Whether you're a restaurant owner, event planner, or caterer, identifying what china to purchase can be difficult. Making the right choice can elevate your serving experience and leave a lasting impression on your guests, while the wrong choice can negatively impact your service. China varies in shape, size, and color, presenting a wide range of options. Continue reading to learn about the different types of china, what sets them apart, and the details to take into account before you make a purchase.
Use the following links to skip to china information that most interests you:
When it comes to choosing china, each type features a unique set of characteristics. Understanding what sets each of them apart can help you make the best purchase for your business. We'll investigate the most popular types of china below.
Stoneware can be fully vitrified or semi-vitrified. Because of this, stoneware is resistant to chipping, scratching, and breaking. From classic to trend-forward, it comes in several forms and suits multiple restaurant styles. It falls in the mid-range price category, making it a cost-effective option for many commercial establishments. You can find stoneware dinnerware sets that fit your budget without compromising quality or style.
Earthenware is made from clay and fired at a relatively low temperature, resulting in dinnerware that is glazed to a non-vitreous state. This gives it a distinctive rustic appearance. The glaze used on earthenware enhances its durability and makes it resistant to chipping and cracking. Earthenware can also withstand high heat, making it suitable for oven-to-table service.
China dinnerware is made of malleable clay and is a great choice for establishments looking to add a touch of elegance to their table settings. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, china dinnerware is known for its durability. With a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs available, you can easily find china dinnerware that complements your restaurant's theme and adds a touch of sophistication to your table settings.
Bone china dinnerware is made from bone ash, feldspar, and kaolin clay. It contains at least 25% bone ash, giving it unique strength and translucency. Due to the cost of the materials used and its intricate manufacturing process, bone china is one of the most expensive tableware options on the market. Bone china is vitrified, glazed, and features a thin-walled design, contributing to a delicate and refined appearance.
Like china, porcelain dinnerware is crafted from malleable clay, allowing for the creation of intricate and detailed shapes. The clay is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a vitrified construction that gives porcelain its characteristic smooth and glossy finish. Compared to traditional and bone china, porcelain is a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Its neutral and timeless appeal allows it to seamlessly blend with any decor or theme, making it suitable for both casual and formal dining experiences.
Fine china refers to high-quality dinnerware made from either porcelain or bone china. One of the distinguishing features of fine china is its lightweight nature. Fine china pieces are delicate and easy to handle, making them perfect for formal occasions where elegance and refinement are key. They are made with high-quality materials and vitrified, making them resistant to chipping and cracking.
The terms china and porcelain are used interchangeably when referring to ceramic dinnerware. While they are both made from the same materials, some subtle differences set them apart. We'll investigate each of them below:
One of the main differences between traditional china and bone china is their composition. Traditional china is made from malleable clay, which is then fired at high temperatures to create a durable and chip-resistant material. Conversely, bone china is made of clay that contains at least 25% bone ash, giving it a unique and delicate appearance.
Traditional china tends to be less expensive, while bone china comes with a higher price tag. The addition of bone ash gives bone china a translucent quality and a beautiful, almost porcelain-like appearance, making it an excellent choice for upscale restaurants.
Vitrification is the process of changing something into glass or a glass-like substance. This process is used in ceramics, where it plays a crucial role in enhancing the durability and functionality of china. During the vitrification process, clay is fired at high temperatures, causing the components within the clay to melt and fuse. As a result, the clay becomes impervious to water, making it highly resistant to cracks, chips, and other forms of damage. The reduced porosity of vitrified ceramics significantly reduces the risk of bacteria or mold growth, allowing you to prioritize food safety and hygiene.
It's important to note that china can be fully vitrified or semi-vitrified. Continue reading to learn about each type:
No matter what type of china you buy, it should always be handled and stored with care. Proper china storage is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your tableware. We'll explore the best practices for storing china below:
Most types of china available today are dishwasher safe. When using a dishwasher, select a gentle setting to prevent damage. The delicate nature of china can make it susceptible to chipping or cracking if exposed to harsh dishwasher cycles. Avoid using high-heat drying options for the best results.
It's important to note that certain delicate or vintage types of china require special care and should be washed by hand. Delicate china, in particular, may have intricate patterns, gold or silver accents, or fragile handles that can be damaged in a dishwasher. To hand-wash china, follow these steps:
Fill a sink or water basin with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid.
Place the china in soapy water and use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the surface. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or brushes, as this can damage the china.
Rinse the china thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
Dry the china using a soft, lint-free cloth.
When it comes to buying china in bulk, it's difficult to identify how much you'll actually need. Keep your restaurant concept and the types of food on your menu in mind as you calculate how much to buy. We've compiled a chart below to help with this calculation.
To calculate how much of any type of china you'll need, use the following equation:
Amount of china = number of seats x the number that corresponds with your restaurant conceptItem | Usage | Fine Dining | Casual Dining | Cafeteria | Banquet | Institutional |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5" - 6" Plates | Serving small salads or bread and butter | 2 | -- | 6 | 1 1/4 | 3 |
6 1/4" - 6 3/4" Plates | Serving small salads, desserts, or bread and butter | 1 1/2 | 3 | 3 | -- | 3 |
7" - 7 7/8" Plates | Serving salads, sandwiches, and desserts | 1 1/2 | 2 | -- | 2 1/2 | -- |
8" - 9" Plates | Serving lunch entrees and salads | 1 1/2 | 2 1/2 | 2 | -- | 2 |
9 1/8" - 9 3/4" Plates | Serving large breakfast and lunch entrees, dinner entrees, and salads | 1 1/2 | 2 1/2 | 2 | 1 1/4 | -- |
10 1/4" - 12 1/8" Plates | Serving large dinner entrees | 2 | 2 1/2 | -- | 1 1/2 | -- |
7" - 7 1/2" Platters | Serving sides and salads | 1 | 1 1/2 | -- | -- | -- |
9" - 9 1/2" Platters | Serving lunch entrees, salads, and specialty seafood dishes | 1 | 1 1/2 | 1/2 | -- | -- |
11" - 13" Platters | Serving large meat and seafood entrees | 1 | 1 | 1/2 | -- | -- |
Mugs | Serving coffees, cappuchinos, lattes, and hot chocolates | -- | 3 | 2 1/2 | -- | 2 1/2 |
Cups | Serving tea and other light, hot beverages | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 |
Saucers | Underliner for serving hot beverages or soups | 2 1/2 | 3 | 2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 |
Bouillon Cups | Serving soups, stews, and desserts | 1 | 2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 |
Fruit / Monkey Dishes | Serving sides and desserts | 2 | 3 | 6 | 2 1/2 | 3 |
Grapefruit Bowls | Serving soups, cereals, and desserts | 1 | 1 | 1 1/2 | -- | 1 1/2 |
Oatmeal Bowls | Serving soups and cereals | -- | 1 | 1 | -- | 1 |
Rim Soup Bowls | Serving soups, salads, and pastas | 1/2 | 1/2 | -- | -- | -- |
Pitchers / Creamers | Serving milk or cream | 1/3 | 1/3 | -- | 1/3 | -- |
Sugar Bowls | Serving crackers or sugar | 1/3 | 1/3 | -- | 1/3 | -- |
Sauceboats | Serving sauces, gravies, and dressings | 1/3 | -- | -- | 1/2 | -- |
The type of china you choose should best fit your needs and the requirements of your business. In addition to cost, style, and functionality, keep the following purchasing considerations in mind as you shop:
Consider the following front-of-house factors when purchasing china for your restaurant:
Remember the back-of-house factors listed below as you shop for china:
Related Resources
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Types of Plates
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