Hot or Not: Dining Stones

We have on good authority from a friend that these things work really well. The idea: You heat the granite disk in the oven or freeze it in the freezer, and it will keep hot things hot and cold things cold. Might be a good idea to keep something chilly at an outdoor summer party.

We do always get frustrated when we serve ice cream at a dinner party and it melts while everyone's waiting to be served. And if you have a family member who wants his or her food hot until the last bite, this would be a great gift.

Actually, we think the best use would be like a hot plate; set serving dishes on them to keep the extra warm or cool while you serve/eat dinner.

Our only gripe is the cost. Large stones are $60 each; small ones are $40. You can choose different colors of granite, though.

• Visit the website: Dining Stones

What do you think?

(Image: Dining Stones)

Comments (15)

How long does it take you to eat soup or ice cream?

We have big family dinners, but the rule of our dinners are "Dig in before it gets cold/warms-up!".

posted by Marie-Eve on July 9th 2009 at 1:39pm
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Why not just buy a chunk of granite remnant or piece of granite tile... surely that would have the same effect and be way cheaper?

posted by angorian on July 9th 2009 at 1:46pm
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while i think the functionality is awesome, they are, actually, quite ugly. it reminds me of oak furniture from retirement home lobbies. bleah

posted by rebecca_f on July 9th 2009 at 1:52pm
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I can't say I'm suffering from an epidemic of incorrect temperature foods. Is this "solving" a problem that doesn't really exist?

Also, I agree with rebecca_f, they're unsightly at best.

posted by laila on July 9th 2009 at 2:05pm
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I put my dishes in the freezer/warm oven before entertaining if I want to make sure that food stays cold/hot longer (usually for al fresco dining). Seems considerably more practical.

posted by zephyrluna on July 9th 2009 at 2:17pm
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I have some plate warmers that I got from IKEA for a few bucks a piece that work great...candle on the bottom layer, plate goes on the top, metal design transfers the heat all over. Much better than paying $60 for these!

posted by longhornem on July 9th 2009 at 2:40pm
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They didn't even bother making it attractive? Who pays good money for ugly?

posted by sleeping spot on July 9th 2009 at 2:41pm
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They really are unattractive; they look like something my mother would have used in the 80s to match her 'country kitchen' theme. Warming plates in the oven or sticking salad plates in the fridge go a long way toward keeping food at the desired temperature.

posted by sjbreeze on July 9th 2009 at 3:32pm
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it's a good idea if they weren't so ugly, are there better looking ones?

posted by niche on July 9th 2009 at 3:41pm
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I agree - very unattractive. The name printed on the top doesn't help either.

posted by jamiealyse on July 9th 2009 at 5:07pm
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Hm, I have a relative who scarfs down his food, often before everyone else at the table has been served, because he wants to "eat it while it's hot". Maybe this could curb that tendency--or reveal that the temperature of the food is just an excuse for poor manners.

posted by chowbella on July 9th 2009 at 6:30pm
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Hideous and totally unnecessary.

posted by IzzyIzzy on July 9th 2009 at 7:48pm
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I'd expect to see a "country geese" theme on these when I lift my bowl from it, LOL

posted by ohjodi on July 10th 2009 at 12:47am
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In theory it's a good idea, but there's room for improvement!

posted by pictokel13 on July 10th 2009 at 10:51am
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They are really very ugly. Granite is so pretty and they made it so ugly. I also don't understand why the logo is printed on the top of it. It looks like a serving dish for a diner.

posted by HeatherF on July 11th 2009 at 8:16am
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