum-to-mum, unpaid, real-life round-up — no fancy influencer scripts, just what works in our kitchen for real family meals.
🦌 Elk & Friends 2-pack stainless steel plate duo with lids
🔗 Shop Elk & Friends on Amazon
Pros:
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Love that the silicone base is removable! It makes cleaning so much easier and gives you the option to use the steel plate on its own.
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The lid feature is a total win — perfect for prepping meals ahead or popping leftovers straight into the fridge.
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Four suction seals mean this plate isn’t going anywhere during toddler mealtime!
Cons:
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Personal preference, but four suction points means four breaks when you lift it. I actually prefer a single suction design.
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The steel is single-walled, so slightly thinner than others, but still really good quality and solidly made.
Overall:
An amazing everyday choice, especially if you love storage versatility and strong suction.
🦁 Lion & Lady divider plate
🔗 Shop Lion & Lady Divider Plate on Amazon
Pros:
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High-quality double-walled stainless steel — it feels luxe and keeps food warmer (or cooler) for longer.
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One strong suction base that works beautifully on smooth surfaces.
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Thoughtful divider design that helps portion out meals for toddlers.
Cons:
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Honestly, only one: no lid! If it came with one, I’d be ordering extras straight away.
Overall:
A stylish, durable plate that feels premium and performs just as well.
🐼 PandaEar bowl
(Previously reviewed in our stainless steel comparison series)
Pros:
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Affordable and lightweight.
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Silicone base grips well.
Cons:
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Very thin single-walled steel — it feels flimsy compared to others.
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Harder to remove the silicone base (it’s a full wrestle after washing).
Overall:
Budget-friendly but not built for long-term use. We wouldn’t repurchase after comparing quality.
🌿 EcoCubs stainless steel bowl
(You can find them on EcoCubs)
Pros:
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Double-walled design for better temperature control.
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Feels sturdy and durable — will definitely last through years of meals.
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Once you remove the silicone base, it doubles as a great camping or snack bowl.
Cons:
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Slightly heavier than single-walled options, but that’s what makes it feel premium.
Overall:
A clear favourite for longevity and versatility — I’d easily buy again.
Final thoughts: Which should you buy?
If you love easy storage and meal prep → go Elk & Friends for the lids.
If you want premium feel and long-term durability → Lion & Lady or EcoCubs are your best bets. If you’re just starting out and want to test stainless steel → PandaEar is a fine entry point but not a long-term hero.
All in all, stainless steel crockery wins every time over silicone smocks and plastic bowls — they last longer, look better, and are far more eco-conscious.
What’s next?
You can catch my full video reviews for each of these on @looma.collective — where I test them in real toddler life (mess included).
Check out my other reels in this series for mealtime hacks, baby-led weaning inspo, and practical eco swaps for families.