Melamine Serving Bowls

Melamine Serving Dishes: What You Need to Know

Melamine serving bowls can withstand long-term use, as they're durable and resistant to breaking. They can be colorful, designed with patterns, or sport a classic white look. These bowls simplify customer service and can be placed on the table for guests to serve themselves. Some are equipped with lids, which can help serve foods without spills and enhance presentation by having the server lift the top at the table to reveal the bowl's contents. Melamine serveware is available in various shapes and sizes – such as square and oval – to fit certain aesthetics.

Common Questions About Melamine Serving Bowls

What is melamine?

As a chemical compound, melamine has many industrial uses; it's used to form plates, cooking utensils, and many other unexpected things such as paper, fertilizer, and industrial coating. Melamine dinnerware starts out as melamine resin, which is formed by combining melamine and formaldehyde. Heat and pressure help mold the melamine resin into tableware, such as serving bowls. Melamine is an organic compound, meaning it contains carbon, which has caused some controversy among industry professionals regarding whether melamine is safe for use in tableware.

Is melamine safe?

According to the FDA, melamine is a safe material for dinnerware and serveware with some restrictions. Melamine won't leach into most foods, with the exception of highly acidic foods, which has a higher chance of absorbing melamine than other types of foods. There is a chance that very small amounts of melamine could still migrate into food the dish contacts; however, the amount is so minute that it doesn't pose any ill effects. Under extreme conditions, melamine may seep into foods. For instance, you shouldn't heat food on a melamine plate where temperatures can reach higher than 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You also shouldn't microwave anything in a melamine serving dish; however, some melamine serving dishes can be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Why would you want a melamine serving dish?

If you follow the above rules, a melamine serving dish can be an excellent addition to your serveware. Melamine is extremely durable for potential long-term use. It also resists breaking, so you don't have to worry about chipping and unsightly cracks. However, if accidentally placed in a microwave, the material will peel and chip. Melamine serveware can also be dropped without the fear of breaking, making it ideal for casual restaurants where family-style meals are served. Another benefit, as mentioned above, is that melamine can be quickly cleaned in a dishwasher, speeding up the process of scrapping food, cleaning, drying, and then stacking the dish so that it can be ready for serving. Despite not being able to be placed in a microwave or being exposed to temperatures over 160 degrees Fahrenheit, melamine dishes do have a high heat resistance. They can handle hot foods, while remaining cool to the touch, preventing burns.