Materials and Finishes

Choosing the right materials and finishes for your restaurant crockery is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. The material of your crockery affects not only the look and feel of your table setting but also its durability, maintenance, and cost:

Porcelain

Porcelain is renowned for its delicate appearance and durable nature. It is fired at high temperatures, making it resistant to chipping and cracking, which is ideal for the busy environment of a restaurant. 

Porcelain crockery often features a smooth, glossy finish, lending an air of sophistication. Its translucent quality enhances the presentation of food, making dishes look more appetising. 

Porcelain is also non-porous, which means it resists stains and is easy to clean, maintaining its pristine appearance over time. It’s perfect for establishments that want a blend of elegance and practicality in their tableware.

Stoneware

Stoneware is prized for its durability and rustic aesthetic appeal. Fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, stoneware has a thicker, more robust build that makes it highly resistant to chipping and cracking. Its heavier weight and earthy textures give a homely, comforting feel to the dining experience. 

Stoneware often comes in natural, muted colours, making it a great choice for restaurants with a casual or rustic theme. Its excellent heat retention properties make it ideal for serving hot dishes, ensuring that meals stay warm longer.

Bone China

Bone china is synonymous with premium quality and elegance. Made by adding bone ash to porcelain, it is lighter yet stronger than traditional porcelain. Its translucent, creamy white appearance exudes luxury, making it a preferred choice for fine dining establishments. 

Bone china’s superior durability, despite its delicate look, means it can withstand the rigours of daily restaurant use. The material’s thinness and finesse allow for intricate, elegant designs, enhancing the overall dining experience and providing an upscale feel.

Earthenware

Earthenware offers a rustic charm and is often more cost-effective than other materials. It is fired at lower temperatures, giving it a thicker, more porous nature. This material is typically glazed to create a smooth, colourful surface, adding a vibrant touch to the table setting. Earthenware’s heft and texture provide a comforting, homely feel, making it ideal for casual dining environments. 

While it may be more prone to chipping and cracking compared to porcelain or stoneware, its affordability and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for restaurants looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Melamine

Melamine is known for being lightweight and break-resistant, making it an excellent option for high-traffic restaurants and outdoor dining areas. This material is made from a type of plastic resin, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and chips. 

Melamine crockery often mimics the appearance of ceramic or porcelain, providing an elegant look without the fragility. Its lightweight nature makes it easy for staff to handle, and its durability ensures a long lifespan, reducing replacement costs. Melamine is also dishwasher-safe, adding to its convenience and practicality in a busy restaurant setting.

Terracotta

Terracotta is a traditional Spanish material that is perfect for dishes that go straight from the oven to the table. One unique feature of terracotta is its interaction with acidic foods, which can result in a natural and subtle sweetness in the dishes being cooked. 

This material is synonymous with Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its distinct look and feel, bursting with character and charm. Terracotta’s rustic appeal makes it an excellent choice for restaurants aiming to create an authentic and warm dining experience.

Alumina

Alumina crockery is distinguished by its creamy colour and is essentially porcelain enriched with an oxide of aluminium added to the clay. This addition makes alumina stronger and more durable than regular porcelain. 

While it is more expensive than standard porcelain, it offers a quality close to that of bone china, making it a cost-effective alternative for high-quality crockery. Alumina’s enhanced durability and premium feel make it an ideal choice for restaurants seeking a balance between elegance and resilience in their tableware.

Selecting the Best Crockery for Your Restaurant

Choosing the right crockery involves more than just picking out attractive pieces. It requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that the crockery complements your restaurant's theme, meets the practical needs of your menu, and fits within your budget and space constraints. 

Here are some key points to consider when selecting crockery for your restaurant:

Aesthetics

The aesthetics of your crockery play a significant role in enhancing your restaurant's overall theme and decor. Matching your crockery with your restaurant’s style can create a cohesive dining experience that resonates with your guests. For instance, sleek, modern plates may complement a contemporary restaurant, while rustic, earthy stoneware can enhance a farmhouse-style eatery. 

Shape

Another important aspect to consider when selecting restaurant crockery is the shape of the plates. Different shapes can enhance the presentation of your dishes and complement your restaurant's style.

Rectangular Plates

Rectangular plates are great for dishes that focus on presentation. They are often used for plating techniques that involve three distinct items, such as a selection of desserts lined up in a row. Standard dishes like chicken wings can be elevated when served on a rectangular plate with a garnish, adding a touch of sophistication.

Coupe Plates

Coupe plates are minimalist, typically flat with slightly upturned edges, resembling a flattened bowl. This design draws attention away from the crockery and focuses entirely on the food. Coupe plates are perfect for making the food the star of the dish, highlighting the meal itself rather than the combination of food and presentation.

Triangular Plates

Triangular plates are less common and usually feature a main item pushed to one side, with complementary elements spread across the remaining space. For instance, a piece of cheesecake on one side can be balanced with fruit and sauce on the other, creating a visually appealing dish. 

The variety in triangular plate designs, from rounded edges to hard and flat shapes, makes them versatile for different dining levels and unique presentations.

Round Plates

Round plates are the classic choice, known for their versatility and functionality. While they may not stand out for their shape, the colour and material of round plates can enhance the presentation of any meal.

They are not tied to any specific cuisine or trend, offering a blank canvas for creative and unique presentations.

Square Plates

Square plates were once the go-to for modern and trendy dining but have now become less common as dining trends shift towards more casual styles. They are ideal for Asian cuisine or dishes that involve a combination of ingredients, like a meat, potato, and vegetable stack. 

However, square plates are more prone to chipping due to their hard lines and corners. Opting for square plates with rounded corners can help mitigate this issue.

Menu Considerations

When selecting crockery, it’s essential to consider the types of dishes you serve. Different cuisines and presentations require specific types of plates, bowls, and specialty items. For example, a restaurant specialising in Asian cuisine might need deep bowls for soups and noodles, while a steakhouse requires large, sturdy plates for main courses.

Budget

Balancing quality and cost is crucial when selecting crockery for your restaurant. While it’s tempting to opt for the most elegant and high-end pieces, it’s important to stay within your budget to ensure financial sustainability. Consider the initial cost, but also factor in the longevity and durability of the items. 

Investing in slightly more expensive but durable crockery can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. It’s about finding a balance where the crockery enhances the dining experience without putting undue strain on your finances.

Durability

Durability is a key consideration for restaurant crockery, given the high volume of use and frequent washing. Crockery must withstand the rigours of daily service, including handling by staff, customers, and dishwashers. Choosing materials known for their strength and resilience, such as porcelain or melamine, can reduce breakage and extend the lifespan of your tableware.

Storage and Space

Efficient storage solutions are vital when selecting crockery, especially if your restaurant has limited space. Consider how different types of crockery will be stored and accessed during service. Stackable plates and nesting bowls can save space and make it easier for staff to handle and organise tableware. Proper storage solutions also help protect crockery from damage, ensuring longevity and maintaining the quality of your investment.

Terminology & Treatments

Thermal Shock

Thermal shock refers to the fluctuation in temperature a piece of crockery can withstand. A plate with high thermal shock resistance can be taken from a freezer and placed in a heated oven without breaking. In contrast, a plate with low thermal shock resistance would likely crack or break during such a transition. High thermal shock resistance is crucial for crockery used in dynamic kitchen environments where temperature changes are frequent.

Vitrified

Vitrified crockery is fired at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a durable piece that is scratch-resistant and non-porous. This treatment makes the crockery ideal for bustling restaurants with high activity and volume, as it can withstand heavy use without deteriorating. Vitrified pieces are perfect for maintaining a pristine appearance over time, even with constant use.

Rolled Edge

A rolled edge is a technique where the edge of a piece, such as a plate or bowl, is rolled back on itself before hardening. This process creates soft, durable edges that are far less susceptible to chips and cracks. 

Crockery with rolled edges is particularly beneficial in a busy restaurant setting, as it enhances the longevity and durability of the tableware, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Glazed Foot

A glazed foot on crockery significantly reduces the amount of scraping and wear that dishes undergo when stacked. This treatment involves glazing the bottom of a dish, giving it the same smooth surface as the top. 

As a result, dishes with a glazed foot can rest smoothly on top of each other, extending their lifespan considerably. This feature is particularly useful for restaurants that frequently stack and store large quantities of crockery.

Chip Resistance

Chip resistance refers to the ability of crockery to resist chipping and cracking during normal use. This is particularly important in a restaurant setting where dishes are frequently handled, washed, and stacked. 

Crockery with high chip resistance will have a longer lifespan and maintain its appearance better over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring a consistent dining experience.

Lead-Free Glaze

Lead-free glaze is a type of glaze that does not contain lead, making it safer for food service. Using crockery with a lead-free glaze is important for ensuring the safety of your diners, as it eliminates the risk of lead contamination in food. This type of glaze is also more environmentally friendly and compliant with health regulations.

Microwave-Safe

Microwave-safe crockery is designed to withstand the heat and radiation of microwave ovens without becoming damaged or causing harm. This is a crucial feature for restaurants that use microwaves to heat or reheat food. Microwave-safe crockery ensures that dishes can be safely and conveniently used in microwaves without the risk of cracking or leaching harmful substances.

Crockery Collections

Selecting the right crockery collection is essential, as it reflects the establishment's style and enhances the dining experience. Here are some popular collections available from Restaurant Supply Store:

Steelite Distinction Collection

Steelite's Distinction collection is renowned for its blend of elegance and strength. This high-quality tableware is designed to meet the demands of the hospitality industry, combining stylish aesthetics with robust durability. 

The Distinction collection includes a variety of plates, bowls, and specialty items that are ideal for fine dining establishments. The elegant designs and superior glaze quality enhance food presentation, making dishes look even more appealing. 

With its exceptional durability, the Distinction collection ensures long-lasting performance, even in high-traffic environments.

Steelite Performance Collection

The Steelite Performance collection is crafted for those who require both durability and design excellence. This collection features innovative shapes and textures that add a contemporary touch to any table setting. 

The Performance range is known for its thermal shock resistance and chip-resistant edges, making it perfect for busy restaurants that need reliable and sturdy tableware. The diverse designs in this collection can complement various cuisines and dining styles, providing a versatile and practical option for any establishment.

Check out our Steelite Buying Guide for more information.

Utopia Crockery

Utopia Crockery offers a wide range of stylish and functional tableware solutions. Known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials, Utopia's collection is perfect for modern restaurants looking to create a unique dining experience. The crockery is crafted to be both visually appealing and highly durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of daily use. 

Utopia Crockery includes a variety of plates, bowls, and specialty items that are perfect for contemporary dining environments. The versatile designs can easily complement different restaurant themes, from casual to upscale dining.

Lumina Fine China

Lumina Fine China stands out for its delicate appearance and premium quality. This collection is crafted from fine bone china, known for its strength and translucency. The elegant designs and high-quality finish make Lumina Fine China a popular choice for fine dining restaurants. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly blend with various table settings, enhancing the overall dining experience. 

The durability of bone china ensures that the pieces can withstand frequent use while maintaining their pristine look, making it an excellent investment for any establishment aiming to offer a sophisticated dining experience.

Royal Porcelain Crockery

Royal Porcelain Crockery is synonymous with classic elegance and durability. This collection is made from high-quality porcelain that provides a luxurious feel and a sophisticated look. The timeless designs of Royal Porcelain make it suitable for a wide range of dining settings, from traditional to modern. 

The crockery is highly durable, resistant to chipping and scratching, and can withstand the demands of a busy restaurant environment. The smooth, glossy finish enhances the presentation of food, making dishes look more appetising. Royal Porcelain Crockery is an excellent choice for restaurants that want to combine elegance with functionality.