If you’re in the food business, you understand how huge of an impact plates can have. Your choice of plate should suit the portion size of your menu, cuisine type, and presentation Style.
In this article, we’ll show you how to choose the correct plate sizes for your restaurant, cafe, hotel, etc.
What To Consider When Buying Plates Restaurant/Cafe
Deciding the kind of plates to buy for your restaurant/cafe means considering various factors – some aesthetically, while some are practical. Let’s delve in further;
1. Durability.
- Are the plates made to last?
- Can the plates tolerate the wear and tear that comes with everyday use?
- Can the plates withstand the heat from serving passes and ovens?
2. Size.
- Does my restaurant/cafe table have sufficient space?
- Can the plate accommodate my portion sizes?
- Can my servers comfortably carry the plates?
- Will the plates fit inside my storage shelves or dishwasher?
3. Budget.
- Do I have the budget for quality pieces like China?
- Can I afford the outlay that comes with spending more initially?
- Is it beneficial in the long run?
4. Design And Style.
- Will the plates date quickly or stay modern?
- Does the plate appearance fit my restaurant theme & ambiance?
- Do the size, pattern, shape, and colour help present my food how I want?
5. Washing.
- Are the plates dishwasher-safe?
- Will my employees be hand cleaning them?
Choosing Plates By Size
Before buying any plates, look out for plates that fit the type of food you serve, the portion size you offer, and the way you present it.
It would be best if you had different plate sizes for your various courses; let’s check the various sizes out;
For Starters – 16cm – 20cm
For The Main Dish – 27cm – 36cm
For Side Dishes – 15cm – 18cm
For Dessert – 20cm – 26cm
Materials Used To Make Plates
It’s important to know that the type of material your plate is made with is also vital as the design. As we all know, different materials have their numerous benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s take a look at the most common material used for plate making;
1. Bone China.
- They are generally the most expensive materials for crockery and plates.
- The bone ash is mixed with porcelain clay and then fired at a lower temperature than porcelain and then vitrified.
- Despite its delicate look, it is durable and firm.
- It is safe for use in your oven, dishwasher, and microwave.
2. Fine China, China And Porcelain.
- It is made from clay and fired at a very high temperature and then vitrified.
- Practical & hard-wearing.
- It is glazed for a smooth and white finish.
- Non-stick.
- Safe for microwaves, freezers, and dishwashers.
- Plates made from these materials can be heated at high temperatures.
3. Stoneware.
- Plates made with stoneware are manufactured from refined clay and fired at a very high temperature.
- They are glazed for a satin, matte, or shiny finish.
- Durable more than earthenware.
- They are difficult to stain, scratch, or chip.
4. Enamel.
- Strong and durable.
- Steel, aluminium, iron, or stainless steel is coated with a glass form called porcelain enamel.
- It is dishwasher safe.
- Non-stick.
- High-quality enamel plates are resistant to chips and scratches.
5. Earthenware.
- Sturdy, hard-wearing, and heavy.
- Best for use in microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and freezers.
- Prone to chipping.
- Made from unrefined clay and then fired at a very low temperature.
On A Final Note;
At Cafe Solutions, we offer an extensive collection of unique furniture that will effortlessly transform your Cafe, Bar, Restaurant, etc.
We promise to elevate your restaurant/ cafe ambiance with top-notch pieces. Visit our website now to contact us.