Cereal Bowls
Whether you're looking for white bone china cereal bowls or economic melamine options, you'll find the piece that suits your table here.
Ceramic Cereal Bowls: What You Need to Know
KaTom carries a broad selection of cereal bowls, ranging from brightly colored melamine options to fine china. Many establishments might want to serve cereal, and hotel breakfast buffets are an obvious option because cereal is quick and easy to fix, as well as a favorite comfort food for many guests. Casual diners can take advantage of this preference by offering a selection of affordable cereals for guests who want something simple to fuel their day.
Foodservice establishments can also delve into this arena with premium, house-made cereals complete with gourmet additions. While this application may be less common, KaTom has bowls that work for it as well. Large cereal bowls can be used for various menu items outside of cereal, too. Typically shallower and wider than soup bowls, these options can be perfect for light menu items, substantial sides, and any other culinary creations.
Common Questions About Cereal Bowls
What materials are cereal bowls made of?
Manufacturers use many different materials to make their bowls. Melamine is a popular choice as it's durable, affordable, and can be made in a rainbow of different colors and styles. Large cereal bowls made of melamine are still light enough to be convenient for everyday service; however, some establishments will want a heavier product that matches a premium dining experience. Ceramic and porcelain options cost more at purchase but will fit in with more expensive menu items, potentially recouping the extra cost.
Glass is another cereal bowl option that works well with menu items carrying visually interesting aspects. Glass is also fairly easy to clean and conveys the same level of quality that ceramic does, but it is more likely to shatter if dropped.
Are ceramic and porcelain the same thing?
All porcelains are ceramic, but not all ceramics are porcelain. Porcelain refers to a certain quality of ceramic but doesn't have a universal definition. Porcelain is a white, semi-translucent style of earthenware that's completely vitrified and very resistant to damage, which makes for a high-quality white cereal bowl. Porcelain is also nonporous, which prevents it from taking on the flavors of whatever is served in it. Fine dining establishments will want to consider investing in porcelain, but casual establishments, quick-service restaurants, and buffets will typically be better off with more economic melamine or ceramic cereal bowls.
How can I clean my cereal bowls?
Most cereal bowls can be put in a commercial dishwasher for cleaning, though some particularly large cereal bowls might be easier to handwash. Fully vitrified ceramics can usually be put through the dishwasher as their low porosity prevents them from absorbing cleaning chemicals or water. Melamine can also be put in the dishwasher but can't be used in a microwave. Glass is typically dishwasher safe, though it's possible to break glass in a dishwasher if it's shaken or hit too hard.
Consult the product specifications page for the bowl you're considering before making a purchase. While all ceramics have been fired at incredibly high temperatures, the process is very gradual; heating or cooling ceramics too quickly can cause thermal shock and crack the bowls.