The Small Goun Plate Review: A Versatile Side Plate for Everyday Use

When it comes to dinnerware, the side plate often gets overlooked. But it’s one of the hardest-working pieces in the kitchen—perfect for bread, salads, desserts, or a quick snack. We spent two weeks using the Small Goun Plate from Material to see if it lives up to its versatile reputation.

The Small Goun Plate is part of Material’s Goun collection, known for its clean lines and earthy ceramic finish. It’s designed to complement the larger Goun Plate while holding its own as a standalone piece. Here’s how it performed in our daily testing.

Design and Build Quality

The Small Goun Plate features a minimalist design with a subtle rim that adds a touch of elegance without being fussy. The ceramic material feels substantial in hand, and the glaze has a soft, matte finish that resists scratches and chips better than we expected. It’s the kind of plate that looks at home on a casual weekday table or dressed up for a dinner party.

We also appreciated the plate’s size—about 7 inches in diameter—which makes it ideal for side dishes, appetizers, or a small dessert. It stacks neatly with other Goun pieces, saving cabinet space. The color options are neutral and earthy, so they pair well with most table linens and dinnerware sets.

• Durable ceramic construction with a chip-resistant glaze
• Minimalist design that complements a range of table settings
• Stacks easily for compact storage

Performance in Daily Use

We used the Small Goun Plate for everything from morning toast to evening cheese boards. It handled both hot and cold foods without any issues, and the surface cleaned up easily—even after tomato sauce and berry stains. It’s dishwasher-safe, though we found hand washing kept the glaze looking its best.

The plate’s slight lip helped contain crumbs and juices, which was a nice touch when serving saucy sides. It’s also microwave-safe, so reheating leftovers is a breeze. For a side plate, it’s remarkably versatile and quickly became our go-to for small meals.

• Dishwasher and microwave safe for everyday convenience
• Slight lip helps contain liquids and crumbs
• Works well for both hot and cold dishes

How It Compares to Other Side Plates

We compared the Small Goun Plate to a few other side plates in Material’s lineup, including pieces from the Windsor Cutlery and Pantry Cutlery collections (though those are flatware, not plates). As a ceramic side plate, the Small Goun Plate stands out for its balance of durability and aesthetics. It’s slightly heavier than some mass-market options, but that weight gives it a premium feel.

If you’re looking to complete a table setting, the Small Goun Plate pairs beautifully with Material’s dinnerware and flatware. For example, using it alongside The Table Knives or The Serrated 6 Knife makes for a polished, cohesive look. It also works well with Material’s table linens, like The Linen Napkins - Stylux, for a more formal occasion.

• Pairs well with Material’s flatware and linens
• Premium weight and finish compared to budget alternatives
• A great addition to a coordinated table setting

The Small Goun Plate is a well-crafted, versatile ceramic side plate that earns its place in any kitchen. It’s durable, easy to care for, and looks great on any table. If you’re looking for a reliable side plate that does more than the basics, this is a solid choice from Material.