White Dinnerware

White Dishware: What You Need to Know

White dinnerware comes in two primary shades: bright European white and cream-tinted American white. White dinner plates can be found in a number of sizes and styles, including casual narrow-rim, more formal wide-rim, and contemporary coupe plates. For especially hectic environments, such as cafeterias and family restaurants, consider investing in dinnerware made with rolled edges to resist chipping and breaking better than other types.

These dishes are popular in high-tier foodservice establishments, but the simplicity of white dishes is suitable for any restaurant. While all white plates may seem similar, differences in rim style, rim width, and material can end up being important to restaurant operators. We'll go over the different materials and styles to help you find the best possible pieces for your table setting.

Common Questions About White Dinnerware

What's the difference between European white and American white?

All the dinnerware in this category is white, but it's not all the exact same shade. European white is a bright, crisp color, while American white has a bit of beige or cream color to it. Not all manufacturers produce the same hue, but in general, American white pieces have a softer color – leaning towards cream – while pieces listed as European will be a purer white.

Checking for colors online can be tricky because different monitors and phones may display the colors differently. Stoneware is also a variable product, so not every manufacturer can guarantee all their whites are going to be exactly the same.

What type of establishment needs white dinnerware?

White dishware can be regarded as a starting point for all other dinnerware; everything else is a variant of this traditional style. White plates provide a blank canvas upon which you can showcase the colors and elegant plating of your best menu items. They are also unobtrusive, enabling white dishes to fit in with whatever other décor your establishment boasts.

However, some styles of foodservice establishment tend to favor white dishware more than others. Fine dining establishments frequently prefer porcelain or china dishware, which is almost always white. Mid-tier establishments can find white ceramic pieces that mirror the elegance of more expensive porcelain options. White dinnerware is perfect for any restaurant that wants to offer a fine dining feel, whether or not your prices match.

What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

Porcelain is a type of ceramic, which is also known as stoneware. Both are made from specific types of clay that are refined and fired at very high temperatures to remove water from the mixture, leaving a highly durable piece of dinnerware behind. Porcelain, sometimes referred to as china, is a type of ceramic that has undergone the extremes of this process. The clay used to make porcelain is more refined, and the final product is fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic. This results in a more expensive, higher-quality piece. Porcelain is fully vitrified, meaning it is nonporous and won't absorb liquids or odors. It is remarkably durable for its thickness and has a great return on investment, but many establishments cannot justify the price. Ceramic dinnerware is a great solution when porcelain is too pricey but you still want that elegant feel.