Chinaware Buying Guide

The Importance of China Selection

		Front of the House China assists in defining a restaurant’s personality; it sets the mood and can reinforce the theme of the venue Guest expectations have become increasingly high and, next to the food itself, table settings determine how a customer will evaluate the operation It’s the chef’s canvas for culinary presentation, and attention to plating detail can make a big competitive difference
		Back of the House Sanitation: A 100% vitrified product is essential to prevent crazing and cracking which can accumulate bacteria. Food safety matters! Durability/Ovenability: A durable product is important to withstand the rigors of commercial foodservice use Storage and Stacking: Space is always an issue in most kitchens

Type of Operation

Are you a casual, high-volume establishment, or an upscale, fine-dining restaurant that seats 30? Your dinnerware needs will differ based on how many your restaurant seats and what type of dining environment you offer. Refer to our China Requirements Guide and Table Settings Guide for guidelines on seating and table settings.

Type of Dinnerware

The majority of what The WEBstaurant Store carries is ceramic or porcelain china.

Shape, Size and Color

The color, size of the rim or the type of edge of a dinnerware pattern can completely change the way your food is presented to your guests.

Note: It is always best to get a sample before placing china orders. Colors may vary depending on manufacturer. Check out our China Color Chart for a more in-depth look at the colors and shades available to you from The WEBstaurant Store’s collection of china dinnerware.

Cost & Availability

Dinnerware is not a fixed cost. With constant use and commercial washing, dinnerware will eventually need to be replaced.

You can keep the initial and future costs of buying dinnerware low if the company you purchase from stocks the items you’re looking for. We stock all of our Choice brand china, and some of our other top-selling brands. If a company says they will stock a new pattern just for you, customers often pay a premium for that service. Buying a stock pattern from The WEBstaurant Store allows you to take advantage of our purchasing volume and stay in full control of your dinnerware costs.

The WEBstaurant Store ships most orders within one day and currently reaches 75% of the United States within two business days. You can save extra on shipping costs by putting through larger case orders. Because The WEBstaurant Store specializes in getting large orders to businesses as quickly as possible, the more your business orders, the better your shipping cost will be per case. Check out our Time and Money Saving Shopping Tips for more information!

Durability

How can you tell if the dinnerware you’re about to purchase is durable enough for your needs? Ask questions: there is no industry standard on durability. Every manufacturer is different and the guarantees on dinnerware vary widely.

Does your dinnerware pattern come with a chip warranty?

• CAC China has a two-year chip warranty
• Choice China has a two-year chip warranty
• Homer Laughlin has a five-year chip warranty
• Tuxton has a two-year chip warranty

Is there a shape guarantee on your dinnerware patterns?

Which is best: high alumina or flint body?

• A high-alumina body will offer the following benefits: impact and thermal shock resistance to ensure the product will stand up to the pressures of the most demanding kitchen environments, maximum chip resistance, superb durability / strength, and maximum heat retention

Is your dinnerware fully vitrified?

• A fully vitrified product is essential to food safety

Does your dinnerware stack rim to rim?

• Rim-to-rim stacking prevents marks on the face of plates

Care, Maintenance and Storage

As the saying goes, “Dishes don’t break…they are broken.” It’s important to take good care of your dinnerware to keep your replacement costs low.

• Never stack plates higher than 12” on a shelf. Use a plate dispenser for easy storage.
• Store by size: plates in stacks, cups in racks
• China should be stored at or below food plating area
• Shelves should be non-magnetic stainless steel
• Use a plastic or rubber scraper, or our line of white scrub pads to remove food
• Do not store wet dishes

Check out our Tips for Handling Glassware, China and Flatware and Warewashing & Dishwashing Information for the best ways to care for your china dinnerware. Please remember to always follow the manufacturer’s care, maintenance and storage instructions for best results.