Porcelain vs Plastic: The Great Catering Debate
Running a food service or catering business can be daunting, and one of the most important decisions a business owner in this field needs to make is what type of tableware to use. There are so many available options when it comes to dinnerware that it can be intimidating. Generally speaking, a catering business will need to ensure that their selected dinnerware suits the widest variety of potential client setups and that it is, at the very least, hard-wearing and durable.
Most of the dinnerware available comes in two types of material – ceramic or porcelain and plastic.
Traditional ceramic or porcelain dinnerware will have been fired at high temperatures and glazed for durability. Chinaware, which is the term given to porcelain or ceramic dinnerware, is generally used in a fine-dining setup and is usually very stylish and fashionable. It lends a certain elegance to any room and will enhance the presentation of any dinner service. However, although Chinaware can be exceptionally beautiful, it does carry the risk of potential breakages. And some Chinaware may not be dishwasher safe. This is an important fact to check before deciding to invest in China.
On the other hand, plastic dinnerware has been around since the 1940s as a virtually unbreakable dinner service option. It is a highly durable product and much more affordable than your traditional chinaware. Plasticware has come such a long way since it was first introduced in our kitchens. Nowadays, plastic dinnerware can be made to look and feel like real china, but without the breakage risk. Using plastic dinnerware is a popular solution for many commercial businesses in the foodservice industry. It is durable and hard-wearing enough to withstand everyday use and can easily be popped into an industrial dishwasher. It is also easy to clean, quick to dry, and easy to store and transport due to its lightweight nature. The best thing about plastic dinnerware is that it is generally available in a wide variety of styles, colours, and patterns, which means that there will be something to suit every theme and taste. Plasticware may be difficult to break, but it can chip, so care should still be taken with the product. However, it definitely won’t shatter if it is accidentally dropped and won’t cause shards that may present a safety hazard. Because plastic is an insulator, not a conductor, it also won’t heat up when plating hot food, which means the plate will still be cool to the touch even when loaded with hot food straight from the pass. As an added bonus, plasticware is also considered to be highly stain- and scratch-resistant, so it will have better longevity especially when utilised often. Thanks to its affordability, investing in good-quality plastic dinnerware may mean that you’re able to acquire several styles for the price of just one style in traditional Chinaware.
One of the main concerns with plastic is the chemicals that are used to make it durable and hard-wearing. However, for all the plasticware produced for food use, the levels of harmful chemicals like BPA have been declared not harmful to humans. These chemicals are extensively researched and the products rigorously tested to make sure that the products are fit for food and dining.
In the end, the decision you make regarding dinnerware has to be made around the type of experience that you wish your guests to have, as well as the type of business you run and the aesthetics, ambiance, and purpose of your business. It might be in the best interest of a high-end restaurant to serve their food on Chinaware, whereas a commercial caterer, cafeteria, or food truck may opt for plasticware instead.
About Us
Party Settings is a wholesaler based in the UK that specialises in providing a wide array of stylish plasticware like plastic plates and bowls for catering establishments and businesses. Their products are affordable and suitable for a wide range of celebration and service types. Their range of elegant plasticware is designed in several different styles to suit different occasions and tastes and they pride themselves on their wide range of dinner sets, plates and bowls in a variety of designs. The dedicated team at Party Settings will also support all clientele with recommendations regarding all the ranges and accessories. For more information, please visit https://www.partysettings.co.uk/.
