Ceramic Serving Platters and Bowls

Ceramic Serving Platters: What You Need to Know

Ceramic serving dishes provide an elegant backdrop to dishes you and your chefs are most proud of. Not all ceramic is the same, though – we carry different grades of ceramic, all the way to fully vitrified porcelain serving bowls.

In addition to choosing a material, you should decide on a shape and style for your new ceramic serving dishes. Many of our ceramic pieces are made in intriguing shapes, from perfectly flat serving trays to pieces shaped like a painter's palette. Your operation's service level and menu offerings will determine which pieces best fit your food, the existing aesthetic of your business, and your budget.

Common Questions About Ceramic Serving Dishes

What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

Porcelain – sometimes called china – is a specific type of ceramic or stoneware usually considered the highest grade of ceramic. All ceramic, or stoneware, is made from clay that has undergone extreme heating to remove all water from the material, leaving it hard and durable. This process makes ceramic a great option for commercial dinnerware, and ceramic shows your guests that you take quality seriously. Taking all of these qualities above ordinary ceramic, porcelain is a semi-translucent, white type of ceramic that's been fully vitrified, meaning it doesn't absorb any liquid, won't stain, and is incredibly tough for its weight.

Prized for the air of elegance they can bring to a table setting, porcelain serving bowls are popular in fine dining establishments, as the price is usually prohibitive for restaurants that can't command top dollar for their meals. Ceramic serving bowls are a happy medium for most foodservice operators, as they're cheaper than porcelain but still have the distinct look and feel of authentic stoneware. Ceramic serving bowls, platters, and trays are a step up from melamine and plastic options, with porcelain being the top tier of dinnerware.

How should I maintain my ceramic serving dishes?

One of the reasons ceramic is so popular in foodservice applications is its easy sanitization. Most ceramic dishes can be cleaned in high- and low-temperature commercial dishwashers or multi-compartment sinks, so you don't have to alter existing warewashing procedures to incorporate these pieces. Because most stoneware is partially vitrified at least, ceramic doesn't absorb liquids easily, meaning it resists staining and acquiring the scent and flavor of foods served on it. Check the product specifications page for each piece before you purchase to ensure you can sanitize them correctly.

What style of ceramic serving dish should I choose?

First, consider what menu items you'll serve on these plates, ensuring the platter you want is large enough for the food. Consider how any odd-shaped pieces will fit amidst the rest of your table setting. The dish's color should complement the color of the food that'll be served and should fit in with your existing aesthetic. Remember, though, that these are unique pieces that you won't be using multiples of at every table, so you can be a bit more adventurous with them.