Dish Caddy & Dispenser
Plate dispensers make it simple for operators to distribute a large volume of plates and platters with minimal oversight or labor. These units are frequently used in institutional settings, cafeterias, hotels, or self-serve restaurants and may be mounted on wheels, enclosed to keep plates warm, or designed for installation in countertops and buffets. More
Dish Caddies: What You Need to Know
Plate dispensers distribute plates and bowls to customers with minimal employee labor, and mobile dispensers can also be used for convenient transport. A commercial dish caddy can be an ambient cart on casters, or it can be enclosed with heating elements to help keep the plates warm. Another type is the tube-shaped drop-in dispenser that's installed directly in the countertop and automatically raises the plates to the top as they're removed.
Common Questions About Dish Carts
What is a dish caddy?
A plate dispenser or caddy is a piece of equipment designed to securely hold dozens of dishes, reducing breakage, streamlining distribution, and promoting self-service. They're often found in high-volume dining areas, such as buffets and cafeterias. They operate with minimal employee oversight but do need refilling when plates run out.
How does a plate dispenser work?
There are a few types of dispensers. They can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic and may be either self-elevating or manual. A couple of common dispenser types are covered below.
If you choose a drop-in dish dispenser, it will likely have a self-elevating design, meaning plates will be pushed to the top automatically as they're removed from the dispenser. These models often operate with some form of springs or other tension-powered device.
If you choose a mobile caddy, it may be manually operated. This caddy type can be recognized by its open sides and minimal componentry. These units are particularly useful for transporting a high volume of dishes and enable users to reach down into the cart and grab plates freely.
A particular model may or may not have features such as self-elevation, heating, casters, or lids, so it's important to read product specifications when making a purchase.
What is the benefit of a heated dish cart?
A heated dish dispenser keeps plates warm, meaning that when hot food is put on the plate, it stays hot longer. These carts require a power source and generally need lids placed over the openings in between uses to conserve power.
What size plate dispenser do I need?
The best size of dispenser for your establishment is determined by the number of dishes dispensed and/or transported during peak hours. Various models may have anywhere from 1 to 13 compartments in a range of diameters, so you'll need to verify the size of your plates before choosing a dispenser. If the caddy's compartments are too small, your plates won't fit. If they're too big, the plates may slide around and knock against each other, causing them to crack or jam in the dispenser.
The total number of compartments, as well as their height, determines how many plates each unit can hold. Most manufacturers give a capacity estimate, but the thickness of your plates also affects maximum tube capacity.
Do I need a dish cart cover?
Most likely, yes. A vinyl caddy cover that protects the whole unit or a metal cover that fits over the tube opening can keep dust and debris off clean plates. If your unit is heated, covers will also keep heat in the unit, helping you conserve energy.