Oct 20th 2024
How to Choose the Right Plates for Your Restaurant
Consider factors like budget, durability, and style when evaluating dinnerware options
And really, to go melamine or not to go melamine, might be the real question.
When it comes to dinnerware materials, deciding what to invest in can be overwhelming. Luckily, we're here to answer the age-old question and help you figure out which dinnerware materials are best for different which applications settings. The two most important factors in deciding what type of dinnerware to purchase are durability and budget. Before you start browsing, figure out who will be using the dinnerware, where they will be using it, and what types of items you'll be serving. Then, think about your budget. Once you've figured out what you're looking for, it's time to explore see which what items dinnerware material would best fit your needs.
Made of hard, durable plastic that resists chipping, breaking, and scratching. This option is ideal for dining venues where paper or plastic options are too casual. Melamine is great for poolside and outdoor dining and also lends well to serving children. Compared to other non-disposable options, melamine is cost-effective and comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Please keep in mind, this material is not microwave safe and is susceptible to breaking if exposed to high heat. While it is incredibly durable, it is also porous, so bacteria can seep into it if it does break. Always be sure to discard damaged melamine products immediately.
The term "china" typically refers to fine ceramics made from kaolin clay and originated in China. Over time, "china" has become a generic term for any fine ceramic dishware. A staple in many high-end restaurants, fine china, particularly bone china, is known for its slight translucence when held up to the light due to its bone ash content. Fine china is typically more delicate than other materials, but is still quite strong if treated carefully. Most products are oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Make sure to consider that items with silver, platinum, or gold details are not microwave safe, and can be damaged in a dishwasher if citrus-based detergents are used.
Is a type of ceramic that is fired at very high temperatures. Porcelain is made primarily of kaolin, without bone ash, which makes it more durable, harder, and less porous than fine china. Most porcelain is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making it a widely used material in many dining establishments. In addition to good durability for plates and mugs, serving bowls are typically porcelain in most restaurants.
If you're looking for something affordable and lightweight, plastic could be a nice choice option! Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, it is easy to find an option that would complement your aesthetic. This material option is dishwasher safe and in most cases, microwave safe. While plastic items are most often used in casual settings, the wide variety of options make finding items to suit any dining room a sure possibility.
Great for casual applications like food trucks, donut shops, and cafeterias, paper products are ideal for casual establishments where diners often take their food items to go or are encouraged to clean up their own tables. While the downside of disposable items is the waste they create, these bio-degradable eco-friendly options often beat paper for their durability and range of uses. From plates to utensils and serving boats and cones, disposable bamboo might be the best option for your outdoor events.
Other Considerations
Other things to consider when choosing your dinnerware material is the color, pattern, shape, and size. Take a look at the design elements in your dining room and decide if you want your dinnerware to be a focal point on your table, or blend in. It is also important to think of what shapes will lend well to your décor.
Remember, regardless of the material you choose, it is always helpful to have some extra dinnerware on hand! Whether you have to replace items because they get damaged, lost, or stolen, ordering and stocking extras replacements to keep so you can quickly replace those items will ensure you always have enough dinnerware to serve your guests!
Shop the dinnerware material that would be best for your needs, from brands you love, from Culitrade!