Fruit Bowls

Ceramic Fruit Bowls: What You Need to Know

The fruit bowls category contains various serving dishes ranging from intricate and eye-catching to simple and pragmatic. Bowl materials can be porcelain, melamine, plastic, or fine china, depending on the level of sophistication your existing dinnerware carries. We'll help you weigh the costs and benefits of each material so you can choose the right one for your budget and aesthetic.

White fruit bowls contrast well against the rainbow of potential fruits you can use as side dishes for your larger menu items. Grapefruit bowls are almost required to eat that particular fruit, as it's liable to slide and rock around while your guest tries to eat it. Read on to find answers to common questions about adding these little pieces to your table service.

Common Questions About Fruit Bowls

What materials are available for fruit bowls?

These small white bowls can be made with numerous materials, ranging from plastic and melamine on one end of the spectrum to porcelain and china on the other. Melamine and plastic are the most economical choice. These can be made to match any décor but don't have the weight and classy feel of porcelain. For any casual or quick-service establishment, melamine grapefruit bowls will do the job just fine – however, a fine dining or trendy brunch restaurant should consider upgrading to the more expensive ceramic and porcelain options. Ceramic fruit bowls are heavier than melamine, giving your table service a slightly nicer aesthetic than plastic options. Fine dining establishments can even opt for elaborately decorated porcelain and fine china. Most operators will want to choose white fruit bowls that complement their existing table service.

What is vitrification?

Vitrification is the extent to which a piece of ceramic resists absorbing liquids. Fully vitrified ceramic fruit dishes don't absorb any fruit juices, which means they'll stay pristine and won't transfer flavors from different dishes. Vitrification requires serious heat and power, which means fully vitrified ceramics usually are more expensive than partially vitrified options while providing better service.

What is the foot of a bowl?

Some fruit bowls mention a finished or unfinished foot in the product specifications. This designation refers to the bottom of the bowl, where the ceramic meets the table. A fully glazed foot has the same finish as the rest of the dish, while an unfinished foot will have a rough, natural ceramic feel. The rough feel can be beneficial as the foot will have better friction on the tablecloth, preventing your dish from sliding around while guests spear their fruit. On the other hand, a fully glazed foot is better protected from water during warewashing.

How can I clean my fruit bowls?

Depending on the material you choose, you may be able to clean these dishes with a standard commercial dishwasher. Melamine typically can withstand the heat of high-temperature dishwashers, though you can't use it in a microwave. For ceramic and porcelain bowls, you should check the product specification page of each item to determine the best warewashing method. Different levels of vitrification, types of glaze, and thicknesses mean not all ceramic pieces are suitable for a commercial dishwasher, though most should be fine.