Standard Platters

Mid-grade Platters: What You Need to Know

Mid-tier platters are available in three main materials: ceramic, china, and porcelain. The dinnerware you select for your foodservice establishment sets the stage for your business's tone and enticement. Choosing the perfect standard platters is key, and with multiple options to choose from, the decision can be daunting. When it comes to selecting the right material for your guests, keep these factors in mind: aesthetic adaptability, color after firing, grain fineness, hardness, and plasticity. While ceramic is stoneware and falls into a category of its own, china and porcelain are similar in appearance, composition, and production.

Knowing the key differences between china and porcelain is crucial in selecting the best mid-grade platter. Porcelain is white and nonporous, while china is fine and translucent. Porcelain is made from a combination of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz, while china is made from all these materials with the addition of bone ash. Although porcelain is the more economical choice, it is heavier than china. The quality of china standard platters is determined by the total amount of bone ash included. While porcelain comes in varying degrees of whiteness ranging from blue-grey to bright white, china is opaque in appearance and texture. Thin-walled, mid-grade china platters have a more delicate appearance than porcelain but are more durable.

Common Questions About Standard Platters

How do you clean ceramic mid-tier restaurant platters?

While ceramic standard platters are dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing them with warm, soapy water and a nylon scrub brush if your staff has the time. This will preserve the mid-grade platter's original appearance. Never use citrus juices or citrus-based cleaners, including some dishwasher detergents, as these agents can dull the exterior gloss. However, they won't harm or impair the mid-tier restaurant platter's ability to hold food. If necessary, use nylon scrapers or pads to remove product residue from the standard platter. Because ceramic mid-grade platters are porous, staining may occur over time, so to remove slight stains, follow the previous steps and then rub the unit with a dampened cloth and approved cleaning agent. If stains persist, follow the previous steps with the addition of soaking the platter for a few hours in a mixture of three tablespoons of bleach per quart of water.

How do you handwash porcelain standard platters?

Before washing your porcelain mid-grade platter, place a plastic dishwashing container in the sink to cushion the platter during washing. Fill the container halfway with warm water and only wash one or two mid-tier platters at a time to avoid overloading. Use a non-abrasive cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush or dish cloth, and a mild liquid detergent. Rinse the platter in warm water, and finish by thoroughly drying it with a soft dish towel.

Can you clean porcelain mid-grade platters in the dishwasher?

Warewashing capabilities are determined on a case-by-case basis reliant on the manufacturers' instructions. Older mid-tier platters should never be put in the dishwasher, but many of the newer versions are safe for dishmachines.