Permanent Tableware

By Staff -- Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, 9/1/2006

Types: Tabletop place settings, including dinnerware, glassware and flatware.

Capacities/Footprints: Place-setting sizes depend on the dimensions of dinner plates, which range in diameter from 9” to 14”. Other factors influencing place-setting footprints include the glassware and number of utensils required, such as extra forks for fish courses, heavier steak knives and specialty items like lobster picks.

Manufacturing Method: Dinnerware can be made from a variety of materials including china, porcelain, glass or stoneware and plastic. China and porcelain are ceramic materials — basically baked clay — and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Firing or vitrifying further hardens china and porcelain dinnerware, making the surface nonporous for greater food safety. Bone china is made with clay mixed with bone ash or calcium phosphate for a more translucent appearance. Some dinnerware incorporates alpha alumina to increase strength and reduce the thickness of individual pieces. Colors or patterns are applied before firing.

Glass dinnerware, though more likely to be used as accent pieces than for whole place settings, is made from tempered glass for chip resistance and durability. Glassware materials range from plastic to lead crystal. Glass itself can be hand-blown into different shapes, but most glasses are molded and tempered to increase their strength and durability. Glass can be etched or frosted for a custom appearance. Lead crystal is somewhat porous and usually is used to make wine glasses for fine-dining establishments, as its porous nature enhances the taste of the wine.

Flatware can be stamped or forged. Most flatware is made from stainless-steel alloys that contain chrome and nickel. Some have satin- or gold-trimmed handles. Although alloys with as little as 13-percent chrome are available, such flatware pieces can bend easily. Steel with 18-percent chrome, however, can rust and appear somewhat gray after use. Higher-quality flatware also contains either 8-percent or 10-percent nickel. Nickel adds corrosion resistance and a silver-like finish, so operators that want more strength and a lustrous appearance should look for 18/8 or 18/10 flatware.

Standard Features: Dinnerware is available with either narrow or wide rims and with shallow or deep wells. It is also available in a variety of non-traditional shapes, such as squares, ovals, triangles, and some that take the shape of foods like chili peppers and olives for serving appetizers. Dinner- and glassware are available in stackable designs to save space. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe dinnerware and glassware typically help cut costs. Highlights of gold or copper on flatware add luster, though some manufacturers recommend washing these pieces by hand. Table knives are available with solid or hollow handles. Custom etching or silk-screening is available for most dinnerware and glassware, and custom designs or imprints are available for flatware pieces.

New Features/Technology/Options: Many operators are going for sleeker, minimalist designs using all-white dishware in funky new shapes like triangle, square, and others with interesting curves and twists. Utensils are changing in designs as well, with curvy and completely flat handles, others with colored imprints, and even some shaped like fins of fish.

Key Kitchen Applications: To complement an operation’s ambiance, enhance presentation of foods and beverages, and increase customers’ satisfaction with their dining experiences.

Purchasing Guidelines: Since appropriate tableware determines an operation’s atmosphere, the purchasing process oftentimes will include owners instead of managers or chefs. Stellar tabletop design can increase sales and offset the competition because it creates a positive, lasting impression on guests, as tableware is the first thing they see when they sit down to dine. Many manufacturers of china offer chip warranties.

Maintenance Requirements: To avoid breakage, operators should use proper dish and glass racks to protect dinnerware and glassware. Hard-water stains can be avoided either by first treating the water or by using a rinse agent. Cold liquids shouldn’t be placed in hot glassware (and vice versa), as cracking can occur. Fine glassware, including lead crystal, may need to be handwashed or placed in smaller dishwashers that treat pieces more gently.

Food Safety & Sanitation Essentials: Check stoneware content to ensure that lead-free decorations and glazes have been used. Nonporous china best prevents cross-contamination.